Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes that Carlos Vinicius is more than just a back up to Harry Kane since the Brazilian provides Jose Mourinho with a different kind of option upfront.
Vinicius arrived at Spurs on a season-long loan deal from Benfica just days before the European transfer deadline closed and he is now showing signs of having settled into his new surroundings.
The striker is yet to start a Premier League game for Spurs, with all of his starts so far coming in the Europa League (transfermarkt.com).
He opened his Tottenham account with a brace in the club’s 4-0 win over Ludogorets last week and will be hoping to keep his good form going when the Lilywhites travel to Austria to take on LASK tomorrow.
Robinson admitted that he is has been impressed with the all-round attributes that the 25-year-old possesses.
The former England number one told Football Insider: “He’s just a great signing, an all-round good signing.
“People talk about getting a replacement for Harry Kane when Kane’s not fit.
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“But Jose made a great point in a press conference, he’s not a replacement for Kane, he gives the manager another option.
“If Kane needs a rest or he wants to play a different formation. Vinicius is not there to make up the numbers, he gives the manager another option.”
Robinson also revealed that he expected Mourinho to start Vinicius and rest Kane on a few occasions over the coming weeks given the schedule the uncompromising schedule Tottenham have.
The pundit added: “Kane does not need to play three games in a week, the manager has another option, he can play a different team.
“We saw how many goals he scored in Portugal last year and the amount of goals he’s got in Europe this year for Spurs have shown what a quality player he can be.
“He’s settled in England so quickly. The biggest compliment you can pay him is if a Spurs team sheet came in now and Kane wasn’t on it and Vinicius was playing there would not be a huge reaction.”
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