Tottenham striker has truly hit rock bottom in England
Vincent Janssen arrived at Tottenham with massive expectations. Now the Dutch centre forward is set to leave Spurs in disgrace.
Mauricio Pochettino can be a player’s best friend, but he also can be one of the most ruthless managers in England. His treatment of Tottenham striker Vincent Janssen is certainly an example of the latter.
When Spurs first brought Janssen to England they believed he could provide excellent cover behind Harry Kane at the striker position. It was a very reasonable gamble. Janssen had led the Eredivisie in scoring for AZ Alkmaar and was leading the line for the Dutch national team.
Unfortunately, none of that scoring touch translated at Tottenham. Pochettino gave him quite a few opportunities during his first season to make things work, but Janssen always seemed too slow for life in the Premier League. He showed signs of quality hold up play, but that wasn’t close to good enough to earn him a regular place at Spurs.
Last season the club made the choice to send him to Turkey in an effort to rebuild his transfer value. Evidently, his play at Fenerbahce wasn’t good enough to accomplish that goal. Spurs have been unable to find a suitable buyer for Janssen this summer.
Some fans believed that might allow him to back his way back into Pochettino’s good graces. Today’s news makes it crystal clear that won’t be happening. Tottenham have stripped Janssen of his squad number in preparation for his August departure. It’s unclear where he’ll play this season, but he will not be donning the #9 kit for Spurs again.
#thfc Vincent Janssen has been stripped of the Number 9 shirt and has not been allocated a new first team squad number. Move imminent.
— Lilywhite Rose (@Lilywhite_Rose) August 14, 2018
Some Tottenham fans on social media are outraged of the action by the club, but this was something everyone could see coming a mile away. Pochettino’s public comments about the Dutch forward this summer left no doubt that he wanted him out of the squad. The only reason he hasn’t left before now is because no club has made an acceptable purchase or loan offer.
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In the end, the best thing for Janssen would be to go back to a smaller league where he can find his confidence again. Ideally, he can secure a return to the Eredivisie. Perhaps the comforts of home could help him find his scoring boots again. They certainly can’t be found anywhere near Pochettino.