Tottenham Hotspur have made no incoming transfers in the summer, as their business has been particularly worrying considering their aspiration for trophies. Some signings were expected on the deadline day, but even the chances for that seem to be bleak. Despite their dire business this time around, Spurs had previously made some shrewd signings on the deadline day. Here, I note down three best players whom Tottenham had signed previously on the deadline day.
- Rafael van der Vaart:
Rafael van der Vaart is a Dutch professional, who played as an attacking midfielder and was signed by Spurs from Real Madrid in 2010. His transfer was quite peculiar, as van der Waart’s move was completed after Spurs took special permission from the Premier League. Apparently, there were some server connection issues and hence the formalities could not be completed within the given deadline.
He spent two complete seasons at White Hart Lane before moving to Hamburg in the summer of 2012/13. During his stay at Tottenham, van der Vaart made 63 appearances for Spurs and scored 26 goals. His creativity and flair had an instant impact amongst fans, and the Dutchman became was a fan favorite at the North London based club.
- Dele Alli:
Spurs signed Dele Alli in the winter transfer window on 2015, but he was immediately loaned back to MK Dons for the remainder of the season. Alli made his Premier League debut against Manchester United and since then has become an integral member of Spurs’ side. His dynamic style of play and versatility to play through the wings and from the centre has earned him massive recognition.
Alli has been a vital part of Mauricio Pochettino’s setup, and despite undergoing through certain bouts of inconsistencies, Alli has always managed to recover his best form. He has scored 37 goals and in 106 Premier League appearances over the course of three seasons. Most notably, Alli scored 18 goals in the 2016/17 season, which is a great goal-scoring return for an attacking midfielder. Spurs have tied him to a contract until 2021, and Alli has undoubtedly been one of the best deadline day coups in the Premier League.
- Christian Eriksen:
Christian Eriksen is a former Ajax midfielder who was lured by Spurs on the deadline day of the summer transfer window of 2013. The Danish midfielder is the lynchpin of the current Spurs’ team, as his form and style of play is completely detrimental to the way his team functions on the field. He is a dynamic playmaker, as his passing range and set-piece abilities make him an indispensable member of the squad. Eriksen has made 171 appearances in the league so far and has scored 41 and assisted in 48 goals.
Initially, the 26-year-old struggled to adjust to the pace and physicality of the league. However, over the years, he has carved a niche for himself, often demonstrating his creativity whenever required. He scored all kinds of goals, but Eriksen’s long-range shooting prowess is quite impressive. Out of all the transfers that Spurs have completed in the deadline day in recent times, none of them have been an important and effective as that of Eriksen’s move.
