Tottenham must correct this summer transfer mistake in January

Tottenham need to return for Wilfried Zaha

When Tottenham were linked with a big money move for Crystal Palace attacker Wilfried Zaha this summer, quite a few Spurs fans thought it would be a waste of money. Now, after Zaha’s stellar play to begin the season, it’s clear that Mauricio Pochettino must correct his transfer mistake in January.

Unfortunately for Tottenham, it is going to be a very expensive mistake to rectify. The higher-ups at Palace held Zaha in high regard this summer, and their opinions have only been strengthened over the past few months. The English attacker is off to a terrific start, despite his club’s struggles.

Zaha is actually the highest rated statistical player on Alan Pardew’s squad per Whoscored.com. His average player rating of 7.68 barely edges out Christian Benteke for the top spot. He’s managed an impressive three goals and six assists in just 14 league contests for the Eagles.

You may be wondering how that sort of performance would translate at Tottenham. If he enjoyed similar success at White Hart Lane, that player ranking would rank him first among Mauricio Pochettino’s entire squad. Perhaps more importantly, it would put him almost half a point ahead of the nearest Spurs attacking midfielder.

This isn’t just about adding a solidly performing player though. Zaha isn’t just playing well enough to help Tottenham, he is playing the style of football that Spurs most desperately lack. He is a true wide player that could unlock Pochettino’s entire attack.

When you watch the Tottenham attack labor currently, the lack of width is astounding. Each of the club’s three current starters in the attacking midfield would prefer to play more centrally. As it stands, Dele Alli occupies the number ten role with Christian Eriksen and Son Heung-Min masquerading as wingers of some sort.

Eriksen, and to some degree Son, are both capable of playing out wide. It’s not about being capable though. Tottenham need attackers who can thrive out on the wing. That’s why purchasing Zaha would be such a solid choice.

It’s no coincidence that Zaha and Benteke are combining so well at Palace. Each thrives off the service the other can provide. In particular, Zaha can fire crosses into the box for Benteke to attack. Conversely, Benteke’s presence in the box occupies central defenders to give Zaha the space to operate freely on the wing.