Summer Transfer Wish List - 2017

[dondo]

Not under £7m but the players I've mentioned in the post you quoted all cost £15m or less and made relatively instant impacts with us.

We were not one of the best teams in the league when we brought those players. You must understand that improving a top 5/6 side is easier than a top 2/3 side surely?

 

[dontcallme]

We were not one of the best teams in the league when we brought those players. You must understand that improving a top 5/6 side is easier than a top 2/3 side surely?

Don't get into that stupid trap of thinking people disagreeing with you means they don't understand something.

I have said over and over that improvement is not easy but unlike you I think we should be looking at improving the first team and not just improving the squad.

The cost of players is not simply based on their ability. The country they play in, the wealth of their club, their age, how well known the player is, current form etc can all drastically change the cost of a player.

This is why we regularly look to Holland, France and Germany for our players.

As much as I like our team right now I can't believe improving it is impossible.

 

[LexingtonSpurs]

Absolutely, I've regularly argued that much of our improvement can come through keeping many of the same players together. This will hopefully improve our team as a unit and the players progressingand improving can also improve the team.

All I am saying is that itis possible to improve the first team and we shouldn't dismiss this like it is mission impossible.

I agree. But the caveat, at least as it relates to most on this board, is that the players they want to "improve" the first team are out of our price range.

Obviously if we can find another Dele or Dier, or even Wanyama or Aderweireld - we should sign them straight away. Of course finding those guys and not Janssen or N'Koudou or Sissoko is the challenge. The reality is its hard to find the right guy who can settle in right away - at the price point where we shop. The players are definitely out there, and most teams are looking for the same players, but finding that right fit is not an exact science...

 

[dontcallme]

I agree. But the caveat, at least as it relates to most on this board, is that the players they want to "improve" the first team are out of our price range.

Obviously if we can find another Dele or Dier, or even Wanyama or Aderweireld - we should sign them straight away. Of course finding those guys and not Janssen or N'Koudou or Sissoko is the challenge. The reality is its hard to find the right guy who can settle in right away - at the price point where we shop. The players are definitely out there, and most teams are looking for the same players, but finding that right fit is not an exact science...

Absolutely. As someone who does not work in football the only names I can think of for improvement are obvious ones and thereby expensive.

We have a pretty decent record of purchasing players within our budget that improve the first team. Wanyama was that signing last summer and I believe there's someone out there who can improve us this summer.

 

[dondo]

Don't get into that stupid trap of thinking people disagreeing with you means they don't understand something.

I have said over and over that improvement is not easy but unlike you I think we should be looking at improving the first team and not just improving the squad.

The cost of players is not simply based on their ability. The country they play in, the wealth of their club, their age, how well known the player is, current form etc can all drastically change the cost of a player.

This is why we regularly look to Holland, France and Germany for our players.

As much as I like our team right now I can't believe improving it is impossible.

Your right it's not impossible it's justed very hard. For every alli there is a nkouduo or njie

 

[eddiev14]

They were fairly unknown when I recommended them. I recommended Ryan Sessengnon a year ago when I saw him playing for England U16, here's some unknown talent for you ; Faitout Maouassa, Myron Boadu and Vinicius Junior

Spursking?

 

[LexingtonSpurs]

As much as I like our team right now I can't believe improving it is impossible.

Not picking on you - you just happen to be in a conversational mood - but take the 3421 line-up, and where do you think we can realistically improve - I think it is close to impossible.

Not that there are not players who can improve those positions, but the actual costs to attain those players who are "certain" to improve the lineup is prohibitive. And the opportunity cost of not developing a player like Dele, or Kane, or Winks is significant - it sends the message that we want mercenaries coming in to take jobs - and I think that is bad for squad morale.

