Which Midfielder Should Tottenham Sign?
James McCarthy (24) – Everton
What he’s done recently
Since arriving to Goodison Park at the start of the 2013-14 season, James McCarthy had previously been playing with Wigan Athletic (in the Premier League) during the ’09-’10 season. The amount of experience that McCarthy would bring is more than Tottenham’s veteran players: Jan Vertonghen, Mousa Dembélé and Hugo Lloris (all came in during the ’12-’13 season).
Here’s a closer look at how much Premier League experience James McCarthy would bring to a very young Tottenham club, even if he’s only 24-years-old.
- Wigan Athletic (’09-’13) – 126 appearances, 7 goals, 8 assists in all competitions
- Everton (’13-present) – 77 appearances, 3 goals, 6 assists in all competitions
Mauricio Pochettino won’t find another player who offers the amount of Premier League experience that James McCarthy would bring while still being young.
How would he fit with Tottenham
As a central midfielder, if Mauricio Pochettino is able to sign him, this would rule out Ryan Mason as a starter from now on. The midfield pairing would be Nabil Bentaleb and James McCarthy. While Mason has earned a spot in the starting eleven, his spot could be upgraded, hence McCarthy could be brought in.
While Ryan Mason brings an unrivaled approach to the game with his hustle, energy and passion, constantly running around the pitch to chase attackers and get into duels is more of a problem. When added up through a full league season and no rests due to a lack of depth he wore himself out.
James McCarthy can do the same thing, but at a much more simpler and smarter approach. It also helps that his natural position is playing as central midfield.
Can Tottenham afford him
With only two seasons played at Everton and three years left on his current contract, there’s a good chance that he stays. But so far he hasn’t been given an improved contract despite being the Toffees best player two years in a row.
Tottenham have decided to offer a £20 million bid plus Aaron Lennon according to the Mirror earlier this month. Everton spent £13 million to sign the Republic of Ireland international back in 2013 so gaining a profit of £7 million plus getting a player that they liked, Aaron Lennon, on a permanent transfer should be enough.
If not, then this saga will drag on until the end of the transfer window.
Next: Thiago Motta