As we continue the merry-go-round of potential managers, which should surely start to clear up after the appointment of Fabio Paratici as General Manager (The Athletic), I find that I am personally drawn to the idea of Erik ten Hag.
He has a good pedigree, has recent trophies to show and has an excellent track record of developing youth team graduates and younger players, which is a synergy between what Ajax are famed for and what Tottenham prefer as a business model.
Below is a list of a few players he has worked with previously who might be good additions to the Tottenham squad if he was appointed.
Lisandro Martinez
A left sided Centre Back is something that Tottenham are crying out for. The Argentine was regularly used in the last season, making 42 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with 3 goals and one assist (Transfermarkt). At 23 years of age, he has time on his side to get better with age. Estimated value £19.8m (Transfermarkt).
Noussair Mazraoui
The right-back spot will be up for grabs next season, through uncertain futures and underwhelming seasons from Matt Doherty and Serge Aurier.
Morrocan Mazraoui is showing that he has all the energy and intensity needed to be a hit in the Premier League, even if it does take a while to settle to the speed of the English game.
However, he snatched a Champions League goal last season, so isn’t thought to be far away. Estimated value £14.6m (Transfermarkt).
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Ryan Gravenberch
A real jewel in the Ajax academy crown from the last few years, the central midfielder is a player massively popular in the Football Manager community and is predicted to have a very bright future.
He played 85% of all minutes in the Eredivisie last season, in the starting line up 91% of the games, getting 3 goals and 5 assists in that time (Transfermarkt).
At 19, he has the world at his feet, and the cost will reflect that, despite Transfermarkt suggesting £28m value, I would suggest closer to £40m would be needed to prise him away.
David Neres
The lively wide forward is exceptional on his day, but found himself only playing about a third of all minutes in 20/21, with the emergence of fellow Brazilian Antony a contributing factor.
However, a return of 3 goals and 5 assists in a lot fewer minutes isn’t terrible, if no where near his best.
Being out of favour under ten Hag last season makes it unlikely, but Tottenham may be in need of a right forward depending on Bale and Moura’s futures. However, Bergwjin may be a great option already at the club and priorities elsewhere on the pitch.
Donny van de Beek
WILDCARD!
Yes, he has already left Ajax and is in Manchester, but has had a season to forget with United, making 19 appearance mostly from the bench, and chipping in with just a goal and an assist in the Premier League – a poor return for a player with great ability (Transfermarkt).
The thought of reuniting with his previous manager in a league he wants to prove himself in might be a very attractive option for van de Beek, and for United, it is unlikely they will entertain a sale unless they are trying to recoup funds for a big move for another player, or use the player as bait for a certain Mr Kane… (not going there in this article!)
Notable mentions – Antony is a great prospect, but it is unlikely that Ajax will let him move on for the kind of money Tottenham will offer, and Lassina Traore is looking like a great forward, but not sure he is ready for the demands of the Premier League
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