Transfer Story
Keita Balde has caused a lot of stir in the transfer market as interests from Premier League clubs seem to mount every day on the Lazio player with Tottenham Hotspur being added to the list of potential suitors. Until recently it was thought that Balde would be a prime target for Liverpool but Spurs have apparently stepped up their chase to acquire the 22-year-old.
The Senegalese had been a prominent figure for the Italian club last season and his fiery streak of performance up front has been celebrated by fans and experts alike. With the player having refused to sign a new contract, the Biancocelesti are set to lose their talisman for free next summer if they do not sell him in this one.
Although reluctant, the club officials might be forced to sell the player seeing the current situation and it would be the perfect time for Tottenham to swoop in on the player.
Pochettino is apparently interested in adding firepower alongside Kane keeping in mind the tenacious European and domestic fixtures up ahead and also to ward off some pressure on Kane, as they had faltered many times last season to create chances and goals upfront during their Englishman’s absence. Certainly, a viable option up front.
Let’s take a look at the stats of the individual.
Player Stats
The 22-year-old Senegalese had been impressive in the Serie A all throughout with his fitness, form and consistency which led to him appearing 31 times for Lazio in the past season and going on to score 16 and assisting 3 in the process.
Certainly, an admirable feat, the player has an amazing tactical awareness and lethal killer instinct in front of the opponent’s box which makes him a deadly figure to defend against.
The ex-Barcelona man also has an impeccable accurate pass percentage of 81 and has made 44 key passes for his team, which goes to exalt his creativity and immaculate vision in the opponent’s half.
As compared to the 2015-16 campaign in Serie A where the player only managed 4 goals and 2 assists in as many games, last season’s campaign just goes to show how much the player has developed from strength to strength in moulding himself as a lethal forward.
(Stats via FotMob)
What’ll he offer the Club?
The player would no doubt be a welcome addition to Spurs considering the pile of footballing fixtures awaiting them for next season. With Kane, Son and Balde as potential options for playing upfront, Pochettino would be spoilt for choices as the Argentine could rotate and utilise his options without having the fear of wearing out any of his forwards.
The Senegalese International has already shown glimpses and traits of his potential and could only get better under the guidance of Pochettino. Plus with him on the team sheet, it is bound to create some healthy competition for the trio upfront.
Safe to say if the Senegalese makes the trip to Tottenham this summer, the North London club would be a formidable force in the upcoming season.
