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It’s promising to see this Thomas Franck has the support of Tottenham Hotspur board of directors, who are ready to support their manager in difficulty in the transfer market in January.
It is clear that investments are necessary. Spurs are 14th in the table Premier League table, which is progress after last year’s flirtation with the drop zone, but still so far below the expected standard on the N17.
But while Tottenham need to recruit – particularly in wide attacking positions – they have been buffeted by a winter hailstorm when it comes to Antoine Semenyo, with Sky Sports reveal they have ended their interest in the Bournemouth winger as Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United all step up their intrigues.
Son Heung-min aside, Tottenham have often found their wingers flattered to deceive in recent years. They need to get it now, especially if long-term interest in Semenyo is to be wiped out.
How Spurs can respond after missing out on Semenyo
There is no doubt that Semenyo is a top talent. He has scored eight goals and set up three more in the Premier League this season, with such power and dynamism in his performances.
However, Tottenham might already have their own version. Mike Moorewho is on loan in the Scottish Premiership with Rangers. The 18-year-old is a fantastic dribbler with a low center of gravity and a strong core.
However, Tottenham must continue to reorient their flanks. There are too many driftwood boards around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and this has been a recurring theme for some time.
Take Erik LamélaFor example. The former Lilywhites winger joined Roma for around £26 million in 2013, part of that influx of players who replaced Gareth Bale when the Welshman went to Real Madrid for a world record fee. He had natural talent, but he thrived largely on deceiving, scoring just 17 times in the Premier League in 177 appearances. Only twice has he scored more than two goals in a single league campaign.
Signing Lamela after Bale left for Los Blancos is a misstep that could be attributed to the current situation, should Tottenham fail to hit the right target.
However, whoever the north Londoners sign, they may want to take advantage of another flop that makes the Argentine look like a good signing.
Spurs must sell ‘scary’ winger
As the January transfer window looms, Tottenham have drawn up a list of targets to strengthen Frank’s squad. Semenyo is joined by RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo in being on the radar, according to TEAMtalk.
These deals would be expensive to complete, so Spurs may want to emphasize shipping. Brennan Johnson outside, with the £100,000-a-week winger having been left out this season.
Johnson, 23, scored 19 goals in all competitions last season, including the winner in the Europa League final against Manchester United, but his overall play leaves much to be desired. Tottenham just need to be ruthless and ensure he leaves next month to underline their ambitions.
The Wales international is a sought-after man with Crystal Palace pushing to complete a loan move when the market opens in January.
A prolific striker, Johnson simply doesn’t offer enough, inhibiting a Spurs team struggling for creativity and fluidity in the thirds.
Indeed, Johnson could be congratulated for his “scary rhythm” by content creator HLTCO, but he doesn’t use his weapons effectively.
|
League Stats – Johnson vs Diomandé |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (* per match) |
24/25 |
25/26 |
|
Matches (departures) |
33 (24) |
15 (6) |
|
Goals |
11 |
2 |
|
Aids |
3 |
0 |
|
Keys |
27.8 |
16.5 |
|
Shots (on target)* |
1.6 (0.9) |
0.4 (0.1) |
|
Precise passes* |
13.1 (76%) |
6.5 (71%) |
|
Opportunities created* |
0.6 |
0.4 |
|
Suc. dribble* |
0.6 (46%) |
0.2 (33%) |
|
Ball recoveries* |
1.9 |
0.9 |
|
Tackles + interceptions* |
1.3 |
1.1 |
|
Duels won* |
2.8 |
1.6 |
|
Given Couch Score |
||
FBref data further highlights Johnson’s shortcomings, revealing that the Wales international ranks in the bottom 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot creation actions (1.25) made per 90.
Shot creation actions are gameplay elements that lead to a shot. These include moments such as a pass, a takeover or a foul committed.
You can understand why Frank is hesitant to give him regular minutes in the Premier League. Johnson has a natural eye for goal, but he flattered to deceive when looking at his wider gameplay.
Lamela, on the other hand, offered something when welcomed onto the pitch, with his winning goal over Puskas in the North London Derby being a good example. Club legend Ossie Ardiles even thought the 33-year-old retiree was “more skillful than Bale“when he was at his peak.
If Tottenham are to get going, they need to ensure that Johnson, a player offering extremely little, less than Lamela, is shipped out.
