Four senior players signed for Tottenham Hotspur in the summer; Victor Wanyama, Vincent Janssen, Moussa Sissoko and Georges-Kevin N’Koudou.
After some busy transfer windows in recent years, it was a much quieter affair for Tottenham Hotspur in the summer. Following a strong campaign under Mauricio Pochettino last season, carried out by a relatively young and promising squad, wholesale changes were not required.
That was reflected in Tottenham’s transfer activity, with only four senior players arriving at White Hart Lane, none of whom you would consider nailed on starters for this season and two which largely appeared to be signings for the future, rather than being expected to make an immediate and telling impact.
This is certainly the way in which it has proved at this stage, with only one of Spurs summer signings having become a regular fixture in the side. Now at Christmas, essentially the half way stage of a Premier League season, HITC Sport ranks Tottenham’s 2016-17 summer signings:
Tottenham signings Moussa Sissoko and Victor Wanyama during training
Victor Wanyama – B
Without doubt the best of Tottenham’s signings thus far has been Victor Wanyama. The tough tackling holding midfielder has made a relatively smooth transition from Southampton to Spurs and is doing a similar job under Mauricio Pochettino at White Hart Lane as he was at St Mary’s.
Defensively as solid as they come in midfielders, Wanyama has excellent physical attributes and can nullify the best opposition players in the Premier League, but his offensive game can sometimes leave a little to be desired.
Accused at times of slowing down attacks and lacking creativity, Spurs fans will hope that is one aspect of the Kenyan’s game which Pochettino can look to develop over the next couple of seasons. Still only 25, there is certainly scope for Wanyama to improve further, and he appears a very astute piece of business at just £11 million.
Vincent Janssen – C
Tottenham Hotspur striker Vincent Janssen
Tottenham Hotspur fans appear divided when it comes to Vincent Janssen. The young Dutch marksman certainly hasn’t hit the ground running since his move to North London, scoring just 1 goal in 11 league games, although it was a similar story for him at AZ in the early parts of last season.
Some see promise in Janssen’s game whilst others are convinced he does not suit Mauricio Pochettino’s style whatsoever. It’s important to remember that Janssen is young, raw and backup to Harry Kane. Despite that, he is clearly technically gifted and at £17 million, he was probably a risk worth taking for Spurs.
Georges-Kevin N’Koudou – C
Georges-Kevin N’Koudou in action for Marseille
Much like Vincent Janssen, Georges-Kevin N’Koudou was something of a punt by Tottenham. A young player signed from a league which has provided the Premier League with both stars and flops, signed off the back of a breakthrough season. Also like Janssen, it is too early to judge N’Koudou, but he has shown glimpses of what he could bring to the Tottenham team.
Pace and genuine width are attributes Spurs have all too often lacked in recent years, despite Mauricio Pochettino’s men’s general impressiveness, and they are areas where N’Koudou could be a big help.
One worry for Tottenham fans may be Mauricio Pochettino’s reluctance to give N’Koudou more opportunities, perhaps a reflection of doubts in the youngster or difficulties in training. Having said that, the Frenchman cost Spurs £9.4 million, and many supporters feel he has shown enough in his limited opportunities thus far to justify increased game time.
Moussa Sissoko – D
Moussa Sissoko shoots at goal for France in the final of Euro 2016
Barring an impressive cameo performance in Tottenham’s defeat away at Manchester United, Moussa Sissoko has largely continued his form from last season at Newcastle United since joining Spurs for £30 million in the summer.
A lot of people were surprised when that was the fee being talked about as Everton and Tottenham fought over Sissoko at the end of the transfer window, not least Newcastle United fans, who seem unsurprised by the Frenchman’s struggles at White Hart Lane.
The 27-year-old proved at the Euros that when he is on top of his game he has excellent physical and technical abilities and can be a menace to play against, but he simply hasn’t exhibited those skills often enough in recent seasons, and looks like he could prove a major flop for Pochettino.
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