Tottenham Manager, Mauricio Pochettino, Wants a Starting Striker Not a Backup or Understudy
There won’t be a striker joining Tottenham to become a backup or an understudy to Harry Kane. So then what happens now?
Mauricio Pochettino who was speaking to the London Evening Standard and let it be known that he understands what he wants in a striker. It’s not to be a backup. It’s not to be an understudy for Harry Kane. It’s to become a starter alongside Kane.
Which means, yes, there’s a great possibility that Tottenham’s 4-2-3-1 formation for the past 20 months, or 85 matches according to the Standard Sport article linked above, would change to incorporate two quality strikers at the same time.
POPULAR: Why Are Tottenham Willing to Pay £26 Million for Berardi?
"“If you have two unbelievable strikers, then I am not stupid. Why not [play them together]?”“When you have good players, you can’t put them on the bench. The good players always need to be on the pitch.”“When I was at Southampton we played with three strikers in some games – Rickie Lambert, Dani Osvaldo and Jay Rodriquez.”“They pressed a lot, worked a lot. You can adapt your system or your philosophy to the players you have.”"
Obviously Mauricio Pochettino’s response about a two striker formation begs this next question. And that is who will be the striker that Tottenham signs? Here’s a follow-up question. Will Spurs actually sign another striker?
By looking over the strikers that are targets for Tottenham, they had one thing in common: forwards who can interchange with the central and wide positions.
There’s a reason why Son Heung-min and Clinton N’Jie were signed.
Saido Berahino was targeted in the summer and could be targeted again this month. Anthony Martial has played all over the front four of Manchester United’s multiple formations. Sandro Ramírez who has been linked recently to the Lilywhites can play multiple positions. And even Timo Werner has played as a left winger with Stuttgart.
So because these players can play multiple positions, there’s even more value. Having a footballer on the team who has versatility will do wonders for Tottenham.
One instance is injuries. Clubs will always have to deal with players going down with injuries so it’s best to have players who can provide cover. Eric Dier, anyone?
Son Heung-min has played in all four attacking positions in Pochettino’s starting formations. Clinton N’Jie has played on either flank but mostly right midfield. These were two forwards who were signed and gave Spurs the option to deploy them either at central midfield or out wide, as well as the lone striker or secondary striker.
More from Hotspur HQ
- Storybook ending after difficult period for Tottenahm’s Richarlison
- Tottenham comeback showcased invaluable intangible Ange has cultivated
- Tottenham player ratings in 2-1 comeback win over Sheffield United
- Tottenham projected starting 11 for Sheffield United
- Tottenham’s Richarlison says he’s going to seek psychological help
At the same time, the Argentine manager did note that Rickie Lambert, Dani Osvaldo and Jay Rodriguez pressed a lot at Southampton. Son and N’Jie don’t press, or press well. In fact it’s something that both players will need to work on.
Do any of the aforementioned forwards listed above high-press as well or better than Harry Kane? It’s unlikely. And if they can’t then Tottenham will continue looking for a striker to partner up with Kane.
Still, who could be Harry Kane’s partner for the sake of argument? Right now it’s only Saido Berahino. That means yes, Spurs should sign Berahino if they need a partnership up front with two players who know each other and can work well together.
Now even though Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen play a different position which is center-back. The driving force for Alderweireld being a target this past summer was because of a need for another central defender and to form a strong partnership with Vertonghen with the revolving door at center-back last season.
Next: STR: Shilow Tracey Joins Tottenham Hotspur
For a two striker formation to work out, that same partnership has to be there between two players. Forcing it to work between Harry Kane and Son Heung-min will take a while. It needs time and that’s what the post and pre-season tours are all about.
So attitude behavior or not, Harry Kane and Saido Berahino have played plenty of times with England’s Under-21s. That’s already something to take notice of, and help drive the fact that there’s no one better right now when you factor in players who have played with Kane and have done well together up top.
But remember, Pochettino will only change his formation if they find a striker. Right now Saido Berahino isn’t a lock to join Spurs yet or ever. He’s just an obvious choice who makes sense to be Kane’s strike partner and not be a backup or understudy.