Vincent Janssen – Where Does he Fit in at Spurs?

This has been a complicated transfer saga, with both AZ Alkmaar and Tottenham standing firm in negotiations, but it is finally close to completion. Vincent Janssen has been the priority target for Mauricio Pochettino since the season ended and he looks to have landed his man for around €22m. This is a large fee for a player coming from the Eredivisie and there will be eyebrows raised from those that haven’t seen a great deal of the striker. However, regular watchers of the Eredivisie are fully aware of how good Janssen is and his potential. Many expect him to be central to the Dutch national team’s recovery and it’s a great bit of business by Tottenham.

Last season, Tottenham desperately needed back up for Harry Kane, who had to play nearly every game for the club. He had a great season and proved that he is more than a one-season wonder. Although he is the undoubted starting centre forward at the club, he showed signs of tiring towards the end of the season and looked dead on his feet at the European Championships. A new striker was a must this summer for Spurs, as it will increase competition and allow Pochettino to rest Kane on a regular basis.

They have been linked with Alexandre Lacazette and Michy Batshuayi, but these would have been expensive, and Tottenham were looking for a player that would be happy to play a lesser squad role. It would have been crazy to spend £30m+ on a striker only for them to play a secondary role to Kane, and this is why the two strikers mentioned above weren’t pursued seriously by Pochettino. Janssen will initially be happy to support Kane, but the Dutchman has thrived at every new challenge of his career to date and will be confident of breaking into the Spurs side over time. At the age of 22, he fits well into the young, hungry squad being put together at Spurs, and Oranje fans will be hoping that Pochettino takes his game onto the next level.

Janssen has a lot of talent, and had an extraordinary rise in the Dutch game, going from Almere City to the Dutch national side inside 12 months. His sharp mind and intelligent movement have allowed him to adapt every time he steps up in the game. He is full of running when he is on the pitch and that will fit in well at Spurs, with Pochettino demanding an energetic side. He is strong and has decent pace, making him perfect for this Spurs side. Janssen is a good finisher when he is given a chance in the final third, while he likes to link up the play as well, bringing others into the game. He often looks to use flicks and backheels to get out of tricky situations, showing his impressive vision when on the ball.

His mentality is without doubt the most impressive part to his game, as he looks unfazed every time he takes on a new challenge. In just his second international game, he got a goal and an assist at Wembley, causing havoc against the English back four. This performance will give him confidence going to England, as he looked at home on the international stage. He faces a battle to break into the Spurs first team, and he needed time at AZ before fully settling in. His self-belief allowed him to get through this tricky period last season and he will believe in his own ability to do well at Tottenham. It is important Spurs fans are patient with Janssen because he has the attributes to be a great player for the club.

This is a great move for Tottenham, as he fits their style of play well and isn’t costing as much as others would have. It also gives Pochettino the option to play two up front, which he hasn’t had since taking over at the club. Janssen has thrived throughout his career when he has been given a new challenge and I expect him to do well in the Premier League. It is crucial that he is afforded patience as other players from the Eredivisie have been written off to soon. It is a risk for Janssen to move to England, when another season in the Eredivisie may have been more beneficial, but he will be confident that he will be a great success. I certainly wouldn’t back against it.