Central midfield has been a major problem at Spurs since the disintegration of the Mousa Dembele and Victor Wanyama partnership.
And it is one that Jose Mourinho needs to fix urgently.
We saw the first piece of that puzzle fall into place last Saturday with the performance of Tanguy Ndombele against Norwich. Superb.
MORE: “Absolutely Phenomenal” – Mourinho Hypes Ndombele Display
I have absolute confidence that the summer signing can be one of the best midfielders in the Premier League once he is up to speed.
Now we need to find him a partner – a genuine defensive midfielder which will allow Ndombele the freedom to express himself creatively.
Despite having some admirable attributes, neither Harry Winks or Moussa Sissoko can fulfil this role. Eric Dier can, in theory, but his performances over the last 18 months suggest otherwise. Likewise, with Wanyama.
An article from Sky Sports has named two defensive midfielders from Serie A who are both available in January and, I think, may be possible solutions.
One of them is AC Milan’s Ivory Coast international Franck Kessie, who was linked to us in the summer by Italian outlet Calciomercato. Sky Sports understands that the 23-year-old would be available for €30m (£25.62m).
Kessie’s reputation has suffered a little over the last 12 months in line with Milan’s continued plight, but he could be worth a gamble at that price.
The other option is Emre Can, who has been made available by Juventus 18 months after joining on a free from Liverpool. Can was left out of Juve’s Champions League squad and has only made 10 appearances this season.
Does that mean he’s a bad player? Not. There is stiff midfield competition at Juve – Blaise Matuidi, Miralem Pjanic and Sami Khedira to name just a few.
Liverpool did not want to lose Can, with The Guardian detailing that they made several attempts to tie the Turkey international down to new terms, and he played 38 games for Jurgen Klopp in his final season at Anfield.
When it comes to judging players, I’m backing the man who signed Virgil Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Fabinho and Alisson over Maurizio Sarri.
So, Kessie and Can; two names to look out for in the January gossip columns.
I have previously posted that Poch referred to himself as a coach not a manager for his lack of input/support with transfers.
It was meant to be a joke as in trusting Levy ie we are selling Dembele and you’ll get a replacement, just how many windows later wasn’t explained. SORRY for the confusion.
As I was trying to say in an unclear manner! Just on Bill Nic he was supported regularly bringing in the players he felt he needed which makes Levy’s treatment of Poch both disappointing and unbelievable.
Lying politicians?Where did you hear that from?Oh ye of little faith.
Last night caught up with Pilger’s film The Death of the NHS on ITV Dec.17th.very depressing for UK residents.If you can’t believe your PM who can you believe?
Happy new year everyone.
Lying politicians?Where did you hear that from?Oh ye of little faith.
Last night caught up with Pilger’s film The Death of the NHS on ITV Dec.17th.very depressing for UK residents.If you can’t believe your PM who can you believe?
Happy new year everyone.
‘Have it in writing’? What on earth are you going on about?
Dembele was physically unable to play regularly for about 18 months before he left. Levy should have replaced him about 3 years ago. Tanguy is the replacement, although only 22 and never played in England before. Poch had nothing to do with it.
Poch gets blamed for all of Levy’s rubbish when he’s the best manager we’ve had, probably since Bill Nic…
New decade; new stadium, no direction, no signings, no trophies and probably no top 4.
Global warming, social media and lying politicians…
Happy New Year everyone!
😂
Happy NY to all.
3rd ENIC decade begins, the last two brought one League Cup. I won’t be holding my breath…
COYFS!!! Make mine a very happy birthday🍻🍻🍻2/1/Older
B/Day today or tomorrow?
Poch sold him? even though he has nothing to do with transfers. Was heard by whom Troll. Never been reported before, only you know about it.
Happy new decade everyone. The trophy raids starts here.
Poch should never have sold Mousa or at least have it in writing that there was an icoming replacement. Levy was heard to mutter loser as Poch left his office after Mousa’s transfer. Poch thought Levy meant Dembele!
Someone on this list used to argue that 20-30 million pound players were not good enough, citing Moura and Aurier as a perfect example.
We apparently liked Kessie at the time, the only reason we didn’t sign him could’ve been that we weren’t winners. Can’t think of any other reason.
Spurs window is now closed.
Neither of these players are of the quality to improve the squad. There’s a very good reason Emre Can can’t hold down a place at any top side. If Khedira, at almost 33yo is keeping you out of the team, while in your physical prime? Yeah, not good enough. I’ve watched Kessie a bit this year, he’s nowhere near the quality to play for us.
Next month’s transfer window already has the feeling of the bride being left at the altar.You can wait until the last minute,he ain’t coming.That’s the way of the highest paid chairman in the PL.
Just saw Mourinho interview after Norwich when he’s asked about signings in January, he said no, he was going to work to improve the team on the training ground. I believe him, no one’s coming unless we get decent money for someone leaving, and even then I won’t hold my breath.
Upamecano or one of these, old article but hey.
https://www.footballwhispers.com/blog/french-wonderkids-next-mbappe
Come on, bound to be a French player around the £6-8 million mark available.
Not convinced by Can, good sometimes but not often enough when he was at Liverpool. I’d take s punt on the 23 year old, more Levy’s style too..