An intriguing Tottenham Hotspur claim has emerged on the club’s plans for the remainder of the summer transfer window.
What’s the talk?
Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has predicted that Spurs may look to bring in two more players in the coming weeks.
Fabio Paratici has been busy throughout the window so far, bringing in the likes of Yves Bissouma, Ivan Perisic, and Richarlison, among others.
He told GIVEMESPORT:
“I’ve said for the last couple of weeks, I think they’ll look for an attack-minded midfielder and, potentially, another central defender.”
Antonio Conte could love it
The Italian head coach could love it if this prediction became reality and Paratici brings in a quality attacking midfielder and a centre-back.
He may be keen for the former, particularly, as he does not have a wealth of goals and assists flooding in from his options in the middle of the park.
In the Premier League last term, no Tottenham player in that position averaged more than 0.9 key passes per game or produced more than two goals or four assists.
This suggests that creativity is not a big strength for any of the players currently at Conte’s disposal in that position, although they are not relied upon to provide it in the 3-4-3 system as they have wing-backs and the three forwards to link up attacks.
By signing a player who can unlock doors from that area of the pitch, the Italian head coach has the freedom to alter the system and the way his team plays depending on the opposition at hand.
For example, if he decides that he wants to go with a back four in a match then bringing in a number 10 or a number eight with attacking qualities could allow him to do so effectively.
Leicester gem James Maddison is a midfielder who has been linked with a move to the club this summer and he is a player who can provide a spark at the top end of the pitch.
In the Premier League last season, the Englishman scored 12 goals and set up eight. He created 11 ‘big chances’ and averaged 1.4 key passes per match, after averaging 1.7 per game in the 2020/21 campaign for the Foxes.
This proves that he has the quality to be a difference-maker in the final third in the top-flight, as he can find the back of the net on his own whilst also creating chances for his teammates on a regular basis.
Therefore, he could provide something different to Conte’s midfield options and that is why the Italian could love for Bridge’s prediction to come true, as Maddison – or another player of that ilk – coming in would be a boost to the squad.
