How can Pochettino turn the ailing Spurs around?
With Tottenham again having underwhelmed in the Premier League at the weekend, performing pitifully as they lost at home to Stoke City, a degree of pressure is beginning to mount on manager Mauricio Pochettino, who only joined the club from Southampton in the summer.
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However, the overriding wisdom is that the squad at White Hart Lane is neither good nor motivated enough, as has been suggested by goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, so what can Pochettino do in the transfer market to change things around in January?
Here are eight deals that he should consider:
Out) Jan Vertonghen
This may be controversial, but the fact is that Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen simply doesn’t seem like he wants to be at Spurs any more. The fact that Pochettino overlooked him for the captaincy was telling and the former Ajax man’s performances have not been up to scratch this season – Spurs should cash in whilst his market value is still high.
In) Matija Nastasic (Manchester City)
Nastasic is seemingly unwanted at the Etihad Stadium, despite his status as a talented young centre back who has proven himself capable in the Premier League, and could be available for as little as £5m. He is the kind of player who could be the future of the back line for a club like Spurs.
Out) Paulinho
Paulinho has never proven to be worth the hype that surrounded him ahead of his move to White Hart Lane, with the Brazilian often peripheral and underwhelming when he pulls on the white shirt of his club. He is symptomatic of the lack of consistency and drive throughout the squad and it’s time to let him go.
In) Grzegorz Krychowiak (Sevilla)
Despite only joining Europa League winners Sevilla from Ligue 1 outfit Stade de Reims this summer, Polish international midfielder Krychowiak has become one of the stand-out new signings in Spain this season. He is the kind of consistent, battling holding midfielder that Spurs desperately lack.
Out) Aaron Lennon
Aaron Lennon does not seem to be a favourite of Pochettino and has rarely been involved this season – a move to a lower ranked Premier League club would probably be beneficial for both Lennon and Spurs, with the winger largely having gone stale in North London.
In) Jay Rodriguez (Southampton)
Southampton have done so well under Ronald Koeman so far this season it is easy to forget that Jay Rodriguez, one of their stand-out performers from last season, remains injured. The form of the likes of Graziano Pelle, Shane Long and Dusan Tadic could persuade the Saints to part with Rodriguez in January – and the England international is perfectly suited to Pochettino’s style.
Out) Roberto Soldado
Sometimes in football things just don’t work out – and it looks like that is going to be the case with Spanish striker Roberto Soldado, who has floundered ever since his move to the club from Valencia last summer. He doesn’t suit Pochettino’s system as a lone striker but would still fetch a good fee from a La Liga club.
In) Andre-Pierre Gignac (Olympique Marseille)
Tottenham lack both aggression and goals from their striking options currently – and Marseille striker Andre-Pierre Gignac would bring those in abundance. He is out of contract at the end of the season so could be available at a knock-down price and he is made for the Premier League.