A Perfect Backup For Kane And Alli – Why Tottenham Need To Move For Joshua King
Tottenham Hotspur have intensified their pursuit of Bournemouth attacker Joshua King, according to latest reports from The Telegraph.
The 25-year old was one of the most impressive forwards in the Premier League last season and was the main reason behind the Cherries’ 10th-place finish in the league standings. This has led to strong attention from several quarters, including Everton – according to the Mirror. But Spurs want to get the Norwegian attacker ahead of their rivals.
The North Londoners haven’t had the most blistering of starts to the summer, much unlike their top four rivals, most of whom have gotten at least one transfer done already. While Kieran Trippier did sign a new contract extension, more is expected from Mauricio Pochettino and Tottenham coming into this window.
Having been one of the best teams in the past two years in the Premier League, it is high time Tottenham step it up a notch and get some trophies their way, if they are to keep ahold of their best players in the coming years. And for them to challenge on all four fronts next season, the squad needs to be strengthened prominently.
There are hardly any issues with their first-choice playing XI, but it is the bench strength that was found wanting on quite a few occasions last time around. One area where they need a major upgrade is a new strike partner for Harry Kane. Having brought in Vincent Janssen last time, who turned out to be a dud, Pochettino needs to reinforce his options at the top and Josh King would suit the team very well.
The 25-year old is coming on the back of an excellent season, having scored 16 goals in the Premier League from 36 games and having set up 2 more for his teammates. A proven performer in the English top-flight, Tottenham will not have to face the adaptability issues that they had to endure with Janssen last time around.
King is quick, he has the power and the physicality to make himself a nuisance to the defenders, and combined with his dribbling abilities and a keen eye for goal, he will be hard to stop, especially with the plethora of creative talent behind him – Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen, Heung-Min Son etc.
There is the question of him being not satisfied with being the No.2 for Harry Kane, but with the number of games Tottenham will be playing over the course of the season, he is bound to get enough chances to make a mark in the team, and judging by his form last season, he will make it very hard for Poch to keep him out. King will be the ideal cover to have for when Kane is not available, considering his goal-scoring record last season.
And what more? His ability to play behind the striker, in a sort of a No.10 role will also be extremely beneficial for Tottenham as they will be getting quality backup in two areas in just one player. In many ways, King can perform in a role, similar to what Alli does for Tottenham. He can drive forward with the ball, make darting runs in behind the defence and score goals in plenty from playing behind the leading man.
Effectively, by signing King, Tottenham will be covering two important areas of the pitch – the centre-forward and the attacking midfield positions, in just one player, who has proven himself at this level. The 25-year old can be a backup to both Kane and Alli, or Pochettino can even think of partnering him up with Kane at the top as well. At £30 million, that does seem to be quite a bargain for the North Londoners.
What are you waiting for Mr. Levy?