Tottenham Must Be Sensible And Choose Mertens Over Zaha
Tottenham Hotspur are set to be a busy club in the summer transfer window as they have not been able to improve on their efforts from the previous season. Mauricio Pochettino is believed to have been looking to add some attacking quality to his squad and has been linked with some star players recently. But two players who have constantly been on the radar of Spurs are Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha and Napoli’s Dries Mertens. Both players are in terrific form this season in two completely different leagues. So the question is, who should Pochettino go for?
Obviously, Mertens’ return of 25 goals and 12 assists in all competitions this season is right up there with the best in Europe making him a wonderful option but that is just a part of the reason why Pochettino should spend on the Belgian this summer. Capable of playing as a lone striker or also on the wing, Mertens is a versatile player who can create and finish chances consistently. Pochettino loves players who are versatile and signing Mertens would mean that he would occupy one of the flanks alongside Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen just in behind Harry Kane.
Kane has been absolutely on fire for Spurs and is irremovable from the Tottenham XI. But Pochettino has little cover for him in the striker’s position, with summer signing Vincent Janssen, failing to impress in his debut season in the English league. So Spurs might look to spend on a striker and Mertens could solve that problem as well. Pochettino needs players who can walk into the first team and 29-year old could be a perfect fit for Tottenham’s run next season.
Wilfried Zaha, on the other hand, has been one of the most consistent players for the Eagles this season. He has 6 goals and 9 assists for a side that was struggling in the drop zone just a month ago. The 24-year-old fits the bill in more ways than one for Pochettino as his age and experience in the Premier League could help Spurs, but having failed to realise his potential early in his career under pressure at Old Trafford, he is not really a risk worth taking.
As already mentioned, Pochettino needs to buy first team players this summer and though Zaha has what it takes to be effective in the system at White Hart Lane, Mertens looks a far better option at the moment. At 29, the Belgian is in his prime and is looking for a new adventure. With his style of play closely matching that of Spurs, Pochettino should definitely snub Zaha to spend big on Mertens this summer.
Do you think Dries Mertens is the right choice for Pochettino this summer?