Tottenham must get creative to fit Luke Shaw into the squad
At first glance, the idea that Tottenham would purchase Luke Shaw this summer seems pretty far-fetched. After all, Spurs seem to be set at left back with Danny Rose and Ben Davies already in the squad. Nonetheless, rumours of Mauricio Pochettino making a move to reunite with the Manchester United left back continue to persist.
The Mirror assert that United’s win over Ajax today could spell the end of Shaw’s time at Old Trafford. With Champions League football to play, the idea is that Mourinho will purchase a new left back who he can trust. Clearly, Shaw isn’t The Special One’s favourite fullback.
That would make Shaw available for a number of other Premier League clubs. His obvious preference would be to move to Tottenham to work under Pochettino again. The Argentine gaffer also happens to have a soft spot for his former Southampton starlet.
That leaves Pochettino with an interesting predicament. He’ll have the chance to sign a very talented player for a relatively modest transfer fee. Unfortunately, Shaw plays a position that really isn’t a need for Spurs. What’s the manager to do?
There’s a simple solution here. Pochettino can look for another place to deploy Shaw on the pitch. In particular, his desire to switch Spurs to a system that employs three centre backs could give him a perfect place to integrate Shaw.
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Imagine the English international transitioning to playing the left-sided centre back role currently manned by Jan Vertonghen. I’m not suggesting he displace the Belgian in the starting XI, but now he could provide valuable cover there. Ironically, Shaw could play the position in much the same way that Ben Davies does for Wales.
Playing in a back three as a central defender would minimize Shaw’s current physical limitations. Right now he isn’t the quickest defender in England. Time with Pochettino could whip him back into shape rather quickly. In the meantime, playing on the left of a back three would simplify his responsibilities. Instead of worrying about tracking lightning quick attackers, he could focus on being a solid member of a top-notch back three.
His skill on the ball will be a tremendous asset no matter where he plays. Pochettino demands that his defenders play the ball out from the back at every opportunity. Having a skillful defender like Shaw along the back line would strengthen that part of Tottenham’s game.
Purchasing Luke Shaw isn’t going to solve a glaring problem for Spurs this summer. His status at United does present the club with a unique chance to purchase a distressed asset at a bargain price. That’s precisely why Pochettino should get creative and find a place for the talented defender in his back three rotation.