Nigerian Champions League starlet would be perfect for Tottenham
Tottenham is reported to be scouring Gent striker Laurent Depoitre, but they should also be looking at his teammate Moses Simon
I tuned in to the Champions League clash pitting Gent versus Zenit with the express purpose to watch rumored Tottenham striker target Laurent Depoitre. As I watched, my eyes were increasingly drawn towards one of his teammates. Speedy Nigerian winger Moses Simon seems like a perfect fit for Mauricio Pochettino.
Most in the media believe that Tottenham scouts were in attendance for Gent’s match today in order to further evaluate Depoitre as a potential striker alternative to Harry Kane. I certainly can see the attraction in the six-foot, four-inch striker who can really bother opposing defenses as a target man. I’m sure Pochettino was happy that his scouts were there to see the hulking Belgian but I don’t think it was their central mission.
Their central mission was much more likely to be Simon. He is only 20-years-old and better fits the model that Pochettino has applied to Tottenham transfer policy during his tenure as manager. Against Zenit, he showcased electrifying pace and really good quality in the final third. He created significant width for Gent and gave Depoitre good service. In short, he’s the prototypical winger that Tottenham lacks at the moment.
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He’s really everything Spurs wish that Andros Townsend would be. He’s fast, has a strong work rate and can put in a wicked cross. Townsend obviously hasn’t found a way to harness his talent on the field and seems destined for a ticket out of North London. If he goes, the young Nigerian would be an ideal replacement.
Tottenham has been reported to have interest in the lightning fast winger previously as well. Back in October, the Mirror reported that Tottenham had a longstanding interest in Simon and were simply monitoring Depoitre. It’s funny that just a few months later similar media sources now report that it’s the opposite.
Let me be clear, I wouldn’t mind having Depoitre as well. He would give us a qualified backup option at striker and his game is different enough from Harry Kane’s to serve as a true plan B. He’s skillful both with his head and feet and could be a real tough customer for opposing Premier League defenders. The downside to him is that he’s already 27-years-old which doesn’t exactly fit with Tottenham’s transfer policy as of late.
Under Pochettino, Spurs have clearly committed to buying youth players and bringing them into the first team. It would be very easy to see him sanctioning a purchase for Simon and integrating him immediately into the senior squad. Moses Simon might just be the next youngster Tottenham purchases and turns into a star.