Tottenham Hotspur would be wise to add another Belgian to their ranks.
Tottenham Hotspur are not in the habit of signing 29-year-old’s, but there is one they should ditch that particular mantra for in the form of Dries Mertens.
Much is made of the importance of putting your faith in the next generation, which Tottenham do better than most. However it is also important to ensure the current first-team squad has enough real quality to elevate them to the next level.
Mertens is currently in the form of his life for Italian side Napoli, scoring seven goals in his last two appearances.
A hat-trick against Cagliari is impressive but he followed that up with four goals against Torino, netting time and again against a man Tottenham fans know well in the form of Joe Hart.
Former Spurs player Iago Falque was also in action for Torino, but his goal proved to be a mere consolation as Mertens dominated proceedings.
The Belgium international has another 18 months on his Napoli contract but a decent offer from Tottenham in the summer is likely to tempt their hand.
So far this season Mertens has scored 14 goals and provided seven assists in 22 appearances; exactly the kind of form Tottenham need from a winger.
It may not fit the Daniel Levy mould of transfers, but just ask West Ham United what signing a more experienced player can do for their team.
Dimitri Payet is approaching his 30th birthday and remains one of the most exhilarating players in the Premier League.
Tottenham not only need wingers, they need quality wingers, and in this form Mertens is better than most.
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