Tottenham need to avoid Riyad Mahrez temptation
Riyad Mahrez isn’t who Tottenham need
We’re just a few days into the January transfer window, but Tottenham fans are already nervous about the club’s perceived inactivity. Spurs must make sure they aren’t tempted to make a panic move for Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez.
The fanbase’s blood pressure really began to rise when the news broke that Ross Barkley was heading to Chelsea. Even though fans were fairly split about whether or not he was a necessary signing, seeing him go to a London rival was disconcerting. For the record, I was very much in favour of Spurs bringing the English international on board.
Even so, I’m not in a panic. There is still plenty of time left in the window. Mauricio Pochettino obviously has identified a number of potential targets. Hopefully, at least one of his primary targets is an attacking midfielder who can provide his attack with real width.
Mahrez is absolutely a player who is capable of doing that when he’s at his best. He also happens to be available for purchase. As such, loads of Spurs fans are now clamoring for the club to swoop in with a sufficient offer. That would be a mistake.
When the Algerian is playing well, he’s an absolute magician with the ball at his feet. His ability to score goals and create for others would make him a terrific addition to most squads.
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It just so happens that Tottenham are not an ideal fit for the way he likes to play. When Spurs are at their best, their attacking midfield is a pack of angry wolves that are attacking the opposition at every opportunity. Mahrez simply doesn’t showcase that type of work rate. He is a luxury player in both the positive and negative sense of the description.
Many of you reading this are correctly thinking that Tottenham do need a player who is capable of breaking down conservative defenses. Mahrez does have that ability. That does not mean he’s the right purchase for Spurs.
At the price required to buy Mahrez, Tottenham should be able to attract an attacking midfielder who has sufficient creativity and work rate. The ideal acquisition might not be quite as clever as Mahrez on the ball, but he will fit in to the club’s intense playing style.
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Simply put, Riyad Mahrez would be a luxury signing for a club that can’t afford to make one. Tottenham’s budget isn’t large enough to absorb a big money signing that isn’t a great fit for Pochettino’s playing style. Mahrez is not that man, and should be avoided as a result.