Quality over Quantity for Spurs this Transfer Window

This time last year, Spurs fans had that bitter-sweet feeling. The fact that PFA Young Player of the Year – Gareth Bale had departed White Hart Lane was heavy blow to deal with. However, having left north London as the world’s most expensive player; Spurs fans didn’t have a whole lot to be disappointed about. The void left by the departure of Bale had to be filled and filled quickly as Spurs under manager Andre Vilas Boas made a push for a top-4 finish. The new arrivals looked promising. Established professionals highly rated by world football but for some reason AVB’s renewed post-Bale Spurs nosedived from the highs of the season before. In Roberto Soldado, they had a 30 million striker who couldn’t score from open play and in the talented Erik Lamela, Spurs had a club record signing who couldn’t adapt to the physicality of the Premier League and a couple of average injury-prone players. Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen was the only successful signing from a window where Spurs splashed over 100 million GBP.

However, a season on from the debacle post Gareth Bale and Spurs have invested well. Here’s a look at their show in the transfer market so far.

Transfers In :-

Mauricio Pochettino from Southampton

The Argentine manager was undoubtedly Spurs’ best signing of this transfer window. Prized away from Southampton, who suffered from an unfortunate exodus, Mauricio Pochettino is one of the brightest young managers in English Football. In a season and half he turned relegation threatened Southampton into a competitive mid-table team. With the Argentine at the helm and with the amount of talent at his disposal, White Hart Lane might witness some of the most delightful attacking football in the league this season.

Michel Vorm from Swansea – 5 million GBP

The Dutch keeper was one of Brendan Rodgers’ first signings as a Premier League manager 3 seasons ago. Having firmly established himself as one of the better goal-keepers in the league, it was about time Vorm made the step up from the Welsh club. A decent shot-stopper, Vorm is a fine goal-keeper who is at ease operating as a sweeper-keeper. Having moved to north London from South Wales, Vorm will look to push Hugo Lloris for the number 1 jersey. A very reliable back-up for the French captain,  Vorm represents the competition for places Pochettino wants to see in his squad.

Ben Davies from Swansea – Swap for Gylfi Sigurdsson

21 year old Welsh full back Ben Davies joined team-mate Michel Vorm in swapping Swansea for Spurs this summer. Left back – Davies joined Spurs while Icelandic midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson went the other way. Reliable in defence and providing quality in attack, Davies will bring much needed cover and competition for the left back slot at Spurs. With Danny Rose and Zeki Fryers all jostling for the same position, it can only be a good thing as Spurs tied down one of the brightest young defensive talents in the EPL. An astute defender, one who can guarantee consistency at the back – Ben Davies, credit to Spurs chairman Daniel Levy for pulling off a shrewd transfer coup with Liverpool showing interest in Davies too.

Eric Dier from Sporting Lisbon – 4 million GBP

Versatile English defender Eric Dier returns to the country of his birth after having completed a move to North London. The 20 year old defender is comfortable playing across the back-four and even in defensive midfield. Powerful in the air and strong in a tackle, Dier is an old fashioned defender coming through the ranks of the famed Sporting Lisbon academy. Under the tutelage of Mauricio Pochettino at White Hart Lane, Dier can be one of the young players to keep an eye out for this season.

Transfers Out:-

Among notable departures; young English midfielder Jake Livermore followed fellow Spurs academy graduate – Tom Huddlestone to Hull City on a permanent transfer after having spent last season on loan with Steve Bruce.

One time Spurs number 1 – Heurelho Gomes finally ended his six-year stay at White Hart Lane after the club decided to release the Brazilian Keeper. Gomes has since moved to Watford on a free transfer having signed a 1-year contract with the club.

 Verdict

If anything, Tottenham Hotspurs have learnt from last summer and invested in quality over quantity. In Mauricio Pochettino, Spurs fans have a manager who likes to work best with the resources already at the club. A couple of signings may follow before the end of August, most notably Morgan Schneiderlin from Southampton. However, Spurs look set to challenge for the top-four this season with an exciting and young manager at the helm this season. But wasn’t this the same situation last season ? Football is a funny game, only time will tell if Pochettino will better AVB.