Pochettino: Janssen Perfect Signing for Tottenham

Tottenham’s second signing addresses a position of need with Vincent Janssen now slotting in to become Harry Kane’s backup, understudy and spot starter next season.

According to Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham have once again signed a perfect player for his squad. The first one was Victor Wanyama last month and now today, it’s Vincent Janssen.

Related Story: Tottenham Complete Signing of Vincent Janssen

Speaking to Tottenham’s official site, here’s what the Argentine manager had to sign after his latest signing was announced on Tuesday.

"“Vincent is still very young and his potential is massive to develop,” said Pochettino.“He has a profile that fits perfectly for us.”“He has quality in the box and he’s a striker that likes to fight and work for the team. That is perfect for us.”"

It’s a figure of speech when Mauricio Pochettino hails both Wanyama and Janssen as perfect signings for Tottenham upon securing both of their services.

Then again, these were two areas that Spurs desperately needed to address after a summer exodus saw both positions go from deep to very thin within a few weeks.

In the case of the striker position, Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor weren’t good as starters or backups. It was a gamble to have them play, but having them on the squad at least allowed rotation for Kane to get rest.

With both of them gone last summer, Kane had to start in all 38 Premier League games and make appearances in the Europa League, FA and League cup fixtures too.

It added up to 51 appearances in just his second season with Tottenham. Which is a lot when you consider he made 50 appearances in the 2014-15 campaign after being a regular starter in November.

Fatigue and injury would eventually catch up to the England international if Spurs went a third season without a proper striker to cover for Harry Kane.

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

This is why Vincent Janssen was a must-buy.

In his only year in the Eredivisie, he led all scorers with 27 goals in 34 appearances to win the Golden Boot. This was enough to get the attention of clubs, Tottenham being one of them, for a player who could finish his chances.

His age was also a good factor too, being just 22-years-old.

But perhaps the main sticking point was his transfer fee. At £17 million, it’s a bit pricey but compared to Michy Batshuayi — plus the Belgian’s wages — Janssen was the logical choice all along.

Now with the Dutch international joining Victor Wanyama, to be a part of Mauricio Pochettino’s ever-growing youth movement, Tottenham are one step closer to completing their squad for Champions League football this September.

Vincent Janssen will most likely be integrated slowly into Pochettino’s tactics, even if he isn’t afraid of the Englishman and believes a partnership is possible.

Just because Janssen has been signed, Kane’s spot isn’t in jeopardy even if he didn’t have a good showing in the European Championship (thanks in large part to Roy Hodgson’s system), but the 22-year-old Premier League Golden Boot winner can’t rest on his laurels with a young striker who is also good at scoring waiting in the wings for his turn.

Next: Balancing the Books: Three Potential Tottenham Sales

Tottenham’s pre-season training program is only in their second week so there’s plenty of time for Mauricio Pochettino to figure out how best to utilize the 22-year-old before facing Everton on August 13.

But for the time being, the club and players are all excited with the arrival of Vincent Janssen to north London this early in the transfer window.

"“We are very happy and excited that he has joined us”, Pochettino continued.“His human profile is perfect for the team, we always care about that. In general, he’s a player that fits the team.”“We’re all excited. It’s early in pre-season, just the second week and he will have time to adapt. We wish all the best for him.”"