Malcom or Wilfried Zaha – Which player will be a better fit for Tottenham next season?
Tottenham might be on the verge of a major squad overhaul in the upcoming summer transfer window, with players like Toby Alderweireld, Harry Kane and Dele Alli being on the end of some serious speculation regarding their future. Therefore, head coach Mauricio Pochettino will be looking to strengthen his team’s depth next season, especially in the attacking department.
Despite the signing of former PSG starlet Lucas Moura, the Lilywhites are in dire need of an explosive winger due to the frequent injury issues of Erik Lamela.
Hence, it comes as no surprise as to why the club has been linked with a move for Bordeaux’s Malcom as per a report from The Telegraph. In addition to that, Daily Mail have also credited them with an interest in wantaway Crystal Palace starlet Wilfried Zaha. In this article, we will lay a discussion as to which player is better fitted to Tottenham’s style of play, as the club vies for their signatures this summer.
Malcom
One of the rising stars in the Ligue 1 this season, Malcom has already attracted a host of top European clubs, with his blistering performances this campaign.
The Bordeaux starlet has been absolutely stunning, to say the least, scoring eight goals as well as providing six assists in the French top flight this season. There are many facets to his game which has helped the Brazilian emerge as a top-talent in one of Europe’s biggest leagues. His biggest strength lies in his ability to effortlessly drift past opposing defenders in one-on-one situations.
But unlike, Wilfried Zaha, Malcom is much more perplexing when it comes to his style of play. For a prolific winger, the 21-year-old boasts tremendous ball-playing abilities, often finding a teammate even in the tightest of spaces. In hindsight, he is also regarded as a decent crosser of the ball, a trait which is very likely to help him prevail in English football.
However, his decision-making is one thing which often holds him back from being the ultimate package in the final third. Malcom’s bad shot-discipline rate can be worrying yet it is very understandable considering the fact that Bordeaux are definitely not a team known for presenting options to a player in possession.
Wilfried Zaha
Wilfried Zaha is a more direct attacking outlet, who epitomizes the general characteristics of your typical modern-day Premier League winger.
Boasting of a sheer amount of pace coupled with the ability to get to the byline and provide a dangerous ball in, Zaha is tailor-made for the Premier League. The former Manchester United attacker has been the only bright spot in an otherwise lacklustre season for Crystal Palace this campaign.
Although his tally of four goals and three assists in 21 Premier League appearances might seem just about average, the 25-year-old has definitely had a greater impact at Palace, thanks to his impressive attacking work-ethic.
Zaha has the muscularity needed to thrive in modern-day Premier League football while his tremendous tenacity makes him one of most sought-after attackers in English football.
Verdict
Although this may have been a tough decision, we just have to hand it to Malcom, who is definitely a better choice as compared to his Crystal Palace counterpart. While Wilfried Zaha’s direct and energetic style of play is perfectly suited to Crystal Palace’s one-dimensional style of play under Roy Hodgson, the Ivorian international may struggle to prosper in Pochettino’s tactical philosophy.
Despite his relative lack of experience, Malcom is a classic winger, who can not only provide more options to Pochettino in the attacking department but will also help them challenge for the title next season.
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