Tottenham Hotspur scout all-action Premier League midfielder: A masterstroke by Pochettino?

Although the transfer window has closed, there is still a lot of talk about players potentially moving in the summer. With the World Cup this year, there could be a lot more movement as teams will scout players in the biggest tournament there is in football.

Tottenham Hotspur have a pretty good squad but it can get better. While they haven’t had problems scoring goals owing to Harry Kane’s presence, perhaps the addition of a good long-term backup is needed come summer. Fernando Llorente has done a decent job, but he isn’t getting any younger.

Spurs’ approach is pretty clear as the team like to play on the front foot. A pressing style means they’ll need a bigger squad as the rotation will be the key to going deep in competitions and winning some silverware, something the club haven’t managed despite all the progress in recent years under Pochettino.

In a bid to add more depth to their squad, they’ve been linked with Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure. The 25-year old has had a stellar season with the Hornets so far and is attracting interest from Pochettino according to reports.

The gaffer was reportedly present during Watford’s clash against Chelsea to scout the Malian and was pretty impressed with his performance.

Doucoure can be a good option at the centre

The midfielder has developed pretty well since moving to Vicarage Road in 2016. After initially struggling to make an impact, a loan spell with Granada served him well as he has come back and put in consistent displays for the side.

A pretty strong lad, Doucoure has the drive to play as a box to box midfielder. His late runs into the opposition box and his composure in the attacking third means his productivity is pretty impressive.

So far this season, he has mustered seven goals and two assists playing as a central midfielder which speaks volumes of his ability as a box to box midfielder. He’s no muck when it comes to defending either as he has managed 2.3 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game in the Premier League.

If he signs for the club, he could be a good alternative to Mousa Dembele who doesn’t have a solid backup and is 30 already. Wanyama and Dier are more of defensive minded midfielders who make the occasional dash up front, so Doucoure’s purchase will make Spurs’ squad better.

He could cost the club around £20m if not more, so Watford stand to make a decent profit on the £8m they paid for him a couple of years ago.

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