Having made a solid unbeaten start to the season, Tottenham have failed to continue in the same manner. They have lost games in recent weeks and don’t look like the team that mounted a serious title challenge towards the end of last season. There are several factors that have played a role in their failures this season.
Spurs failed to excel in the Champions League this season and needed a win in their last group stage game against CSKA Moscow to qualify for the Europa League. Last weekend, they were defeated 1-0 by Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The lack of depth in Spurs’ squad is clearly a reason for Mauricio Pochettino to get worried. They should’ve signed high-quality players in the summer in order to get another excellent season out of their players, but Spurs failed in doing so. The first-teamers in the Spurs squad clearly have a lot of quality, but it is the back up from their bench that lacks experience and effectiveness.
Here is a look at some players that Pochettino could bring in to ease his side’s woes –
Javier Hernandez
The Mexican excited many fans during his previous stay in England, which was famously with Manchester United. He became renowned as a goal-getter and a poacher of the highest quality. Somehow, towards the latter years of his Old Trafford career, he wasn’t utilised much and was sold to Bayer Leverkusen, where he has become a star player.
With Harry Kane being the only reliable striker in Spurs’ squad and Vincent Janssen not doing enough to impress so far, the addition of Javier Hernandez would be quite a welcome one. Hernandez is always a hard-worker and is a team-man, all qualities that will fit into Pochettino’s style of play quite easily. At 28, it might be the perfect time to move back to England, where he was quite a hit in his Manchester United days. Spurs have found goal-scoring to be a problem in recent times and the addition of Hernandez would considerably solve their problems.
Ben Gibson
The young Middlesbrough defender has impressed many since getting promoted this summer with his club. Everyone at the Championship level clearly knew of his talents, but it is upon getting promoted to the Premier League that the Englishman has become a household name among the followers of the game. There is always some extra hype around young English players who have impressed extensively.
Gibson has been touted for an England call-up soon, but his manager at club level Aitor Karanka has warned against dreaming of a call-up as it could affect his form. He has instead been advised to keep his feet on the ground and continue putting in the performances he has become renowned for this season. Spurs would benefit hugely from signing him as their defence looked shambolic in the absence of Belgian Toby Alderweireld. Kevin Wimmer doesn’t have enough quality and could be on the move in January. Ben Gibson would represent a significant upgrade on the Austrian and being English would certainly help him fit in at Tottenham, which houses several young English stars.
Sandro Ramirez
The Malaga man has been linked with Spurs in the past 2-3 transfer windows, but a move has never materialised. During his time with Barcelona, Sandro was used sparingly and this eventually lead to his free departure from the club. Spurs tried to bring him in when he was at the Catalan club but the presence of a release clause always hindered their intentions and put an end to their interest in him.
Following his move to Malaga, Sandro has become more consistent and has scored goals this season. Being the main man is certainly helping him and he could come on the radar of Spurs again, as they are on the look-out for attacking additions. Sandro’s versatility and ability to slot in along the front line or even in a reserve role behind the main striker could mean that Spurs would have an excellent player on their hands. They must act quickly to sign him as there are bound to be several other suitors for the former Barcelona man.