During the latest Champions League matchday, Tottenham faced off against Barcelona at Wembley, with Barça coming out on top, winning 4-2. Lionel Messi scored two of Barça’s goals and assisted on the other two.
However, what was notable about this match was the fact that Barça’s fourth goal was only scored in stoppage time. Thus, Tottenham were able to keep it close against a team which are among the contenders to win it all.
While it was a commendable performance by the London club, especially since they were missing Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen, and Jan Vertonghen through injury, the fact that the match played out the way it did raises an important question: why didn’t Tottenham sign anyone during the previous transfer window?
This is a team that should obviously be built around one of the world’s best centre-forwards in Harry Kane. Tottenham have thus surrounded him with a capable supporting cast which includes the likes of Eriksen, Alli, Lucas Moura, Kieran Trippier, and Mousa Dembélé, among others.
But here’s the problem: if they are to genuinely contend for the Premier League or Champions League, they need at least one other player who is of the same star-level calibre as Kane.
Looking at their domestic rivals, in terms of true superstar players, Chelsea have N’Golo Kanté and Eden Hazard; Manchester City have Sergio Agüero and Kevin De Bruyne, and, while Liverpool only have one player at such a level in Mohamed Salah, they are coached by Jürgen Klopp, a coach so great that he has a similar impact to a star player. While Mauricio Pochettino is no slouch himself, he does not even come close to the level of the man in the Anfield dugout.
It’s the same story when the leading Champions League contenders are looked at. Real Madrid boast a remarkable four superstars: Raphaël Varane, Luka Modrić, Gareth Bale, and Thibaut Courtois. Barcelona can say the same, as they have Ivan Rakitić, Philippe Coutinho, Luis Suárez, and Messi. Bayern Munich? Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, and Robert Lewandowski. Paris Saint-Germain? Kylian Mbappé, Edinson Cavani, and Neymar. Atlético Madrid? Antoine Griezmann and Jan Oblak. Juventus? Cristiano Ronaldo and Giorgio Chiellini.
The main point is this: a team need at least two superstars to challenge for the Champions League title. Tottenham do not have that.
Over the last three years, Tottenham have made some solid signings who have proven to be important contributors to the team’s success, such as Moura, Davinson Sánchez, Son Heung-min, and Toby Aldeweireld. However, when considering the fact that the signings of Moura and Sánchez cost a combined ₤67 million, one realises that Tottenham missed out on the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mohamed Salah, who cost ₤56 million and ₤34 million respectively and signed in that same season. If Tottenham did not have Moura and Sánchez, but did have either Aubameyang or Salah, I have no doubt that they would be genuine Premier League and Champions League title contenders.
Even looking at just the Champions League match against Barça, you can’t help but think that if Tottenham did have a second star player to pair with Kane, they would have left with a draw or perhaps even a win.
By failing to sign even one player during the summer transfer window, Tottenham have all but guaranteed yet another season of near-misses. It’s not like they can’t attract players, either. They have a rich history, are near the top of the Premier League, are based in London, play at Wembley, and, as I already said, are one star away from becoming one of the best teams on the planet.
If, as I expect, Tottenham once again come up short in all competitions this season, the blame must be placed upon the team’s front office. This was their opportunity to really elevate the club to a new level, and they blew it.
The reality of club football right now is that solid players may win you games, but superstars win you titles. Unfortunately for Tottenham Hotspur and their fans, that is “superstars” as in plural, not singular. Although I do think Tottenham will have a good overall season which will probably include a high league finish and a deep Champions League run, it is likely to once again end without a single trophy to their name.
No comments:
Post a Comment