One other Premier League season is now at an in depth, with consideration at Tottenham Hotspur little question shifting towards what may properly be one other hectic summer time of recruitment.
Whereas former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has left his submit at rivals Chelsea following a combined debut season at Stamford Bridge, the hope will likely be that for Ange Postecoglou, that is merely the start reasonably than the top of what may very well be a fruitful partnership.
Having guided the membership to fifth in his first full season in cost, the ex-Celtic man will likely be in search of extra reinforcements forward of subsequent time period, with rumours already rife concerning simply who will likely be heading all the way down to N17 over the approaching months…
Spurs’ seek for a midfielder
In line with a report from TEAMtalk, the Lilywhites are seemingly making ready to lodge a bid to poach Blues skipper Conor Gallagher from their west London rivals, with the Englishman closely linked with a departure from his present aspect, with only a yr left to run on his present deal.
As per the piece, nonetheless, the 24-year-old is probably not the one English-based midfield expertise that Tottenham have their eye on, with Postecoglou and co additionally believed to be among the many golf equipment vying to signal Stoke Metropolis star, Wouter Burger.
The suggestion is that the Dutchman – who joined the Potters on a £4.3m deal from Basel final yr – may very well be out there for a charge of round £12m, making him a dream discount addition for any top-flight outfit.
Why Spurs ought to transfer for Wouter Burger
Hailed as a “chief” by Stoke boss Steven Schumacher, the 23-year-old loved a promising first season in English soccer following his arrival final summer time, scoring three objectives and offering 4 assists in 39 Championship outings.
Tipped to “actually be a Premier League participant” within the close to future by Stoke podcaster Ben Rowley, the previous Netherlands U21 worldwide has obtained notable backing in latest instances, with expertise scout Jacek Kulig even making the comparability between himself and a sure Mousa Dembele prior to now.
That likeness to the previous Spurs star – whom Pochettino lauded as a “genius” throughout his time on the helm in north London – will be seen by the truth that not solely are they predominantly left-footed, however additionally they boast a towering and imposing body, Dembele standing at 6 foot 1 whereas Burger is a powerful 6 foot 3.
The pair additionally seemingly maintain a similarity of their enjoying type, as a consequence of their capability to mix a tough-tackling, highly effective method, with an class and tranquility in possession.
|
Mousa Dembele v Wouter Burger – League stats |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Stat |
||
|
Video games |
30 |
39 |
|
Objectives |
1 |
3 |
|
Assists |
1 |
4 |
|
Huge possibilities created |
0 |
7 |
|
Key passes per recreation |
0.8 |
0.9 |
|
Cross accuracy |
92% |
77% |
|
Tackles per recreation |
2.1 |
2.9 |
|
Whole duels gained |
55% |
55% |
|
Stats through Sofascore |
||
That may notably be seen above, with Dembele’s heroics within the 2016/17 season – by which Spurs completed second within the league – seeing him common 2.1 tackles per recreation and common 0.8 key passes per recreation, whereas Burger is simply forward in 23/24 with 2.6 and 0.9 for those self same two metrics, respectively.
If the one-time Feyenoord gem can get wherever near emulating the influence of the gifted Belgian in north London then Postecoglou can be in for a deal with, with there maybe a need to fit Burger in alongside the extra attack-minded Gallagher.
The latter man may supply that extra “box-to-box” presence – as has been famous by author Zach Lowy – with the soundness of Burger behind him, the previous Crystal Palace loanee capable of influence proceedings within the last third having registered 16 objectives and assists this season in all competitions.
Burger’s inventive prowess may additionally assist to pick Gallagher in key attacking positions, evidenced by the in-demand expertise’s seven ‘large possibilities’ created within the second tier in 2023/24.
In fact, Spurs supporters could also be hoping to accumulate extra high-profile targets this summer time forward of their return to European competitors, but the prospect of touchdown the ‘subsequent Dembele’ to accomplice Gallagher may show too good to disregard.
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