Team Focus: Recent Movements Suggests Change of Tack at Spurs

Tottenham have been largely criticised for what can rightly be considered an underwhelming start to the season. Once again the club has left it late in the window to make inroads in the transfer market, with the recent acquisition of Clinton N’Jie the only investment in attack made this summer. However, for a team whose defence was leakier than a broken sieve, the backline was rightly the first port of call for the North London side. 

While there are evidently still problems at the back, Spurs now need to focus their efforts on strengthening the attack. Recent developments suggest they are looking to do just that, with West Brom twice in the last week releasing statements insisting that they have rejected bids for striker Saido Berahino from the capital club. The Englishman, who missed the Baggies’ recent 3-2 defeat to Chelsea, has been heavily linked with a move to White Hart Lane this summer, with the respective arrivals of Rickie Lambert and Salomon Rondon only heightening speculation that a move away from the Hawthorns is possible. 

In the days building up the close of the transfer window, Spurs are expected to launch another assault for Berahino as they aim to not only bolster the offensive, but provide competition for star striker Harry Kane. Berahino’s potential capture - coupled with N'Jie's arrival - could suggest a change in system at White Hart Lane. As was the case last season, Pochettino is again utilising his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kane spearheading the attack and Christian Eriksen in support. 

In Nacer Chadli and one of Mousa Dembele or Erik Lamela - who has been linked with a move away from the club - Pochettino’s choices for pacey options in wide positions are slim. Granted, Aaron Lennon and Andros Townsend are available to the Argentine, but the former has been made aware that he has no future at the club, while the latter is recovering from injury. While the current trio are technically astute performers, the lack of speed on the flanks slows attacks and with Pochettino favouring his widemen to cut inside from the wings; this is a hindrance rather than a help. 

Having deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation in 39 of his 41 league matches as a Spurs coach, the approach has at times left a lot to be desired, with fans sometimes critical of Pochettino’s lack of tactical flexibility. This has limited the North London side’s ability to turn one point into three, with opponents familiar with this predictable route to goal. As a result, Spurs have become easy to defend against and have at times struggled to break down teams in their pursuit of victory. 

However, recent moves in the market suggests Pochettino could be prepared to alter his approach. To go with the signing of N’Jie and constant links with a move for Berahino, reports indicate the club are closing in on the signing of Heung-Min Son from Bayer Leverkusen. The South Korean comes with a big reputation of finding the back of the net from wise positions, popping up in the right place at the right time to beat the goalkeeper. Comfortable on either flank - or leading the attack if needs must - and with a keen eye for goal having netted at least 10 times in the previous three Bundesliga seasons, the 23-year-old boasts the attacking nous to make a significant impact at White Hart Lane. 

In the last four Bundesliga seasons, Son has netted more goals from counter attacking situations (8) than any other player. To put that into context, Spurs as a team over the same period have bagged just 4 more (12). The lack of pace when in the final third, particularly when on the backfoot, has clearly had an adverse effect in pursuit of a top-4 return. In Son, though, Pochettino would have himself a player capable of injecting directness into the attack line, while his two-footedness would add an element of unpredictability to Spurs. Of the 33 league goals the attacker has scored in the last four league seasons, 13 have been with his left foot and 17 with his right. 

Factor in N’Jie and Berahino’s explosive pace and Christian Eriken’s creative qualities in behind the attack, there is a possibility for Pochettino to move to a 4-3-3 formation. With Son and N’Jie on either flank supporting one of Harry Kane or Berahino and Eriksen in a deeper lying midfield position, Spurs would have the ability to not only unlock opposition defences, but stretch sides in the final third. 

Either way, Spurs are going through a somewhat radical change in the days leading up to the end of the transfer window. Spurs’ attack was laborious - borderline tiresome - on numerous occasions last season, but the capture of N’Jie and potential arrivals of Berahino and Son hint towards a change in tack in the current system. The club have been crying out for pace in the final third and in N’Jie, Berahino and Son; Spurs would pack that in abundance.

Would the possible signings of Son and Berahino, coupled with arrival of N'Jie, help Spurs secure a top-4 berth? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below