Mikel Oyarzabal has taken his game to new heights for Real Sociedad in La Liga – no wonder Tottenham want him.
Looking at Mikel Oyarzabal’s impressive goal return for Real Sociedad this season, you’d be forgiven for thinking the Basque-born talent has always been a natural finisher.
Oyarzabal has seven in ten games for La Real, including six in eight La Liga fixtures, from a variety of attacking positions. Considering that the 20-year-old averages just two shots per game in Spain’s top flight, and has hit the target with 69 per cent of his attempts, the winger’s prolific start to the season stands out even more.
Especially when you compare it to his output last season. Sociedad were one of the surprise packages of La Liga in 2016/17, their furious, high-pressing style bloodying the noses of the big boys and helping them finish sixth under Eusebio Sacristan.
And while the once-capped Oyarzabal enjoyed a fine individual campaign, his tally of just two goals in 38 La Liga appearances highlights the dramatic improvements he has made in the final third this season.
It’s no wonder, then, that Tottenham Hotspur are hot on the trail of one of the season’s real breakthrough stars. Calciomercato report that Spurs are in a race with Serie A duo Juventus and Inter Milan for the once capped Spain international.
And, if he chooses North London, the former Eibar youngster would likely line up in his preferred right wing position, cutting inside on to his favoured left foot – like he has done to devastating effect for Sociedad in 2017/18.
Oyarzabal is one of the most improved players in all of Europe – and that’s before he’s enrolled in Mauricio Pochettino’s esteemed finishing school.
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