Tottenham opinion: Gomes vs Grillitsch – who should Spurs sign?

Tottenham Hotspur’s title hopes came to a sad end after a string of disappointing performances over the last two months. Mauricio Pochettino’s side need a strong end to the season to cement their position in the top four in order to qualify for the Champions League next season.

Spurs have failed to sign a single player in the last two transfer windows and one can only imagine that they will make it a point to strengthen their squad in the summer. Pochettino will need reinforcements in a number of areas and central midfield is a must.

Spurs have struggled in that area since the departure of Mousa Dembele in January and a replacement for the Belgian is a must in the upcoming transfer window. The North Londoners have been linked with Andre Gomes and Florian Grillitsch.

Gomes has had an impressive campaign since his loan move to Everton from Barcelona in the summer. The Portuguese international is expected to be available in the summer and Spurs seem keen.

Grillitsch has had an incredible campaign with Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga so far and has caught the eye of Tottenham in the past few weeks. The Austrian has been a mainstay in Hoffenheim’s squad this season and if his performances continue, he could be on the radar of a number of big clubs.

Spurs would highly benefit by the addition of either of these midfielders but who has had a better season in terms of numbers? Let’s find out.

Defensive numbers

Gomes has mainly been used in a number 6 role next to Idrissa Gueye but has had a fair share of defensive responsibilities on his shoulders. The former Barca man averages 1.5 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 0.6 clearances per game and has successfully won 1.5 aerial duels per 90 minutes so far this season. (WhoScored)

Grillitsch has featured both as a box-to-box midfielder and in a number 6 role for Hoffenheim this season. The Austrian averages 2.6 tackles, 2.4 interceptions, 1.8 clearances per 90 minutes and has successfully won 1.7 aerial duels per game so far this season.

The 23-year-old’s defensive numbers are highly superior to Gomes’ this campaign and is a clear winner. (WhoScored)

Verdict: Florian Grillitsch

Offensive numbers

Grillitsch is yet to score in the Bundesliga so far this season and has provided just two assists. He averages 1.1 shots at goal, 0.8 key passes per game and is rarely ever dispossessed, averaging just 0.3 times per game so far this season.

The Austrian averages close to 50 passes per game this season, of which 3.2 are long balls with an impressive passing accuracy of over 82%. (WhoScored)

Gomes, on the other hand, has a goal and an assist to his name so far for the Toffees this season. The Portuguese midfielder averages 0.7 shots at goal, 0.2 key passes per game and has been dispossessed 1.9 times per game so far, all inferior to Grillitsch.

Gomes’ passing is very similar to the Austrian’s, averaging close to 45 passes per game with a superior number of long balls and passing accuracy. (WhoScored)

Verdict: Florian Grillitsch

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Conclusion

Both Andre Gomes and Florian Grillitsch have solid numbers this season but the Austrian takes all the plaudits when analysed closely.

However, Gomes is far more experienced in his career so far, which holds a value of its own. Tottenham will have to choose between experience and youth in their choice but statistically, Florian Grillitsch is a perfect fit under Pochettino.