Paul Merson thinks Vincent Janssen’s movement is ‘different class’.
Former footballer Matthew Le Tissier
Pundits Matt Le Tissier and Paul Merson told Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday (24/09/2016) that they think Vincent Janssen can handle being Tottenham’s first-choice striker.
Tottenham have lost Harry Kane to an ankle injury, and whilst he may be back sooner than first expected, his absence has presented Mauricio Pochettino with a slight concern.
Tottenham’s Vincent Janssen in action with Middlesbrough’s Calum Chambers
Last season, Kane had very little depth behind him, and Pochettino went out into the transfer market over the summer to land another striker – and he chose Vincent Janssen.
The Dutchman, 22, smashed 31 goals in all competitions for AZ Alkmaar last term following a summer 2015 move from Almere City, and whilst he flashed real potential in the Eredivisie, many questions were asked following his move to White Hart Lane.
Janssen had enjoyed just one great season in the top flight of Dutch football, and the transition of players from the Eredivisie to the Premier League over the years has been mixed to say the least.
Tottenham’s Vincent Janssen
So far, Janssen has mostly been used as a substitute, and has just one goal to his name – penalty against League One side Gillingham – as he looks to established himself under Pochettino.
On Saturday, Janssen started in Kane’s absence away at Middlesbrough and put in a hard-working display, impressing with his movement and link-up, even if his display was lacking a goal.
Tonight, Janssen is expected to feature as Spurs take on CSKA Moscow in the Champions League, and two Sky Sports pundits have suggested that he has some real potential.
Paul Merson
Matt Le Tissier suggested on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday that Janssen can take confidence from knowing he’ll Tottenham’s first-choice striker whilst Kane is out injured, whilst former Arsenal ace Paul Merson claims that Janssen’s movement is ‘different class’.
“I think obviously Harry Kane is going to be be his first choice all season,” said Le Tissier. “Janssen looked like he was just kind of getting blooded a bit here and there, but if you’re a good footballer, you’re a good footballer – you can cope with these situations. He’s got to back himself, and it might help him to know that for the next four or five weeks, he’s going to be starting. It’s a nice position for a centre forward.”
“His movement is different class, I was well impressed by his movement. Even when he made a run and then stopped, he was always on his toes waiting for the ball. He’s only young and he works hard too,” added Merson.
Have you been impressed with Janssen’s performances so far?
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