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Tottenham analysis: Fernando Llorente is showing zero ambition

By Rucker Haringey

SWANSEA, WALES - MARCH 17: Fernando Llorente of Tottenham Hotspur smiles as he arrives prior to The Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Swansea City and Tottenham Hotspur at Liberty Stadium on March 17, 2018 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
SWANSEA, WALES - MARCH 17: Fernando Llorente of Tottenham Hotspur smiles as he arrives prior to The Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Swansea City and Tottenham Hotspur at Liberty Stadium on March 17, 2018 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham fans should be irate with the news that Fernando Llorente is planning to stay at the club. It proves he’s given up on advancing his career.

At 33 years of age, Fernando Llorente should be desperately searching for a club where he can contribute. Tottenham Hotspur is not that club. Unfortunately, the Spanish veteran seems content to stay in North London and watch his career slowly die.

Instead of looking to leave, Llorente recently told the Spanish press he fully intends to play another season at Tottenham. Per his own words, he’s a big fan of the Premier League and Mauricio Pochettino. Unfortunately, the Argentine gaffer doesn’t seem be a big fan of his Spanish striker.

Tottenham had high hopes for Llorente when they brought him in from Swansea last summer. The intention was for him to serve as Harry Kane’s primary backup. There was even some optimism that the two could play together due to Llorente’s aerial prowess.

Unfortunately nothing positive developed for Llorente at Spurs last year. He only managed one Premier League goal in 16 appearances. In fairness, 15 of those came off the substitute’s bench.

Even more concerning than his lack of goals was the fact that he simply looked two steps off the pace during most matches. He’s never been a speedster, but he closely resembled a statue last year. It’s very likely the Premier League game is simply too quick for him.

Llorente would have to be a fool not to see that. No rational person can believe he’s going to be an integral part of Pochettino’s team next season. Tottenham will almost certainly purchase a new striker this summer to provide support for Kane.

That leaves just one sad explanation for why Llorente might want to stay. It’s clear he’s given up on advancing his career. There are certainly other clubs in respectable leagues that would be happy to provide him meaningful playing time. In particular, a return to Spain would seem like an attractive proposition. Serie A might also provide him a landing spot due to the more methodical style of play in Italy.

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Instead, Llorente is going to waste one of his last good years of football sitting on the bench at Spurs. He’ll be collecting a nice paycheck, but it’s hard to see anything else positive about him extending his time in North London. Llorente will be a non-factor for Tottenham next season.

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