Tottenham will be hoping to bounce back from their defeat against Watford with a win against Liverpool at Wembley.
The Hornets inflicted the first loss of the season to the Lilywhites to continue their exceptional start to the season. Following the international break, things do not get any easier for Mauricio Pochettino’s men with a visit from in-form Liverpool next on the agenda. Jurgen Klopp’s men have won all four of their opening four games and have conceded just once – Tottenham will have to be at their best to get a result.
Spurs made history in the summer window by becoming the first side since it was created in 2003 not to sign a single player. Despite the lack of arrivals, speculation continues to rage on over the future of Mousa Dembele. The Belgian has less than one year remaining on his contract, and the latest reports suggest he could be set for a huge money move to China in January.
To replace him, the Lilywhites must attempt to sign Napoli maestro – Allan. Valued at £29.7m by Transfermarkt, the Brazilian has developed into a crucial player for the Italian side since joining from Udinese back in 2015. Allan was critical to Napoli’s title challenge last season under Maurizio Sarri, making 50 appearances in all competitions, scoring four and assisting five.
The 27-year-old is one of the most well-rounded midfielders in world football and would slot seamlessly into the Spurs engine room. His tireless work-rate and tenacity would give Pochettino a great option in the midfield and allow Tottenham’s creative players to flourish. Allan averaged 2.8 tackles per game lasts season, more than any other Tottenham midfielder, highlighting the protection he would offer the defence. Not only does the Brazil U20 international excel defensively, but he also helps transition defence to attack, averaging 2.1 successful dribbles per game last year; no Tottenham player averaged more (WhoScored).
If Dembele does decide to depart, replacing him with Allan would be a masterstroke from Pochettino.
Tottenham fans, thoughts?