Kane - a number of players would be better, but we can't afford them, and we can't afford to demote Kane

Dele - One of the great potential players in England - but he is not a complete player yet, and we could go find someone who is currently better - but again the actual and opportunity costs are too great

Eriksen - maybe we can find someone here, but I think he is already vastly under-rated for the role he has to play - playmaker/longshots/closing down, etc - maybe you find someone here, but it won't be easy to find someone to slot in seamlessly and be better.

Walker - top RB in the league, we are not improving this position on our wage structure

Wanyama - Arguably only Kante plays this role better, and Wanyama outplayed Kante head-to-head. Not going to find a better player for this role

Dembele - best chance at finding an upgrade* - but only because we don't need Dembele's skills in this formation - specifically dribbling and ball-control. But, when you replace Dembele, you also have to factor in Winks' growth, and make sure we are not stunting his growth. I think there is a good chance Winks develops into a top CM for us.

Rose - see Walker, only on the left side.

Dier - I think I look at Dier differently than most - I think Poch sees Dier as a critical player for this squad. Poch has found a spot for Dier every year - 1st as a RB replacement, then as a DM, and now as a RCB. I don't think we are improving on current Dier, or an improving Dier at RCB - and even if you thought you could find that player - I don't think Poch is moving Dier. CCV coming in behind Dier, so we have to be careful about blocking his growth as a RCB or CB.

Alderweireld - see Walker, and Rose, only in the middle

Vertonghen - on this year's evidence, you are not going to afford a better player - without selling Vertonghen, and risking the partnership between Toby and Jan. And, lets face it, improving the defense has limited value, given how strong it already is. We do need a better replacement to play a LCB role - but that could be Davies.

Lloris - again not going to find a better player for this squad.


So - where are all the opportunities to improve the squad, without damaging future development or current morale?



*If you have seen any interview with a Spurs player answering who is the best player - it is unanimously Dembele. I think we can use a different set of skills in that position, so we can upgrade, but it would be a tough sell to the players.

 

[LondonOllie]

With regards to improving the starting first team - as has been said, with our wage structure and limited funds Spurs has compared to the richer clubs, it's not going to be possible. However, I do think it would be possible to improve our depth. This is where I think some other teams are far ahead of Spurs - they can potentially rotate in some very high quality players whereas in many areas I would say there's quite a big drop off for us.

 

[dontcallme]

Not picking on you - you just happen to be in a conversational mood - but take the 3421 line-up, and where do you think we can realistically improve - I think it is close to impossible.

Not that there are not players who can improve those positions, but the actual costs to attain those players who are "certain" to improve the lineup is prohibitive. And the opportunity cost of not developing a player like Dele, or Kane, or Winks is significant - it sends the message that we want mercenaries coming in to take jobs - and I think that is bad for squad morale.

Kane - a number of players would be better, but we can't afford them, and we can't afford to demote Kane

Dele - One of the great potential players in England - but he is not a complete player yet, and we could go find someone who is currently better - but again the actual and opportunity costs are too great

Eriksen - maybe we can find someone here, but I think he is already vastly under-rated for the role he has to play - playmaker/longshots/closing down, etc - maybe you find someone here, but it won't be easy to find someone to slot in seamlessly and be better.

Walker - top RB in the league, we are not improving this position on our wage structure

Wanyama - Arguably only Kante plays this role better, and Wanyama outplayed Kante head-to-head. Not going to find a better player for this role

Dembele - best chance at finding an upgrade* - but only because we don't need Dembele's skills in this formation - specifically dribbling and ball-control. But, when you replace Dembele, you also have to factor in Winks' growth, and make sure we are not stunting his growth. I think there is a good chance Winks develops into a top CM for us.

Rose - see Walker, only on the left side.

Dier - I think I look at Dier differently than most - I think Poch sees Dier as a critical player for this squad. Poch has found a spot for Dier every year - 1st as a RB replacement, then as a DM, and now as a RCB. I don't think we are improving on current Dier, or an improving Dier at RCB - and even if you thought you could find that player - I don't think Poch is moving Dier. CCV coming in behind Dier, so we have to be careful about blocking his growth as a RCB or CB.

