It is no secret that Tottenham have struggled for goals so far this season, so it will come as little surprise to hear they have an ongoing interest in German playmaker Max Meyer.
Meyer sprung to prominence in the 2013/14 season aged just 18, and had a truly remarkable breakthrough year for Schalke. The German club have one of the best youth systems in the world, as shown by the conveyor belt of talent it has produced in recent years. Names such as Neuer, Ozil and Draxler started life at Schalke. The Academy was responsible for developing four of the recent World Cup winners, including Benedikt Howedes who currently captains the club.
However, such is the nature of the football world, they have struggled to keep hold of their stars, and with a host of clubs following Meyer’s every move, it is looking likely that he will be the next one out of the door.
An attacking midfielder, diminutive in size, he has the ability to twist, turn and manipulate the ball in a way that not many can. It is claimed that this is because when he was growing up, he mainly played Futsal, which explains his excellent close control and dribbling ability.
Meyer isn’t just for show though. He has great movement, and an excellent eye for a pass, able to find space and play a killer ball with ease. And he is not shy of the goal either. He has scored 19 goals in his first 125 appearances for Schalke. A figure that may not be overly impressive, but becomes more so when you consider he is just 21 and has only played 3 seasons of top flight football.
So it is no wonder that Tottenham Hotspur are interested in the player. Manager Mauricio Pochettino favours young players that he can develop. He thrives on giving youngsters the tools and the confidence to take their game to the next level.
But not only that, Meyer offers the Tottenham team something they do not currently have. The ability to commit players and dribble into space and open a stubborn defence. The kind of unpredictable jinking movement offered by the likes of Coutinho and Hazard for the current top two clubs.
Sure, Eriksen is a good player, and seen as a creative talent. But far too often his play is one dimensional. He lacks the ability to beat a player, and thrives when he has space. Same with Lamela. He works hard, and has the occasional trick, but doesn’t go past players with any regularity.
It is pretty evident, that Tottenham really struggle when teams put men behind the ball and lock the door. They cannot find a solution against stubborn defences in the same way that Arsenal, Liverpool or City can.
Meyer recently stated that he was happy in the Bundesliga and dismissed talk that he would be leaving in the January window. But Tottenham really need to change the mind of both him and his club on this one.
“I know that interest was there and the club was asked. But Schalke immediately put a stop to it. So the matter was settled. Of course, I considered the request. But I also know what I have at Schalke, and I like to play for this club.
“Everyone waits for a development like this. When the time comes, we will come to a decision. But I feel good about Schalke.”
Not only does Meyer hold the key that could see them have numerous more points at the end of the campaign and give them the locksmith that they desperately need.
But if they wait much longer, they risk being out muscled in the transfer market by clubs with far more money and prestige. Currently, Meyer to Tottenham is an ambitious, but realistic move. But if he continues to play in the same way, they may find that Europe’s elite jump ahead of them in the queue.