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Why Hakan Calhanoglu Is A Perfect Fit For Tottenham?

Three games into the new Premier league season and the Tottenham are already looking a shadow of the team that finished third in the table last season. Two draws and one narrow victory from these matches is not the way to start a league campaign when the objective is to finish in the Champions League places and potentially challenge for the title once again. Yet, Spurs have been struggling to create chances while also their defending has been less than stellar. Admittedly, they had two tough challenges in the form of Everton and Liverpool, but a return of three goals in three league games is a matter of concern for the manager.

Hakan Calhanoglu
Hakan Calhanoglu

Mauricio Pochettino has been keen to add creative players before the end of the deadline and Bayern Leverkusen midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has emerged as a surprise transfer target. The club values him at around £21.5 million but they could be prepared to let him go for lesser since he is not expected to be a first choice this season. The 22-year-old scored eight and created 10 in 46 appearances last season. These are impressive statistics for a playmaker, but he does not seem to fit in the 4-4-2 formation under manager Roger Schmidt this season.

Interestingly, Calhanoglu does not seem to be a one season wonder. His statistics from the 2014-15 campaign are even better. He has roughly contributed a goal directly or indirectly in every other game for Leverkusen. Spurs already have players like Christian Eriksen who can create stuff, but Calhanoglu can bring something new to the party. A set piece specialist, Calhanoglu will add to the existing lineup of the free kick specialists like Eric Lamela and Eriksen.

An injury to striker Javier Hernandez, though, may alter the situation, but Leverkusen could be persuaded to sell since the striker’s new injury is set to keep him out of action for only a couple of weeks.

One of the few issues with Calhanoglu maybe that he is not versatile enough. He is an attacking midfielder but with the ability to play on the left side when called upon. However, he may not be ready to do the left-sided role too often and this puts the position of either Christian Eriksen or Dele Ali under threat. Even then, players like Vincent Janssen and Harry Kane will thrive on his crosses and set-piece deliveries. The added competition will also keep players like Lamela on their toes.

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