Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with two World Cup players recently.
England’s World Cup campaign came to an end on Wednesday night, as they lost 2-1 to Croatia in Moscow, heading out at the semi-final stage of the competition.
The Three Lions took an early lead through Kieran Trippier’s superb free kick, but goals from Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic saw Croatia head into Sunday’s final against France.
For many, the attention will turn back to the Premier League soon enough, and some players may have earned themselves big transfers off the back of their displays in Russia.
Tottenham Hotspur – one of the few clubs in the Premier League yet to make a signing this summer – may be in the market for World Cup stars, and have been linked with two players featuring in Russia.
Marca Colombia recently claimed that Tottenham have made contact with the family of Boca Juniors midfielder Wilmar Barrios, in the hope of luring the Colombian to North London, whilst Bild claim Spurs are pursuing Eintracht Frankfurt’s Croatian forward Ante Rebic.
Both players have talent and real potential at 24, but they will also bring something else based on their displays at the World Cup – major bite and aggression.
Barrios became an enemy to England fans when he headbutted Jordan Henderson in the last 16, escaping a red card, and continued to foul throughout the game, whilst Rebic was branded ‘dirty’ on Twitter after last night’s game, having committed six fouls.
Channelling that aggression is key, and Barrios overstepped the mark with the headbutt, but Rebic’s superb pressing and niggly fouls halted England’s momentum, and if Barrios can effectively break up play in midfield, the pair could give Mauricio Pochettino a real nasty streak next season, continuing to reverse the claim that Spurs are an ‘easy touch’ these days – though don’t expect rival fans to forget their less-than-honest displays against England.
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