Premier League
Pochettino signs Wanyama for a second time
It has been confirmed that Victor Wanyama has become Tottenham’s first summer acquisition in what is expected to be a busy transfer window for the club.
Mauricio Pochettino has begun his quest to add depth to his already talented squad with the focus on Champions League commitments, along with besting last season’s Premier League finish. It has been confirmed that Victor Wanyama will be the Argentinian’s first summer acquisition for Tottenham Hotspur, in what is expected to be a busy transfer window for the club.
In 2013, when Pochettino was the boss at Southampton he signed Wanyama from Celtic, and the player enjoyed a successful time at St Mary’s, attracting interest from some top clubs including Manchester United. Now the Spurs boss has signed him again for an undisclosed fee and obviously holds the Kenyan in high regard.
A defensive-midfielder perfectly suited to England’s top flight, Wanyama’s strength provides the ideal cover for the centre-backs. His reliability in protecting the defence is great for Spurs’ style of play as the attacking full-backs, Danny Rose and Kyle Walker, prefer to raid up the flanks rather than defend. It begs the question, though, as to where he will fit in the manager’s plans as Eric Dier has been doing a fine job in the same position thus far.
Of course, with all the extra games in Europe, it is imperative for Spurs to rest and rotate players to avoid injury and fatigue. They were let down in the title run-in due to tiredness setting in, and it would have been useful to have some cover in key positions. Pochettino likes to set-up his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation, so there will always be space for two holding midfielders. One would imagine, though, that in the league, Dier and Moussa Dembele will be higher in the pecking order for now.
Spurs were arguably one of the most enjoyable sides to watch in the league last season, and there is a sense that Pochettino is the man who can raise them to elite status. It is imperative that they build on last season, and learn from their mistakes. Fans can buy tickets to watch Tottenham play Everton at Goodison Park on the opening day of the season, in what will be an exciting battle of wits between Pochettino and another former Southampton boss, Ronald Koeman. Before this tie on August 13th, there could be many more big transfer deals happening at both of these clubs.
Spurs are also in the market for a new striker to share the load with Harry Kane. Kane has been incredible for the side for two seasons running, picking up the Golden Boot last time out. But there is a worry that all this playing time will soon catch up with the England striker, who is such an essential part of this team.
Pochettino’s team were whiskers away from lifting the Premier League trophy last season. Can they grow stronger from that and go all the way this time? Solid acquisitions which add depth to the squad, like Wanyama, are sure to put them on the path to glory.
