Unpredictability Tottenham Hotspur The campaign continued into the new year in full force.
In just two weeks, Angie Postecoglou The team lost at home to Newcastle United, and beat an impressive Liverpool in the first leg League Cup semi-final, then needed extra time to beat fifth-tier strugglers Tamworth Town in the FA Cup.
However, with the progress made in the two cup competitions, the mood at N17 is more positive than it was last week, and in more encouraging developments, the summer signings of… Dominic SolankeLukas Bergvall and Archie Gray Continue to prove their value and the manager is right.
Tottenham's latest level |
||
---|---|---|
a race |
opposition |
a result |
FA Cup |
Tamworth (A) |
3-0 ET (W) |
League Cup |
Liverpool (h) |
1-0(w) |
Premier League |
Newcastle (home ground) |
2-1 (L) |
Premier League |
wolves (h) |
2-2 (d) |
Premier League |
jungle (a) |
1-0 (left) |
So, recent reports linking the club with a striker who currently outperforms Solanke in a move reminiscent of Gray should pique fans' interest.
Tottenham Hotspur pursue strikers who score free goals
according to A recent report from SpainTottenham are interested in West Bromwich Albion's veteran goalscorer, Josh Maja.
Alongside the Lilywhites, the report revealed that fierce rivals and fellow Premier League giants Chelsea are also keen to land the 26-year-old striker this month.
While competition from the big-spending Blues is not ideal for the north Londoners, the good news is that according to the report, the former Sunderland star is worth around £15m, a sum the club could easily land as a reserve striker. Justifies.
It could be a complicated move to get over the line, but given Maja's form this season and Spurs' need to support Solanke, it's one worth pursuing, especially as there are similarities to Gray's move in the summer.
How does Maja compare to Solanki and Gray
Well, before we take a look at Maja's form this season and how he measures up to the man he could compete with if he joins Tottenham, Solanke, let's explore the key similarity between his potential move and Gray's.
The most significant similarity is that, as with the teenager's move, the north Londoners will be pouncing on one of the best players in a Championship side chasing promotion.
Granted, the 26-year-old striker's potential upside is far less than the teenage star, but as with… He is currently West Bromwich's top scorerHe is arguably more important to them than the Englishman was to Leeds United.
However, how did the Lewisham-bred poaching season compare to the Solanke season this year?
Well, in just 26 matches for the BaggiesWith a total of 2077 minutes, the “exciting” striker, as he called him Nigerian football writer Sam AudoHe scored on 12 occasions, averaging a goal every 2.16 matches, or every 173 minutes.
MAGA vs. Solanki |
||
---|---|---|
players |
||
Appearances |
26 |
28 |
minutes |
2077' |
2158' |
Objectives |
12 |
11 |
Goals per match |
0.46 |
0.39 |
Minutes per goal |
173.08' |
196.18' |
Helps |
2 |
6 |
Goal shares in every match |
0.53 |
0.60 |
Number of minutes per goal participation |
148.35' |
126.94' |
All stats via Transfermarkt |
On the other hand, Postecoglou's main centre-forward found the back of the net 11 occasions in 28 matchesA total of 2,158 minutes, meaning he currently scores a goal every 2.54 games, or every 196.18 minutes.
Now, while this comparison certainly paints the Nigeria international in a great light, it is important to add that the former Bournemouth star has also provided six assists to his two this season and that the England player is operating in a far more challenging league.
However, even with this added context, Maja's performances this season have been very impressive, and while he should not be viewed as an upgrade on Solanke, he would certainly serve as a useful backup, especially with Richarlison still struggling with injury. Relapse after injury relapse.
Therefore, as long as the price remains at £15m, Daniel Levy and co should look to bring the West Brom star up to No. 17, as he will be a valuable player in the squad, and the latest signing they made from the Championship is settling into the league. The team is doing well.