Forget Cristante, Tottenham should sign Benfica teammate Pizzi instead

Follow us on Google Discover

Tottenham have been linked with a move for Benfica midfielder Bryan Cristante.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly said to be interested in signing Benfica midfielder Bryan Cristante, who is currently starring on loan with Serie A side Atalanta – but should another Benfica star be higher on Spurs’ shortlist?

The Telegraph claim 23-year-old midfielder Cristante has caught Mauricio Pochettino’s eye as he continues to shine in black and blue, scoring 11 goals from the middle of the park in 38 outings for Atalanta.

It has even seen him earn his first Italy caps, as the former AC Milan product goes from strength to strength. But he has just six career appearances in the Champions League – equating to 157 minutes in the elite competition.

Spurs need to add a player that has shown he can rub shoulders with the best in order to boost the north Londoners chances of progressing past the round of 16 next season, and a proven Champions League star would be a better signing.

It should see Pochettino cast his eye on one of Cristante’s Benfica teammates, namely Portugal international Pizzi. The assist machine is in the form of his life, scoring five goals and laying on a huge 12 assists from holding midfield this term.

Though he is 28, Pizzi is reaching the peak of his talents and boasts much more Champions League experience than Cristante – featuring 25 times in the competition throughout his career.

The Telegraph report claims Mousa Dembele’s future at Spurs is in doubt as the Belgian wants three more years at Tottenham. If the two parties fail to reach an agreement, Cristanteis eyed as his successor.

But Spurs need a player with the reputation and calibre of a midfield maestro that can create from the base of their midfield. As good as Eric Dier, Victor Wanyama and Dembele have been, they struggle to score or provide an assist.

Pizzi, on the other hand, does both in abundance and he would be the perfect summer signing for Pochettino should the Argentinian manager look to add to his midfield in the coming months.