Alderweireld - see Walker, and Rose, only in the middle

Vertonghen - on this year's evidence, you are not going to afford a better player - without selling Vertonghen, and risking the partnership between Toby and Jan. And, lets face it, improving the defense has limited value, given how strong it already is. We do need a better replacement to play a LCB role - but that could be Davies.

Lloris - again not going to find a better player for this squad.

So - where are all the opportunities to improve the squad, without damaging future development or current morale?

*If you have seen any interview with a Spurs player answering who is the best player - it is unanimously Dembele. I think we can use a different set of skills in that position, so we can upgrade, but it would be a tough sell to the players.

A fair post. Sometimes improving a team doesn't need a higher level of player, just a different skiilset.

As much as I like Dembele I think he is the easiest to replace and improve the team. I think we need a Modric-style player, not Modric of course, but someone who can pass intelligently, quickly turn possession into attack and dictate the game.

If we are to persist with a back three then Dier is the next to face competition for his place. In my view if Van Dyke was possible then a back three of Alderweireld, Vertonghen and Van Dyke would almost never let in a goal.

Dier would then become a utility player and getting game time in midfield and in centre back. The chances of Alderweireld,Vertonghen and Van Dyke going all season uninjured is pretty much zero so Dier would see plenty of game time to continue development.

I think we are broadly in agreement. Poch has instilled a meritocracy into the squad and the spirit is clearly very good. Every player should be hoping to reach the top and as a result should know their place is always something they have to work for.

 

[dontcallme]

With regards to improving the starting first team - as has been said, with our wage structure and limited funds Spurs has compared to the richer clubs, it's not going to be possible. However, I do think it would be possible to improve our depth. This is where I think some other teams are far ahead of Spurs - they can potentially rotate in some very high quality players whereas in many areas I would say there's quite a big drop off for us.

Really? Our injuries have been as bad as any other in the top 6 and we are still second.

 

[Dharmabum]

A fair post. Sometimes improving a team doesn't need a higher level of player, just a different skiilset.

As much as I like Dembele I think he is the easiest to replace and improve the team. I think we need a Modric-style player, not Modric of course, but someone who can pass intelligently, quickly turn possession into attack and dictate the game.

If we are to persist with a back three then Dier is the next to face competition for his place. In my view if Van Dyke was possible then a back three of Alderweireld, Vertonghen and Van Dyke would almost never let in a goal.

Dier would then become a utility player and getting game time in midfield and in centre back. The chances of Alderweireld,Vertonghen and Van Dyke going all season uninjured is pretty much zero so Dier would see plenty of game time to continue development.

I think we are broadly in agreement. Poch has instilled a meritocracy into the squad and the spirit is clearly very good. Every player should be hoping to reach the top and as a result should know their place is always something they have to work for.

I doubt Van Dyke (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Van_Dyke) would be much of an improvement in defense though But van Dijk, well, that may make sense.
On a serious note, I rather have Dier settle in to the 1st team by playing max amount of games than bring in a £30M CB, when Spurs have Dier and CCV who both need games to develop "properly".
As for Demeble: I don't understand why (relatively) so many on SC don't value his contribution when time and again Spurs players, oppentents and pundits say he's the best Spurs player He is certainly not an easy player to replace.

 

[dontcallme]

I doubt Van Dyke (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Van_Dyke) would be much of an improvement in defense though But van Dijk, well, that may make sense.
On a serious note, I rather have Dier settle in to the 1st team by playing max amount of games than bring in a £30M CB, when Spurs have Dier and CCV who both need games to develop "properly".
As for Demeble: I don't understand why (relatively) so many on SC don't value his contribution when time and again Spurs players, oppentents and pundits say he's the best Spurs player He is certainly not an easy player to replace.

I fully appreciate Dembele but as per my posts I believe we'll improve with a passer in that position over a dribbler.

None of our current 1st 11 are easy to replace.

Also Dick Van Dyke improves everything.

