The Tottenham fans in the Transfer Tavern have spent the last few hours discussing reports emanating from Sky Sports. According to Sky Sports, Tottenham are monitoring Ligue 2 starlet Matteo Guendouzi with a view to securing a long-term replacement for ageing midfielder Mousa Dembele.
On first glance, it’s an interest that makes sense. Guendouzi is clearly a very talented midfielder, he’s proven as much this season, but he’s also very young and he has a lot of potential – making him the perfect candidate for Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine manager has had a lot of success in signing young players and turning them into European stars, and this could be simply another tale in that story.
Unfortunately, though, it’s not that simple for Tottenham. This interest has come under fire from the Tottenham fans in the Transfer Tavern, and it’s easy to see why. Their form this season has been inconsistent at best, and whilst planning for the future is all well and good, they think that what they need now more than ever is proven quality.
That being said, January signings are needed, but our resident Lilywhites think that Tottenham should sign 1 of these 2 midfielders in January instead of Guendouzi – do you agree?
Ross Barkley
Though more naturally slightly further forward, Barkley could be an option in this role for Mauricio Pochettino.
He’s got fantastic passing ability, whilst he’s also a hard worker. He dribbles with guile and skill, and he’s even a threat in front of goal. You could quite easily be describing Mousa Dembele in that sentence, too, and so Barkley certainly has more than a few similarities to the Belgian midfielder.
He’ll need to work on his defensive work rate and tackling, but nobody would be better placed than Mauricio Pochettino to ensure that process goes smoothly.
With proven Premier League experience on his side, too, Barkley becomes a clear choice.
Geoffrey Kondogbia
As previously stated by Sky Sports, Geoffrey Kondogbia is another player being considered alongside Guendouzi, and our landlord thinks that he would be a far better choice.
Unlike Guendouzi, he’s a proven European talent, providing stellar and consistent performances at the highest level in some of Europe’s best leagues.
At this point, Jurgen Klopp needs proven quality, and Guendouzi simply does not provide that – but Kondogbia does.
A strong tackler and a hard worker, he could be the perfect option.
