Transfer story
Tottenham Hotspur fans have had nothing to cheer for in the transfer window due to their inactivity this summer. The club were criticised for showing the lack of ambition, but with a bigger stadium being constructed and an able squad, you can’t help but think they’re doing the right thing by playing it safe.
Spurs, however, have made a statement by signing Davinson Sanchez for a club record transfer fee, which means Pochettino wants his side to challenge for the title once again this season. Now, if the recent reports from Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo are to believed, the North Londoners are looking to sign Barcelona youngster Sergi Roberto.
This particular rumour might give a fresh lease of life to Tottenham’s supporters as Sergi Roberto could prove to be the signing of the summer for Mauricio Pochettino.
Player’s stats
Since the departure of Dani Alves to Juventus and the Paris-Saint Germain, former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique deployed Sergi Roberto as his first choice right-back for a majority of the season. Being only 25 years of age, Roberto performed his duties fairly well as he recorded six assists in La Liga.
Despite his medium stature, he nearly won one aerial duel in every match. However, his passing ability was impeccable as he completed 88% successful passes. Roberto also created 34 chances during the season and was an able partner to support Lionel Messi on the right flank.
Barcelona completed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Paulinho and are trying to sign Phillipe Coutinho. They have already signed Nelson Semedo as their right-back and this makes Roberto’s departure more sensible as he might find his chances hard to come by.
Do Tottenham need him?
Mauricio Pochettino lost his trusted fullback Kyle Walker to Manchester City earlier in the transfer window. Thus, the Argentine manager is looking to fill the vacant spot left by Walker. Sergi Roberto is one of the most versatile young players in Europe. He has been used as a right-back, defensive midfielder and as a central midfielder by the Catalans.
He provides plenty of options to the manager and can swap positions in between the match. Mauricio Pochettino likes to have players who can play multiple positions like his trusted midfielder Eric Dier. Roberto’s inclusion might not make much of a change in the team’s formation but will add some good depth as he can be played in multiple positions.
Is he worth the fuss?
Barcelona cannot afford to lose another player after Neymar’s exit to Paris-Saint Germain. Ernesto Valverde has his options limited and would like to have a settled squad at the disposal. However, if Roberto feels he won’t get into the starting eleven, he might be better off with a move to Tottenham.
Mauricio Pochettino is known to train youngsters well and under good guidance, Roberto can turn out to be one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
