Pochettino: Wanyama Perfect Signing for Tottenham

Tottenham’s first ever signing this summer, ahead of the transfer window, is the now former Southampton defensive midfielder, Victor Wanyama.

After moving to the south coast to join Mauricio Pochettino back in 2013 from Celtic, the Kenyan international has ended a good three-year spell with Southampton to reunite with his former manager at White Hart Lane on a five-year contract.

Tottenham have now gotten a much needed backup and occasional starter — via rotation — for Eric Dier. While Wanyama is mostly a holding mid, he can also start in front of Mousa Dembélé, not as a central midfielder, though he can play as one, but as another defensive midfielder alongside Dier.

It’s something that Mauricio Pochettino did at Southampton with Victor Wanyama and Morgan Schneiderlin. A move that worked very well as the Saints routinely had one of the Premier League’s best defenses when the two were paired together.

With the 24-year-old wanting to move to Tottenham last season and Spurs reciprocating Wanyama’s transfer request by submitting a bid, which would be rejected, the two sides have finally gotten the move they wanted a year later.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 19: Victor Wanyama of Southampton and Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur battle for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary’s Stadium on December 19, 2015 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images) /

Here’s Mauricio Pochettino talking about what Victor Wanyama’s signing means for his squad ahead of next season.

"“I know Victor very well because we signed him from Celtic to bring him to Southampton three years ago and I think he’s a player that can improve our squad and can help us for the next few years,” Pochettino said (via Tottenham’s official site).“He’s a very strong midfielder who is a holding midfielder but can play free and can play very well with the ball.”“He’s powerful and I think he’s a perfect player for us.”"

More from Hotspur HQ

Playing in the Premier League isn’t necessarily a prerequisite for Premiership clubs when signing players, though it certainly helps as there is no need to adjust and adapt.

Érik Lamela took two years (plus injuries in his first season) before showing signs of a player who was starting to get accustomed to the way that English teams play in the top flight division during the 2014-15 season.

This past term has seen more improvement from the Argentine winger. It’s to be expected that both Son Heung-Min and Clinton N’Jie experienced the same thing Lamela went through in his debut season when both players “struggled” to show what they’re capable of doing in their first year in the Premier League.

This is why Wanyama’s signing excites Pochettino. As there is no need for adjustments or tactics for a player who used to play under him. It’s something that the Argentine manager makes note of.

"“I think it’s very important – when you have the possibility to sign a player like him it’s a good opportunity for us,”Mauricio Pochettino added.“He’s a powerful player and I think it’s a good opportunity for us to add a player that can help us improve our squad. I think he will be a great signing for us.”"

Next: Tottenham's Harry Kane: I'm Not Tired

Victor Wanyama is now the fourth signing to have completed a transfer ahead of the summer window opening in back-to-back summers.

Last year Tottenham struck fast by signing three defenders in Kevin Wimmer, Kieran Trippier and Toby Alderweireld before rounding it out with Clinton N’Jie and Son Heung-min.

At the moment, Spurs have now signed Victor Wanyama to begin their summer. Who could be signed next is anyone’s guess but two key positions that must be addressed are central midfield and of course striker.

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