Why signing Ricardo Pereira would be a major boost for Tottenham
Former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy has suggested that signing Leicester City full-back Ricardo Pereira would be an improvement for North London outfits Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal (h/t Daily Express).
Since making his move from FC Porto in 2018, the Portuguese right-back has carved a niche for himself in the Leicester squad after a string of consistent displays.
Despite being a defender, Pereira already has two league goals to his name this season.
He is a solid threat in front of the goal and that was evident in the game against Tottenham, where he shot in a ball from close-range to level the scores for the Foxes.
Last year’s Champions League runners-up Tottenham, on the other hand, are having a disastrous spell.
They are reeking in the bottom half of the table, just four places adrift of the relegation zone.
As for Arsenal and manager Unai Emery, things haven’t been smooth either. Unlike Tottenham, however, all is not lost for Arsenal, who are sixth in the table behind newcomers Sheffield United.
Though the Gunners’ chances of securing a Champions League berth still hangs in the balance, it is not unachievable with half the season ahead.
But for Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, his future looks very uncertain after failing to win any of his last five league matches.
A list of reasons could be laid down for their poor displays but one of the primary reasons has to be their underperforming players. Also, Tottenham have lacked creativity in their attack so far.
With 19 assists over a period of three years, Kieran Trippier was one of the major contributors to Tottenham’s successful run.
His curling crosses and creative link-up play in the final third were a huge threat for the opposition defence to withhold.
Trippier’s dangerous deliveries into the box were met with equal intent by star striker Harry Kane, which made Spurs a force to reckon with in the Premier League.
Now with Trippier gone, and creative playmaker Christian Eriksen looking out of sorts in a midfield that lacks cohesion, Tottenham’s slump in form is quite apparent.
Meanwhile, Serge Aurier, who came in from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, has been a total washout with his inconsistent displays.
After three seasons, the full-back has just eight assists to his credit, summing up his poor performances.
Ricardo Pereira, on the other hand, has been an instant hit since arriving last year.
The defender has been exceptional for the Foxes, not just as a goal threat but also by creating chances up front. His six assists from last season bear witness to the aforesaid.
Verdict
Pochettino is merely left to regret not signing Pereira when he had an option to buy the full-back after Kyle Walker left for Manchester City in 2017 (h/t Evening Standard). Instead, they went for Aurier.
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And he must learn from his mistakes and revive his interest in Pereira. In Pereira, Spurs would find the solution to their sea of problems. Hence, they should sign the Portuguese star, whose presence would truly be a boost.