Why This £17m Transfer By Tottenham Is A Shrewd Piece Of Business

Tottenham fans were left heartbroken last season as  their team’s end of season slumped not only ended their title dream but also saw them finish below their arch rivals Arsenal. Nevertheless it was a highly encouraging season for Mauricio Pochettino, his team were a big threat to everyone, they played with energy and passion. However he must be wary of the fact that he doesn’t bring in reinforcements this summer, then next could again end with disappointments. After a brief dull period, Tottenham have started waving their hand in the transfer market. Victor Wanyama became their first signing of the summer after he completed his move from Southampton.

However, only this week Tottenham ended their long search for a striker after they signed Vincent Janssen from AZ Alkmaar. It’s difficult to find a player who will be willing to spend most of the time sitting on the bench. Vincent Janssen is a quality player, who will be perfect to cover for Harry Kane. Janssen will be also aware of the fact that he will definitely get his chance, after Kane’s disastrous performance at the Euros. Kane started all 38 of Spurs’ Premier League games last year, raising questions that he may have burned out ahead of a disappointing Euro 2016 campaign for England.

Janssen took Dutch Football by storm last season with 27 goals in 34 league appearances, and also three goals in his first five games for the national side. There will definitely be doubts regarding his ability to adapt to the pace and physicality of the English Premier League but the fact that he would start of from the bench should give him ample time to acclimatize himself with the English game.

Janssen seems to have all the attributes to become a top striker in movement, pace and strength. He also looks like a natural finisher. It is likely to be tougher for the striker to score goals against superior opposition in the Premier League, but he seems like a confident youngster, which should stand him in good stead in the English top-flight.

The Dutch forward is mentally strong and has taken his opportunities well everytime he got a chance. He was signed as a back-up forward for AZ at the beginning of the season, but the departure of Aron Jóhannsson thrust him into the starting eleven. He initially struggled and didn’t score for several weeks. His confidence remained though and his self-belief carried him through a rough period as he adjusted to the Dutch top flight. That will be key again as he moves to England.

This is a very shrewd buy for Spurs, as he perfectly fits the criteria that Pochettino will have wanted for a second choice striker. He is young, fits in well to his tactical plan and he won’t complain about being used mainly as a rotational option. However he is a very talented player, therefore he will work hard to break into the first team, Something the manager will not complain against.