Why Tottenham should stay away from Celta Vigo’s Brais Mendez

According to a report from 90min (h/t The Express), Tottenham have drawn up a four-man list to replace Christian Eriksen in January. The primary option is Ajax’s Hakim Ziyech, with Bruno Fernandes of Sporting Lisbon, AS Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini and Brais Mendez of Celta Vigo being the other options (h/t The Express).

Christian Eriksen, 27, will be out of contract next summer. To replace the Dane, who, as per the report could leave in January, four attacking midfielders from across Europe are on Spurs’ wishlist, including Brais Mendez.

Last year, Brais Mendez, 22, announced himself as Spain’s next rising star. He enjoyed a fantastic 2018/19 season with Celta Vigo, scoring six goals and assisting a further seven in 31 La Liga games.

Those performances rewarded the 22-year-old with his first-ever cap for the Spanish national team during the November international break. And Mendez marked his arrival in the international stage in style, scoring the winner against Bosnia and Herzegovina. But 12 months on, he has failed to add to his one and only international cap.

In fact, 13 games into the new La Liga season, the Spaniard has neither assisted nor scored for Celta, who find themselves at the wrong end of the table. Only seven appearances have been starts, and despite a single assist or goal, should Tottenham go for Mendez in January?

Tottenham have endured a disappointing start to the season and head into the November international break placed 14th place in the table. Mauricio Pochettino’s side are already 11 points adrift of the top four and just six above the relegation zone after 12 matches.

The north Londoners have been far from their best in every department and January reinforcements could be key to helping them achieve a top-four finish.

Replacing Eriksen has to be one of Pochettino’s topmost priorities as Spurs have looked toothless most often than not this season.

They have lacked energy and penetration in the attacking third in home matches against Newcastle United, Watford and Southampton and most recently against Sheffield United.

That’s why a creative midfielder is desperately needed in January but that player shouldn’t be Brais Mendez.

The 22-year-old versatile attacker has endured a difficult start to the season with his side struggling in La Liga. In reality, the one-time capped Spain international has done little in the last 12 months to earn a move.

Verdict

Spurs are right in keeping Ziyech at the top of their wishlist to replace Eriksen; however, should Ajax stand firm in January, they must not pursue Mendez’s signature as an alternative.