3 reasons Fernando Llorente is a smart signing for Tottenham

Spurs look set to beat Chelsea to striker

Tottenham Hotspur were very quiet for most of the transfer window. But they’ve truly joined in with the mayhem now. They’ve wrapped up deals for Serge Aurier, Davinson Sanchez and Juan Foyth. Now they’re on the verge of beating Chelsea to sign Swansea City striker Fernando Llorente on Transfer Deadline Day.

Tottenham already have one of the best strikers around in Harry Kane. They could look light in attack if he gets injured though. Vincent Janssen didn’t convince as a back-up striker last season.

Llorente would come in as a proven alternative to Kane. Getting one over their London rivals doesn’t hurt either.

The Coral News team have taken a look at why Llorente could be a hit at Spurs.

Plan B

Tottenham are an excellent side with a clear identity. They play with real energy and press high up the pitch. It can overwhelm opposition defences as they’re hemmed into their own half.

They don’t have many options to change things up if it isn’t working though. There isn’t much pace in the squad. But Llorente would give them a dangerous aerial threat.

The 32-year-old stands at 6 ft 4 in. He scored eight headed goals in the Premier League last season, more than any other player.

Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen can both play accurate long balls from the back. In Llorente, they’d have an ideal target. He could bring the ball down and bring the likes of Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen into play.

Tactical Knowledge

Tottenham play one of the most demanding systems in the Premier League. It can take new additions a while to adapt.

Llorente may have an advantage from his time at Athletic Bilbao. He worked with Marcelo Bielsa there. Pochettino played under Bielsa at Newell’s Old Boys, Espanyol and Argentina. The Spurs boss has described his fellow Argentine as his “football father”.

Both share a similar view on how the game should be played. They emphasise pressing and attacking play. And fitness is crucial.

Llorente has never been quick and he doesn’t need to be at Spurs. His understanding of where he needs to be is more important to this team.

Proven Experience

Janssen arrived at Tottenham on the back of a very successful season at AZ Alkmaar. He struggled to make the step up to the Premier League though.

In contrast, Llorente is a proven goalscorer in Spain, Italy and now England. He was part of the Spain squad that won the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 too.

The veteran managed to score 15 league goals for a struggling Swansea side last season. He may not get enough game time to better that tally at Spurs. But he should receive better service when he is on the pitch. He’s shown that he can be relied upon to finish the chances he gets.

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