Tottenham Hotspur need more than Man City’s spare parts for Harry Kane

Nathan Ake is not going to change Tottenham either

Nathan Ake has a few things going for him that would make it seem like a decent fit at Tottenham. He is relatively young for a defender at just 26-years of age. Ake is naturally left-footed, which is a big need for Tottenham who had Eric Dier filling the left-center-back slot most of the season. Nathan Ake is also experienced having played more than 150 games in the Premier League. All that said, Tottenham can do better, especially at that price.

For starters, Nathan Ake is not your traditional strapping center-half. As we have seen with Davinson Sanchez, the physique is not everything, however, at just 5’9″ Ake is very undersized for center-half. Typically, undersized players make up for something like that with speed, if we look at backs like Danny Rose or Kyle Walker.

However, both Rose and Walker are fullbacks. While Tottenham could use some more cover at the back positions, left-back is not the biggest need. Just as it was not the biggest need at Manchester City, who purchased Ake anyway, then proceeded to not play him.

Nathan Ake spent much of his first season at Manchester City injured, missing more than twice as many games injured (27) as he played in 13. Logging less than 1,000 minutes in all competitions, it was a disappointing season, to say the least for Ake.

It should also be noted that hamstring injury kept him out much of the season, at least six games in the prior season at Bournemouth. As we have seen with Dele Alli, a recurring hamstring injury is nothing to just overlook.

Finally, Ake does not have the winning mentality Tottenham needs. Ake only appeared 10 times in the Premier League for Manchester City and they only won five of those 10 matches. In 28 matches where Ake did not participate City went 22-3-3 and his replacement, Ruben Dias won player of the season.

The season before, Ake was the main cog in the Bournemouth defense that went down and is now being led by Cameron Carter-Vickers. Just like Joachim Anderson is not the answer, neither is Nathan Ake.

The bottom line for Tottenham is they need more

If a team really wants Harry Kane they are going to either have to pony up the cash or put real stars on the table. Had the first two names been Rodri and Raheem Sterling we at least could know City was taking this all serious. Even in a down season, Sterling had 16 goals and 9 assists in all competitions. If just money, there are lots of forwards out there for Spurs to consider. 

Further, both of those players are nailed on starters and even borderline stars for the team.

The idea that Tottenham should accept anyone’s leftovers and surplus players for Harry Kane is just plain laughable. If Manchester City cannot do better than Jesus and Ake, well they can keep their players and just back up the Brinks truck because Kane is not leaving cheap.