A lot of Spurs fans seem keen on Mikkel Damsgaard following his impressive displays at EURO 2020 for Denmark. However, personally, I struggle to see the hype around him.
Far too many players have been one-hit wonders at international tournaments and gone on to flop after being bought for big fees that summer.
His stats in Serie A, a much larger sample size, suggest there’s a real chance he’s going to be the next addition to that long list if he moves this summer.
Let’s take a look at some of his stats from last season with Sampdoria:
- 35 total appearances (transfermarkt)
- 2 goals (transfermarkt)
- 4 assists (transfermarkt)
- 0.7 key passes per game (129th in Serie A according to whoscored)
- 0.7 shots per game (151st in Serie A according to whoscored)
That is really uninspiring, to say the least. We’re talking about a player who reportedly will cost around €40-45 million according to Fabrizio Romano. Sampdoria’s President also said to the press, “Damsgaard is not for sale this summer, I’m sorry – unless there’s a big offer that can excite us”.
He does contradict himself in this statement, backtracking from his initial claim that he is not for sale, which makes me think they are looking to bait someone into overpaying after his flash in the pan at the Euros, as this is their one really valuable asset.
Spurs should not fall into this trap. Let’s compare Damsgaard to other players who have gone for similar figures to what he’s valued at in this window.
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Emiliano Buendia, reportedly went to Aston Villa for £30 million, potentially rising to £40 million if certain add-ons come through (Guardian)
In the Premier League with Norwich in 19/20 Buendia had:
- 36 appearances (transfermarkt)
- Only 1 goal, however, he had 7 assists (transfermarkt)
- 2.3 key passes per game, 4th in the Premier League (Whoscored)
- 1.1 shots per game, 90th in the Premier League (whoscored)
Those stats are much more impressive than Damsgaard, especially how many chances he was creating in a team that ultimately finished bottom of the league.
Not to mention he shone in the Championship last season, winning the EFL Championship player of the season award and making it into the Championship’s team of the season (as per the EFL)
Another player whose stats we can look at is Leon Bailey, who reportedly joined Aston Villa for around £30 million as well (Guardian)
In the Bundesliga last season, Bailey had:
- 30 appearances (transfermarkt)
- 9 goals (transfermarkt)
- 9 assists (transfermarkt)
- 1.6 key passes per game, 21st in the Bundesliga (whoscored)
- 1.9 shots per game, 18th in the Bundesliga (whoscored)
Once again, much more impressive stats from a player in Bailey who ultimately could cost less than what Damsgaard’s potential transfer fee could be.
Sassuolo reportedly placed a 40 million euro pricetag on winger Domenico Berardi before the transfer window started, and here’s a look at his stats
- 30 appearances (transfermarkt)
- 17 goals (transfermarkt)
- 8 assists (transfermarkt)
- 1.9 key passes per game (8th in Serie A)
- 3.8 shots per game (4th in Serie A)
Comparing Damsgaard to other players going for around that pricetag shows you that in the end, this would likely be an overpay for Tottenham.
Then, let’s have a look at Bryan Gil, a player who was on loan at Eibar last season from Sevilla, who Spurs recently signed, who’s widely regarded as a creative winger (what Damsgaard supposedly is as well)
- 29 appearances (transfermarkt)
- 4 goals (transfermarkt)
- 3 assists (transfermarkt)
- 1.8 key passes per game, 9th in La Liga (whoscored)
- 1.4 shots per game, 31st in La Liga (whoscored)
So Spurs already have a player at the club who’s outperforming Damsgaard in all metrics and is younger than Mikkel.
I think if anyone spends the type of money Sampdoria are looking for to get Damsgaard this summer, it would be a mistake.
I don’t think he’s nearly as good as that price tag would suggest and there are much better deals out there for clubs shopping for some potential playmaking ability.
Also, Spurs really don’t need to be prioritising spending big money on a winger right now compared to other positions, especially one that would be such a gamble.
Spurs in particular should only be looking to spend that type of money on a winger if it’s a more proven and exciting commodity.
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