 

[LexingtonSpurs]

As for Demeble: I don't understand why (relatively) so many on SC don't value his contribution when time and again Spurs players, oppentents and pundits say he's the best Spurs player He is certainly not an easy player to replace.

When it comes to Dembele - and this particular formation - I think we would be better/more effective with someone who is either going to contribute goals, from distance, or assists, also from distance. Dembele is fantastic at holding possession, and at dribbling through the midfield. But, in this formation, we are moving the ball to the wing backs to carry the ball forward, or we are getting the ball to Eriksen. So, this role is most influential sitting behind Kane/Dele/Eriksen and if the player can hit that through ball, or chip, or unleash a long shot on target, I think we would be better than we are with Dembele - who is reliable in possession, but not attacking enough to create opportunities.

Great player though.

 

[GetSpurredOn]

The reality is there is a lot of upside to buying English based players...
Keane - to push for starting RCB or cover Toby in the middle, with Dier potentially returning to battle Wanyama for the DM shirt but still provide cover at CB. Some have suggested McGuire, could also be a viable option, potentially available since Hull are at risk, and without the Sissoko type relegated sell off fee due to his lower profile.
Shaw - some may laugh at this, but with his contract running down, having worked with Pochettino before, and the fact his stock has fallen since he moved to Utd, he may just feel he can rebuild with us, around other fellow young England teammates, and for a reasonable fee given his situation. Competing across various competitions suggests to me there'd be enough game time for both him and Rose. Some have suggested Robertson at Hull as worth a look, in a Trippier type situation.
Barkley - to provide an Eriksen alternative to open up defence's, albeit a slightly different skill set, and also be a potential Dembele alternative with some coaching on the defensive side of his game, allowing us to drive attack from deeper against lesser sides.
Zaha - to offer a viable alternative in attacking areas, bringing extra pace and dynamism, now he appears to be adding more of an end product.

Four young(ish) English based players who know the league. In terms of our history of overpaying, the key here is these four are all approaching the final year of their contracts, and as such their clubs know it's sell now or face losing them for nothing next season, so their value will depreciate accordingly.

I'd be happy enough with those four plus sign up Lopez permanently, as the sum of our summer business.
Would I like an added CF, maybe, but I still believe Janssen will come good, still young and adjusting, plus having Barkley and Zaha would allow Son to be a genuine forward option.

Particular areas we don't appear to have natural cover currently, if either Toby or Jan are out, we revert to a back 4, so identifying cover for them is critical. Is Wimmer trusted at LCB in a 3, not so much. Is Davies the answer? Davies is starting to do more as a LWB, but I think we'd be better with someone more natural there.
If Wanyama is out, we don't have a natural alternative without altering the defence as well to free up Dier, so either bring in another DM or else a CB capable of playing RCB and CB, covers varying options then.
Beyond that, without Lamela we have been exposed for a player outside of Eriksen to provide a bit of guile and class. Alli is effective, but in a different way, not the same type of player.

In - Lopez, Shaw/Robertson, Keane/Maguire, Barkley & Zaha.
Out - Vorm?, Fazio, Wimmer, Bentaleb, Sissoko, Njie, Nkoudou?

Squad balancing. Better balance for the formation we seem to prefer to play. From their our scouts should be looking at improving our developmental intake, so we get a production line of players coming through.

Lloris, Lopez, Walker, Trippier, Rose, Shaw, Keane, Carter-Vickers, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies, Wanyama, Dier, Dembele, Winks, Eriksen, Barkley, Alli, Zaha, Son, Kane, Janssen.

 

[doctor stefan Freud]

When it comes to Dembele - and this particular formation - I think we would be better/more effective with someone who is either going to contribute goals, from distance, or assists, also from distance. Dembele is fantastic at holding possession, and at dribbling through the midfield. But, in this formation, we are moving the ball to the wing backs to carry the ball forward, or we are getting the ball to Eriksen. So, this role is most influential sitting behind Kane/Dele/Eriksen and if the player can hit that through ball, or chip, or unleash a long shot on target, I think we would be better than we are with Dembele - who is reliable in possession, but not attacking enough to create opportunities.

