Spurs fans in the Transfer Tavern are no strangers to a strong start in the Premier League, only to fall at the final hurdle.
It is often said that a strong spine is crucial to a team’s success. The players outside of them are not exactly superfluous, but any contribution from those players is something of a luxury that is entirely welcome but not meant to decide games.
Instead, past Premier League winners have relied on a core from goalkeeper through to the striker that can be relied upon to consistently perform at their best, and glue the players together into a cohesive team.
The 2016 summer signings seemed like Spurs could be going some way to building the foundations for a sustained title challenge. With Hugo Lloris in goal, two good centre backs and a few players of quality supporting the on-fire Harry Kane, the North London club had many of the building blocks in place last season.
Our landlord reckons they could do with a few more additions, though, and reckons these three Serie A stars could be perfect for the club in January…
Sami Khedira
The German World Cup winner is a serial champion wherever he’s been.
This trait cannot be dismissed as mere decoration, especially knowing Spurs’ troubles at crossing the line. Equally, his trophy cabinet points to his experience and married to his qualities as a midfielder, the big German would be a brilliant addition to Spurs’ midfield.
Finally, at 29, Khedeira would not block the progress of hot prospect Harry Winks.
Stephan Lichtsteiner
In the years that Juventus have been utterly dominant in Serie A, Lichtsteiner has been a regular fixture at right back or right wing-back.
While Spurs are rightly heralded as having the best defence in the league, the one notable weakness exists in the form of Kyle Walker. Lichtsteiner would be a welcome replacement who offers more experience, reliability and ultimately better defending.
Suso
This prospective transfer is a bit of a long shot, but Suso has an abundance of talent that would add something to any top Premier League side’s squad.
Suso’s lack of pace suits the football played in Italy better than the end-to-end stuff we are used to in the Premier League, but his technical ability and tactical awareness would add a different dynamic to Spurs’ midfield.
Agree, Spurs fans? Let us know below!
