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Spurs are actively looking for a striker in the transfer market this summer. Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor have certain qualities, but neither of them have shown that they can be consistently reliable. Defoe can be spectacular and scores goals in bursts, Adebayor has all the talent he could possibly need but none of the application he requires. If Spurs are going to break in to the top four, or even make a title challenge, they need to find a striker who can be relied upon to find the back of the net regularly. It can’t just be Gareth Bale who scores the winning goal if they are to take advantage of the wealth of talent in defence and midfield and push up the league. They’ve got class all over the field, so what they need is an elite striker to finish things off. So among the five they have been linked to most frequently, who will be the best bet?
What would he bring to Spurs? David Villa has been a world class striker for many years. He’d still be the main man at Barcelona if not for some injury problems and the emergence of one Lionel Messi. Villa has the tactical discipline and intelligence to either act as the penalty box predator or, if given license by Andre Villas-Boas, to roam around making space for Bale and the newly acquired Paulinho to get forward into goalscoring areas. Still very capable of getting 20 goals a season with his excellent technical skill and finishing. Very consistent. Arguably Spain’s star man in winning the World Cup in 2010.
How much? £8-10m. Good value, only reduced by his age and some injury issues.
How likely? 9/10 – It seems that they are getting close to an arrangement. He has said that he wants to try playing in England and he has a World Cup starting spot to win with Spain. If he can score 20-25 goals being supplied by the likes of Bale, Holtby and Paulinho he can work his way to the front of the queue.
Leandro Damiao – Internacional
Leandro Damiao
What would he bring to Spurs? Leandro Damiao is a real physical presence who has spent his career playing as a lone front man, exactly as he would with Spurs. Damiao is very capable of receiving the ball to his feet and to his chest which allows Spurs different ways of getting forwards. Damiao will spend his game in and around the penalty box which neither Defoe or Adebayor seem willing to do.
How much? At least £20m as his club wants to make a statement by keeping him. Possibly a little on the high side. Spurs could afford it in theory.
How likely? 3/10 – This transfer seems to be going cold. His club are making it hard to buy him. He could be a good option but there is better value around.
Christian Benteke – Aston Villa
Christain Benteke
What would he bring to Spurs? Christain Benteke is a raw talent who has really only a few months of consistent goal scoring in the Premier League behind him. However, he’s scored against all the top teams and went on a golden run of form during which he was one of the most dangerous players in the league. AVB is an excellent coach, so Benteke may well feel he can polish off the rough edges. AVB took Bale from top class to being amongst the top five players in the world and if he uses Benteke properly, Benteke could see similar returns. Gives the kind of pace and strength which combines the best of Defoe and Adebayor. Can be literally unstoppable on his day.
How much? Villa have no reason to sell. He’s on a cheap and long contract and their whole success last season came when Lambert worked out how to use him most effectively. The £25m or so that it would take is hard for Spurs to justify given the better value elsewhere.
How likely? 2/10 – Villa can’t justify selling him for anything other than a ridiculous offer. Spurs don’t pay stupid money for players any more. One David Bentley is quite enough thanks.
Roberto Soldado – Valencia
Roberto Soldado
What would he bring to Spurs? Soldado is one of the best players outside of Real Madrid or Barcelona in La Liga. His last six seasons as a starter have yielded; 13, 13, 20, 25, 27 and 30 goals. He is now 28 and has shown that he is reaching peak form. His ability to improve year on year is a testament to his professionalism. Most impressive is that his supply line used to include David Silva and Juam Mata but even after their departure, he has kept on scoring. He is a technician who functions best as a hold up man who likes the ball at his feet and as a finisher rather than running in behind. Spurs need to get the most from Bale, Holtby and Paulinho, and he has the exact skill set to do so.
How much? Valencia aren’t in great financial shape just now and he wants to leave. £15-18m is fair for his sheer consistency.
How likely? 7/10 – Although he prefers Champions League football, clubs in the elite competition are fairly well set and not even many of them have as good a supply line as he’d enjoy at Spurs.
Alvaro Negredo – Sevilla
Alvaro Negredo
What would he bring to Spurs? Negredo is a pure goalscorer. He doesn’t get involved so much in the play outside the penalty box, he just stays where he is supposed to and scores lots of goals. He has had seven consecutive season where he has returned at least double figures in the goal column, often in teams that have lacked the quality of midfielders Spurs have. They make the chances, he can put them away.
How much? £15-17m. A good investment as you are basically guaranteeing goals.
How likely? 7/10 – Great value, very consistent but not quite as good as the other options.
