Tottenham Must Think Twice Before Considering A Move For Suso
According to reports, Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur are pondering over a summer move for AC Milan attacking midfielder Suso. The Spaniard has been identified as an alternative, if the North Londoners fail to sign their primary big-name targets Isco (Real Madrid), Ross Barkley (Everton) and Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace).
The 23-year old has played in England before, having been a part of Liverpool for five years. However, during his time in the Merseyside, Suso made just 18 first-team appearances, before being shipped off to Italy in January 2015.
After an unfruitful spell in England, Suso seems to have found his mojo back in Italy and has caught the eyes with his performances for the Rossoneri this season. The Spanish youth international has netted six goals and chalked up nine assists against his name from 30 appearances this season, across all competitions for Milan and has become an integral part of Vincenzo Montella’s side, playing all but two games in the Serie A.
Someone who thrives playing on the right-flank, Suso can also operate through the middle or out wide on the left-side and will bring some versatility with him. It is no secret that Tottenham have been chasing a wide player for quite a some time now. However, the former Liverpool man isn’t the ideal target for the North Londoners and here are three reasons why:
Failure With Liverpool
The 23-year old spent five years at Liverpool, but could never manage to get a look into the first-team at Anfield.
While he may have impressed in the Reds youth team, the signings of Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho sent him way down the pecking order at Anfield. As a result, he joined Almeria on loan in the 2013-14 season, where he managed just three goals from 35 appearances. Upon his return, he could not break into the first-team for Liverpool and eventually joined Milan. During his time with Liverpool, Suso just played 18 times in the first-team and managed to score just one goal.
Tottenham are a team that are challenging the title now and will be involved in Europe regularly. A player like Suso who has struggled in England before will not add be able to add much to the squad.
Not The Right Profile
Tottenham have been chasing a winger and having failed with bids for Wilfried Zaha, they have intensified their search for a wide player.
However, Suso isn’t what Tottenham would want in their ranks. The player, while featuring on the wings, doesn’t provide the width down the flanks, but instead prefers to cut in from the wide areas. Spurs have players of a similar profile in their ranks with Heung-Min Son and Christian Eriksen perfectly able to play narrow.
Spurs need to add an alternate dimension to their attack – someone who can stretch opposition defences by hugging the touchline and send in crosses. Clearly, Suso doesn’t fit the profile.
Better Options Available
Spurs have identified Wilfried Zaha as their main target and Suso will be considered only if they fail with another approach for the Crystal Palace man.
However, Tottenham can look at much better options than Suso. Southampton’s Nathan Redmond has been earning rave reviews for his performances for the Saints. There is also the enterprising Demarai Gray of Leicester City who has been linked with Spurs in the past. West Ham United’s Michail Antonio is another name that can be considered.
All these players will come with plenty of first team experience and know-how in England. Going in for someone who struggled in English football, with plenty of options available at home wouldn’t be the best way forward for Tottenham.