Paul Merson has been speaking to Jeff Stelling, Clinton Morrison, Neil Warnock and Michael Dawson on Soccer Saturday, where he made a controversial claim about Tottenham.
What’s the story?
Well, Merson believes Heung-min Son and Dejan Kulusevski are ineffective when Harry Kane isn’t playing at the same time.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the 54-year-old said: “Son and Kulusevski play when Kane plays. If Kane doesn’t turn up, the other two aren’t playing, believe me. If Son is making runs, who’s finding him?
“If Harry Kane doesn’t turn up, Tottenham aren’t winning any game.”
In our view, we can see what Merson is trying to say, although we strongly disagree with his views on Son and Kulusevski.
Admittedly, Antonio Conte doesn’t have a forward remotely similar to Kane, so if the 28-year-old does get injured, of course the overall level of the team will drop.
However, that isn’t to say Son and Kulusevski couldn’t carry the side, as they are both exceptional forwards who can really make an impact on games.
In just ten games for Tottenham, the Sweden international has scored two goals while also providing five assists.
In Son’s case, the 29-year-old has scored 15 goals in all competitions this season, proving he can be just as prolific as Kane.
Tottenham need someone similar to Harry Kane
Of course, Fabio Paratici isn’t going to find a striker anywhere near the level of Kane this summer – there are few like him on the planet.
However, the north Londoners do need to find someone slightly similar, who can drop into the No.10 position to feed Son and Kulusevski.
In terms of characteristics, someone like Paulo Dybala would be a good fit, as the Argentine often drops deep for Juventus to link up play.
Interestingly, 90min believe Tottenham are actually in talks to sign the South American.
Whether it’s Dybala or someone else, Conte must sign another centre-forward option – if Kane gets injured, the entire dynamic of the team changes.
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