Tottenham Needs a Backup Central Midfielder for Dembélé

Striker is the number one priority for Tottenahm but central midfield must also be addressed following the signing of Victor Wanyama.

Tottenham have only made one signing this summer with Victor Wanyama coming over from Southampton, a deal that has been in the works for one year. Now that Spurs have a proper backup for Eric Dier, Mousa Demebélé needs to get one too.

According to an article a few days ago by FourFourTwo, Fiorentina’s Milan Badelj could be a good fit for Tottenham if they pursue the 27-year-old.

Blair Newman took a look at his role with Fiorentina last year, what Badelj’s agent said about a potential move away from Italy and how Mauricio Pochettino could benefit from adding the Croatian international next season ahead of another Premier League title bid and a return to Champions League football.

"“He [Milan Badelj] has improved a lot, as he is understanding more and more his position,” Paulo Sousa, Fiorentina’s manager said.“He likes to play the ball, to be involved in moves, and also helps us to keep control of the game in a very important role.”"

Basically, Badelj sounds like a carbon-copy of Mousa Dembélé but a year younger than he is. And that isn’t a bad thing. In fact, if Tottenham did have another player who plays like Dembélé, this gives them the option to rest the Belgian international more often without comprising their playing style.

After all, Dembélé appeared to suffer one too many knocks last year.

Because Milan Badelj’s agent, Dejan Joksimović, has talked about a move, this has put teams on alert who are interested — Tottenham included.

"“There are top European clubs who are ready to make important offers for Badelj,” Joksimović told Corriere Fiorentino.“There will be important news after the Euros. But at the moment it’s hard to see a future for Milan in purple.”"

Blair Newman summed up Badelj’s importance for Fiorentina and why he’s a player that Mauricio Pochettino would love to have and should pursue before it’s too late.

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"“Perhaps the most important trait that makes Badelj the sort of player Pochettino should pursue is his tactical intelligence,” Newman said.“Positionally aware, the Croat knows where to be and how to use his body to repel and diffuse opposition attacks.”“He is a dogged defensive shield when needs be, though he also possesses quick feet, refined technique and a smooth passing game.”“He is a calm enforcer, and his combination of culture and grit epitomises the Tottenham side that Pochettino has constructed over the last two years.”"

All of that information oozes what a Tottenham player under Pochettino’s guidance should be. But what about his price? Surely he would cost quite a bit to sign even though he’s 27, right?

And the answer would be no, not really. Here’s Newman continuing on.

"“With a contract that runs until 2018, Badelj will come at a cost – reportedly somewhere from £8-12 million,” Blair Newman continued.“That, however, is small change for a club with Champions League football on the horizon and ambitions of establishing themselves as a permanent part of the Premier League’s top four.”“Indeed, the only thing standing between Tottenham and the player’s signature may turn out to be competition, with Italian giants Roma also said to be lurking.”"

Next: Stoke City Sends Bid for Former Tottenham Target Berahino

Mauricio Pochettino’s highest priority following Victor Wanyama’s signing is securing a striker to become Harry Kane’s backup. But with Mousa Dembélé set to serve the remaining four games of his six-match ban from attempting to poke Chelsea’s Diego Costa’s eye, there’s a hole that needs to be filled at central midfield.

Ryan Mason (despite his injuries) and Tom Carroll have been given numerous opportunities last season and both of them couldn’t capitalize, while Harry Winks hasn’t been given much playing time. All of this says that Tottenham have a thin group behind the Belgian international.

Milan Badelj might not be the answer, but he’s one of a few central midfielders that have been linked to Spurs who actually fits into Pochettino’s system. So a deal should happen.

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