Tottenham’s deadline day signing Moussa Sissoko has been speaking about his joy at joining the club and playing European football.
Spurs paid Newcastle United £30 million for the French international’s services as Mauricio Pochettino seeks to add more pace and athleticism to the North London outfit, with this definitely being seen as paying over the odds for a somewhat inconsistent player, but he has time on his side to justify the figure.
Sissoko has played a limited role so far in his Tottenham career, coming off the bench in the 4-0 away win at Stoke and the 2-1 defeat to Monaco on Wednesday.
Speaking to the Evening Standard, he said: “I spoke with Everton but when Tottenham came I wanted to join this club directly because it is a big club. Everything in my head was clear so I signed here.
“I’ve played in the Europa League and World Cups, I wanted to play in the Champions League. So I said yes I wanted to join this place.
“I’m very happy to be here. I need to work hard and be 100 per cent as soon as possible and help the team to win something and help them do well this season.”
That is pretty much what you’d expect from any new signing, but given that some pundits have questioned his application in the past, Spurs fans will be pleased to hear this type of commitment.
Elsewhere, former Chelsea and Millwall striker Tony Cascarino has said the Tottenham need more speed up front to supplement Harry Kane.
Kane has had a quiet start to this campaign on the goal-scoring front, but won the Golden Boot last year after a similarly slow beginning.
Writing in his Times column, Cascarino said: “Spurs lack someone who is lightning quick in attack.
“I wouldn’t want to take anything away from Harry Kane, who had a marvellous season last term, but having the option of a bit more pace in attack would make them a better team.”
The pitch at Wembley is six metres longer than at White Hart Lane, and though they may sound negligible, a Spurs team with more pace could have exploited this extra pace. There is no doubt that Kane is able to boast most attributes that any top striker needs, but searing acceleration and outright speed are not necessarily his forte.
The extra dimension brought about by a concerted threat in behind would make defenders think twice about pushing high up to compress the space, and could make Tottenham’s attacking efforts far more fruitful.
Finally, the Guardian are reporting that Spurs are tracking River Plate’s Lucas Alario after Liverpool saw a £8.5 million bid rejected.
Pochettino will obviously have sound information on the player from his native Argentina, and it would be a bold move for Tottenham.
The stricter criteria around work permits means many Premier League clubs are reluctant to dip into the South American market, and there is a lot of talent that goes undetected.
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