Tottenham: Christian Eriksen Praises Vincent Janssen

The praise for Tottenham’s newest striker, Vincent Janssen, continues.

Tottenham have played two games in the Premier League, and Vincent Janssen has made a substitute appearance in one, and started the other.

In just a little over one-and-a-half games, the Dutch striker has seamlessly blended into Mauricio Pochettino’s high-press, high-energy system.

Typically, a transitional phase is needed for players joining a new team but it appears that Janssen doesn’t need to adjust.

According to Christian Eriksen, the Danish international calls Vincent Janssen a proper English player.

Mainly, because his style suits the football played in England’s top-flight.

Which explains why the 22-year-old has made an immediate impact upon his arrival.

“Vincent took some big hits for the team with all the hustle and bustle up front which I think made it a bit easier for Harry because normally it’s him that’s doing all the battling,” Eriksen said (via Mirror).

“I think there was a good connection between them and especially with Vincent, he’s something different – even though he’s from Holland, he’s proper English!”

Having a player who loves taking on challenges and winning the ball back, which Vincent Janssen does, is a great fit for Mauricio Pochettino.

Not only does Pochettino want players who can contribute offensively, but he looks for players who tirelessly track back and helps out on defense too.

“He loves to tackle, he loves to battle and he loves to play football,” Christian Eriksen added.

“Of course it’s the beginning for him, he wants to show everyone that he can play football and he’s done that.”

“He wants to show off his qualities.”

“We saw that against Crystal Palace with the battling and keeping hold of the ball which sometimes we need. He did that very well.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Vincent Janssen of Tottenham Hotspur in action during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane on August 20, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images) /

With the 22-year-old now a starter on this Spurs’ squad, Mauricio Pochettino and supporters alike have found a perfect player for this club.

“The way Vincent fights and works for the team is unbelievable, one of his best skills,” Pochettino said.

“Our supporters are very happy with his performance and we’re happy as well.”

“He’s a great, great player and great man as well and he’s only 22, only young and he can improve a lot.”

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“Our expectations are big but it’s step by step because it’s his first season here in England and you have to give him time to work.”

Because Harry Kane is playing in a number 10 role, the Dutch striker doesn’t have to make too many adjustments.

This works out in Spurs’ favor to have two strikers who are similar and playing at the same time alongside one another.

Though, with Janssen starting, it leaves Pochettino’s bench a bit thin still.

Another striker must be signed to accommodate a shift in tactics.

This isn’t exactly a bad thing but it does mean that Spurs are now in need of an extra player to add to their list of a winger, attacking midfielder and goalkeeper.

Next: Kane-Alli Axis Still Vital for Tottenham

There has been no new rumors involving Spurs’ search for another backup striker, but should they not be able to sign one because the transfer window is closing at the end of the month.

One possible solution is to use Son Heung-Min at the number 10 role and play Harry Kane higher up, if Vincent Janssen is resting or injured.

Or perhaps Dele Alli behind Kane with Son out wide left.

Either way, the South Korean’s versatility offers Spurs plenty of options to rotate players in and out of the line-up without sacrificing attacking players who have an eye for goal.

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