Mauricio Pochettino has done some impressive things with the squad at his disposal at Tottenham Hotspur but with nothing to show for in what has been the best period for the club since the turn of the century, they might have to do something special before the start of the next season.
They need star players, who can help them win silverware and one player they are monitoring is Real Madrid star Mateo Kovacic.
Spurs Join Race For Kovacic:
One of the most exciting midfielders at the moment in Europe, the Croatian international has struggled to break into the first team under Zinedine Zidane and was linked with an exit even last summer. He has managed just one league start in Spain this season and is reportedly looking for an exit at the end of the current campaign.
The likes of Inter Milan and AS Roma are both interested in his services but reports now claim that Tottenham Hotspur are also keeping a close eye on the 23-year old. So should they move for him in the summer?
Kovacic And His Style Of Play:
A gifted footballer with superb touch and technique, Kovacic is a smart footballer, who loves to dictate play in the middle of the field. He is a strong and physically dominating midfielder but is at his best when playing in the transition from defence to attack.
He can turn away from a pool of defenders with ease, has great vision and is adept at creating chances in the final third but he is at his best at the middle of the park, constantly looking to take his team forward. He is also ready to put in the hard yards when needed, and is good with interceptions, making him a dangerous player.
He may not be the strongest in the air but his positional sense and awareness of his surroundings allow him to stay a step ahead of his opponents. He is the first choice midfielder for his country, having already made 38 international appearances and is an established star, ready to compete at the highest level.
Can Spurs Lure Him To England?
At the moment, Italian giants Inter Milan and Roma are also in the race for his signature but if he decides to quit Real Madrid, Kovacic will have suitors at some of the best clubs in the world. He has a €50m release clause, which will attract more clubs and it will not be easy for Pochettino to lure him to the English capital.
But the Argentine’s reputation and a chance to walk into the first team at Wembley might tempt the 23-year old. Spurs have used Eric Dier and Victor Wanyama to partner Mousa Dembele, who is now 30. Harry Winks is still relatively young and Pochettino needs an established midfielder, who can not only partner the Belgian but also replace him in the long term.
Kovacic fits the bill perfectly. Pochettino’s history of getting the best out of youngsters may also play a part in this move but is Kovacic the right man for Spurs?