Is Dortmund’s Christian Pulisic a wise Tottenham transfer target?
By Gary Pearson
Tottenham’s interest in Borussia Dortmund’s Christian Pulisic has set the internet alight in the past 24 hours, with numerous publications discussing the prospective Spurs transfer target.
But would the 18-year-old fit in well with Mauricio Pochettino’s squad and is he a viable transfer option?
Unequivocally, yes. Yes, yes, a thousand time yes.
The Daily Mail Online yesterday reported that Tottenham chief scout Steve Hitchen attended Dortmund’s Champions League match keen to take in a glimpse of the highly touted attacking midfielder.
Christian Pulisic’s upside
The list of positive attributes this whiz kid possesses is exhaustive.
Let’s start with his age. He’s still a teenager for another year and a half, the 18-year-old not turning 20 until Sept. 18, 2018.
The prospect of Pochettino, renowned for his uncanny ability to expertly mould and develop young talent, training Pulisic before his 19th birthday sends shivers down my spine.
Goosebumps involuntarily rise like worldwide ocean water levels. It’s that mouth-watering a proposition.
Pochettino has an impressive track record with young players, his body of work with 21-year-old Dele Alli and 23-year-old Eric Dier the primary examples.
Pulisic would certainly bloom like a Mexican sunflower in spring under Pochettino’s guidance and mentorship.
Taking Pochettino out of the equation entirely, Pulisic is already fitted with an inexplicable abundance of raw and natural talent. Hailing from the US, Pulisic is as comfortable with his right foot as he is with his left.
Pulisic – an incredible young talent
He plays with fluidity and can dribble at pace while picking out improbable passes, rendering defences helpless. The youngster protects the ball like a wily veteran and anticipates play extraordinarily well. Pulisic can slalom down either wing and is also comfortable in the gut of midfield.
The boy genius isn’t averse to tracking back and putting in a shift either, essential characteristics to any Pochettino team.
Already a full-fledged international, Pulisic has the potential to make waves in world football for the better part of two decades to come.
The American international has scored three goals and added five assists in 12 Bundesliga games this season. Pretty good returns from someone who probably just completed his GCEs (graduated from high school).
Adding to an already impressive resume, Pulisic has a goal and two assists in six Champions League appearances.
The one knock on him, according to Who Scored, is his lack of discipline. That’s hardly a surprise considering his tender age.
How probable is the transfer?
At this early stage, I’d have to say the probability of acquiring Pulisic is fairly low.
Liverpool are also interested in the American’s services. Bayern Munich is in the running, too. However, Dortmund has ardently opposed even contemplating selling their most valuable young asset to a Bundesliga rival.
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Spurs will have to open their pocketbook to acquire Dortmund’s wunderkind.
Touted as the next big thing, the German giants won’t part ways without being handsomely compensated.
For his boundless potential, youthful exuberance and early proof of his irrefutable talent, Spurs may have to cough up £50 million to get this gifted boy, soon-to-be man.
Spurs spent over £30 for Moussa Sissoko. When you look at it that way, what’s £50 million for an 18-year-old already performing at an elite level, a teenager with untold potential.
A mere drop in the ocean.