Tottenham make move to sign Palhinha after Nuno green light

[Japhet]

Well Hojbjerg isn't a DM, so yes... a dedicated deep lying midfield destroyer would be just the ticket.

What I really like is that his profile says he's comfortable at CB. That would allow us to have him drop into a back 3 with both wingbacks pushing up when we're in possession. 433 effectively becomes 343 with plenty of width. We were really good with that kind of fluid setup under Poch but then reverted to a much more rigid 4213 formation which, IMO, is when the wheels began to come off. Being able to switch formations on the hoof is such a great thing to be able to do, but you need the right players. Palhinha looks like he could be one.

 

[Spurslove]

Well Hojbjerg isn't a DM, so yes... a dedicated deep lying midfield destroyer would be just the ticket.

Some fans say he is and others say he's not. It's up to all of us to make our own minds up. I say sometimes he is and sometimes he's not.

 

[Neon_Knight_]

We do need depth, but what badly need imo is a playmaker.

I still think Lo Celso could be this player - just needs to stay fit!

 

[LeBonge79]

I still think Lo Celso could be this player - just needs to stay fit!

Not convinced. I do really like him as a player though. Hope he can stay fit

 

[Neon_Knight_]

Some fans say he is and others say he's not. It's up to all of us to make our own minds up. I say sometimes he is and sometimes he's not.

What we do know is he can break up play and support the defence (as he did for us last season), but he's also capable of a lot more when paired with a CDM who allows him to player higher up the pitch (as he did in the Euros).

I like the idea of us giving him more freedom, so that he can win the ball higher up the pitch while a CDM covers behind and shields the defence. Essentially, Hojbjerg fulfilling the Dembele role while a new signing fulfils the Wanyama role.
Hojbjerg could drop back to CDM when the new signing is unavailable.
Skipp would provide cover for Hojbjerg / the new CDM.
Lo Celso / Ndombele / Dele (or Moura) could play in a more advanced central role, with Lo Celso and Ndombele also able to play the "Dembele" role when required.
That's a lot of strength in depth, without us ever having to rely on Ndombele or Dele to play deeper than their attributes are suited to (as they often had to in the last 2-3 years).

 

[dagraham]

I still think Lo Celso could be this player - just needs to stay fit!

I think he’s a good player, but feel he’s a bit overrated. And as you say, even if he does kick on, his fitness is a concern.

Plus with Ndombele being virtually a lost cause it’s a massive issue for us.

Improving our defence is obviously a priority, but midfield is often where games are won and lost and I feel we badly need to make another midfield signing who can dictate games and give us some control and unlock the oppositions defence.

 

[Westmorlandspur]

Forgive my ignorance, but would this signing be another defensive midfielder to go with PEH & Skipp? Is this a priority?

Pierre was named in the Euros team of the tournament. He pushed forward a lot more than he does for us and looked a very good player. Perhaps this will release him a bit more on the right if midfield.

 

[Japhet]

What we do know is he can break up play and support the defence (as he did for us last season), but he's also capable of a lot more when paired with a CDM who allows him to player higher up the pitch (as he did in the Euros).

I like the idea of us giving him more freedom, so that he can win the ball higher up the pitch while a CDM covers behind and shields the defence. Essentially, Hojbjerg fulfilling the Dembele role while a new signing fulfils the Wanyama role.
Hojbjerg could drop back to CDM when the new signing is unavailable.
Skipp would provide cover for Hojbjerg / the new CDM.
Lo Celso / Ndombele / Dele (or Moura) could play in a more advanced central role, with Lo Celso and Ndombele also able to play the "Dembele" role when required.
That's a lot of strength in depth, without us ever having to rely on Ndombele or Dele to play deeper than their attributes are suited to (as they often had to in the last 2-3 years).

I'm hoping Nuno goes more with 1 holding DM shielding the CBs and 2 number 8 types. Those 2 could be any mixture from ultra offensive to hard pressing ball winners or any combination of those. Palhinha looks like he could be very good in the holding role and even drop into a back 3 so the wingbacks ccould get busy down the flanks.

 

[Col_M]

One of the attractions with Spurs lodge is the manager/coach has access to a traffic light control system. You’ll never sing that at the Etihad!

 

[barry]

This guy looks like a very good DM. Ridiculous percentage of 1 v 1 duel wins.

 

[soup]

Reminds me a lot of Roy Keane in his style and tenacity. He'd be a great signing.