Tottenham replacing Eriksen with this 23-year-old Serie A ace would be an absolute coup

Why Lorenzo Pellegrini would be a smart signing for Tottenham

According to Football Italia (h/t the Sun), Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing AS Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini as a replacement for Christian Eriksen.

Earlier, it was reported that the Danish midfielder wanted to face new challenges and that moving away from White Hart Lane would be a step up in his illustrious career.

Therefore, with his contract coming to an end in the summer, Tottenham’s interest in Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini seems quite understandable.

The 23-year-old came through the ranks of Roma’s youth system. After spending two years with Sassuolo, he returned to Roma in 2017 and since then, he been a mainstay at the club.

Tottenham have two established attacking midfielders in Eriksen and Dele Alli. While Eriksen is set to leave Spurs at the end of the season, Alli’s injury woes are well-documented and he is yet to make an impact this season.

Pochettino, whose side has seen a downfall over the past few months, must go all out for the young Italian to fill Eriksen’s void. Pellegrini has played 6 games for Roma so far this season.

In September, he fractured his metatarsal and is believed to be out on the sidelines until December. But this must not come as a hindrance for the Tottenham boss.

Pellegrini has been consistent for Roma over the past two seasons. His versatility enables him to slot in either as an attacking midfielder or as a central midfielder – and that has certainly helped the Serie A outfit. Thus, signing him would add balance to Spurs’ squad.

The Italian is capable of playing anywhere in the centre of the pitch. According to whoscored, he has averaged 1.8 shots per game with an 82.2% passing accuracy in the Serie A this season. Pellegrini can also contribute defensively, averaging 1.2 interceptions per game.

Though the Italian league may not be so prominent, the youngster has enough experience to grow as a complete player.

Coming into the Premier League may not be an easy task but the Italian can steadily move to the top by making himself available whenever Pochettino sees the need to rotate his players.

Read more

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• Why Tottenham should go all out to sign Mariano Diaz in January
• Why Spurs over Arsenal would be ideal for Alex Grimaldo

Verdict

Pochettino must aim to bring the Roma man to his side and add depth to the squad. Alongside the other midfielders, Pellegrini’s inclusion would help revive their hopes of finishing in the top four.