Great player though.

Your last couple of posts have been really interesting so thanks. I see Dembele as a really useful squad player who allows us to play a measured possession based game when that's required. But equally, as you and other posters note, in the 3421 we need someone who can shift the ball accurately and quickly to the WBs or the two CAMs- a Modric style player who has the vision and technique to find short and long passes with ease. I think that player could well become Winks but perhaps not just yet. And that's the conundrum really; do we buy in a more experienced, evolved version of Winks and let him develop gradually- and hope progress isn't stymied- or does Poch give him more and more opportunities?
I think Dier answers so many questions as a player who can cover CDM and CB- Davies might well become our second LCB so really a younger version of Rose as an LB cover would make sense with Wimmer more than likely heading out.
I also feel we need another CAM for the two behind the striker to rotate. I really rate Lamela and think he'd thrive in that position but it depends on the nature of this so called injury and it's potential to recur. This might explain the noise about Barkley.
If we prefer the 3421 next season, I literally see no place for Sissoko- he doesn't have the guile to play behind Kane, nor the skill set to play in the CM role where Winks is way ahead of him. But then, in my limited understanding of football, where does that leave Zaha in that formation? Isn't he, like Sissoko, better suited for a 433/4231 formation?

 

[Blake Griffin]

i'd love us to try and get this guy if we're talking about dembele replacements



might be a bit of a long shot but it can't hurt to try. leipzig seem to be falling away lately and if they lose their cl spot then he may be easier to tempt.

 

[onlyonekeano]

Apologies if this has been posted already - some highlights of Zaha playing against Russia this week. I think he has so much natural ability and it is only a matter of time before he starts delivering on a more consistent basis. We don't really have anyone in the squad with his combination of pace, power and skill.

 

[Japhet]

When it comes to Dembele - and this particular formation - I think we would be better/more effective with someone who is either going to contribute goals, from distance, or assists, also from distance. Dembele is fantastic at holding possession, and at dribbling through the midfield. But, in this formation, we are moving the ball to the wing backs to carry the ball forward, or we are getting the ball to Eriksen. So, this role is most influential sitting behind Kane/Dele/Eriksen and if the player can hit that through ball, or chip, or unleash a long shot on target, I think we would be better than we are with Dembele - who is reliable in possession, but not attacking enough to create opportunities.

Great player though.

Dembele's main strength, IMO, is providing a safe 'out ball' for the back line, even when under pressure. His ability to shrug tacklers off is quite unique and inspires a lot of confidence. It means we don't often rely on a long ball out from the back unless it's a positive choice. Whilst Winks doesn't provide the same strength, he is pushing Dembele hard now and I wouldn't want any incoming player to disrupt that balance.

On a separate note, I don't think Davies is good enough at LCB or as a Rose stand in, so I think we should hold on to Wimmer and look for a LWB. Alternatively keep what we've got and try for Sessegnon and give him some time to develop. Up top we could do with Demarai Gray IMO.

 

[WiganSpur]

i'd love us to try and get this guy if we're talking about dembele replacements



might be a bit of a long shot but it can't hurt to try. leipzig seem to be falling away lately and if they lose their cl spot then he may be easier to tempt.

Like him a lot. Different player but if we are going to sign a midfielder and we're looking in Germany then Dahoud could be an option. He's running into the last year of his contract. Technically good with an eye for a pass but as I said a different player to Keita.

 

[Bus-Conductor]

Just don't get why we'd spend that kind of money - those two would surely cost about 60m ? - with neither actually being guaranteed first team starters. Who's place would either take ? In a 4231 I guess you could play Zaha in place of Lamela - assuming Lamela is done with us, but we are much better as a 342, and I don't really see where either would start in that format.