Tottenham are being linked with a move for Real Madrid’s Mariano Diaz.
Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz
According to a report from OK Diario in May, Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz is a target for Tottenham – and he is keen on the move as well.
Spurs are expected to make at least one addition to their attacking options this summer, given that Vincent Janssen struggled in his first season with the club following his move from AZ Alkmaar last summer.
Harry Kane continues to be a goalscoring phenomenon, but manager Mauricio Pochettino will need more depth in attack having seen Kane suffer two considerable ankle injuries last season.
Now, a move for Real Madrid’s Mariano could be on the cards, with OK Diario claiming that there is mutual interest from Spurs and Mariano himself after a frustrating season at the Bernabeu.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino
The Dominican striker, 23, has been on the books with Real since 2011, and whilst he excelled with their youth sides, he was handed just one start in all competitions last season – but still managed to score five goals last term.
Primarily a penalty box poacher with impressive aerial ability despite standing at just 5ft 10in tall, Mariano turns 24 in August and may feel that it’s time to leave Real, and comments made by Guillem Balague in 2016 may show just why Pochettino is allegedly looking at the Real striker.
Guillem Balague
The Spanish football expert told Sky Sports in December that Mariano made a huge impact as a substitute in the 1-1 draw away at Barcelona, because he was pressing effectively and stealing possession high up the pitch, with his energy and desire to press defenders described as ‘contagious’ on the rest of the Real Madrid side.
Pochettino has made sure that Tottenham play a high-pressing style, suffocating teams high up the pitch on a regular basis, and Mariano has shown at Real Madrid that he is willing to play in that manner, with his style of play also attracting interest from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp – another strong advocating of a high-pressing style.
Whilst he would still be a gamble given his lack of first-team football at Real, Mariano has the potential to be a significant contributor – and his desire to press may just make him an ideal fit for Pochettino’s tactics at Tottenham.
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