Which Midfielder Should Tottenham Sign?
Josip Ilicic (27) – Fiorentina
What he’s done recently
Josip Ilicic has played with Fiorentina for two seasons, joining the Italian club before the 2013-14 season and during his time with the Viola he’s experienced a good amount of time sitting on the bench rather than playing on the pitch.
Looking at his ’13-’14 and ’14-’15 seasons, this will show what he’s done when playing (either as a starter or substitute) and when he’s sitting on the bench as an unused substitute or just being left of the squad.
- ’13-’14 season (Playing): 32 appearances, 11 goals and 2 assists
- ’13-’14 season (Bench): 3 gms, Off squad (1 gm), Susp. (1 gm), Injury (3 gms)
- ’14-’15 season (Playing): 34 appearances, 10 goals and 4 assists
- ’14-’15 season (Bench): 18 gms, Off squad (3 gms), Suspension (1 gm)
Based on the numbers in ony two seasons, the 27-year-old could be surplus to requirements or the coach doesn’t think much of the Slovenian international.
How would he fit with Tottenham
Because Christian Eriksen is Tottenham’s number ten, signing Josip Ilicic would be a waste of money if he isn’t going to be starting. However due to his last two seasons with Fiorentina, especially last year perhaps the Slovenian international would be a solid signing.
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Despite not playing enough games, when Ilicic is given the opportunity to play, he’s produced.
Case in point, following his suspension last year, Josip Ilicic would play in two more games and then get benched. By this point, Fiorentina were sitting at 6th place in Serie A with only six more weeks to go until the end of the season.
What happened next is hopefully a prelude to what Ilicic could bring to any club if he leaves Fiorentina or stays.
In 6 games Fiorentina would win the last five out of six to finish the season in 4th and reach the Europa League’s group stage for next season. Regarding Josip Ilicic’s production, he scored in five out of six games for a total of 7 goals with one assist.
Seven of his ten goals were scored in a six game span. That kind of output won’t happen again but it’s good to know that he can score when given a chance.
Can Tottenham afford him
According to the Metro, Tottenham are in talks with Fiorentina and are thinking about offering a bid of £5.5 million. If the amount is all that the Viola wants, then this would be a steal for Tottenham.
If Ilicic is signed, Christian Eriksen would still be the starter and it’ll force Ilicic back to the bench. It’s possible to play both midfielders but it will involve moving Eriksen and Chadli around; doable but not ideal.
Next: Olivier Kemen