Tottenham Hotspur- Mario Mandzukic
Ever since the emergence of Harry Kane in the 2014-15 Premier League season, Tottenham have looked for a backup striker. Kane is so good that no excellent striker wants to sign for Spurs, knowing that they will not have opportunities to start.
This has meant that manager Mauricio Pochettino and chairman Daniel Levy have resorted to signing washed-up players like Fernando Llorente or mediocre stars like Vincent Janssen. Those two players have scored a combined three goals.
What Tottenham need is a hard-working, goal-scoring striker who fits in well with Pochettino’s pressing. In that sense, Mario Mandzukic may be the perfect signing for Spurs. At the World Cup, Mandzukic was vital for Croatia’s success as he contributed three goals, including one each in the World Cup Semi-Final and the World Cup Final.
More than the goals though, Mandzukic’s hard work and pressing made a major difference for Croatia. Take the semi-final against England, the Three Lions’ excellent defense and goalkeeper were forced into several errors. Considering that Tottenham Hotspur plays a high-pressing system, Mandzukic could fit in perfectly.
The 33-year-old Mandzukic is declining physically and thus will not get many chances at Juventus considering the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo. However, at Tottenham, he could still start regularly on the wing (where has reinvented himself). This would allow Dele Alli to play a central midfield role (similar to what he did for England).
On other occasions, he could fit in as a striker when Kane is not available. Mandzukic’s immense experience and high pressing would be most useful in the Champions League against some of Europe’s top teams. If Tottenham is finally going to break their trophy drought, then Mandzukic would be the perfect signings.
