Playing for 90
Fansided

Giovani Lo Celso could prove to be an upgrade for Tottenham

By Rucker Haringey

SEVILLE, SPAIN - APRIL 07: Giovani Lo Celso of Real Betis Balompie celebrates after scoring during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and Villarreal CF at Estadio Benito Villamarin on April 07, 2019 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde Colomer/Getty Images)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - APRIL 07: Giovani Lo Celso of Real Betis Balompie celebrates after scoring during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and Villarreal CF at Estadio Benito Villamarin on April 07, 2019 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde Colomer/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Christian Eriksen has enjoyed a really good career at Tottenham, but it’s possible Giovani Lo Celso could give Spurs more next season.

Tottenham fans have been concerned about the idea of Christian Eriksen leaving the club for the better part of the last year. The emergence of Giovani Lo Celso as a top transfer priority for the club actually gives Spurs a chance to experience an upgrade at the No. 10 position next season.

Eriksen has certainly experienced a really good career under Mauricio Pochettino. Nothing about this piece is designed to diminish his accomplishments at Tottenham. There are, however, credible theories as to why Lo Celso could be a more influential player next season.

Firstly, it’s very possible that Eriksen’s head was turned by Real Madrid this season. He still ran a lot of miles for the club, but no one can claim he was as sharp as he was last season. Lo Celso, in sharp contrast, is actively pushing for a move to Tottenham according to Sky Sports. His motivation to make a big impact in his first Premier League season would be through the roof.

Perhaps more importantly, it’s important to realize that Eriksen has never been a perfect stylistic fit for the way Pochettino wants his midfielders to perform. For all of his style and grace on the ball, he’s not what anyone would call an energetic tackler. His lack of physicality has been an issue for Spurs against certain opponents over the years.

Lo Celso is more than happy to commit himself to challenges in the middle of the park. He may not be as polished as Eriksen is as an attacker, but his commitment to the defensive end of the pitch could really help Spurs in matches against elite opponents.

None of that should tell Spurs fans that Lo Celso isn’t a terrific attacking player in his own right. He scored nine goals in 32 La Liga appearances for Real Betis last year. The young Argentine shouldn’t be expected to score double-digit goals in his first Premier League campaign, but that sort of return isn’t out of the question.

Next. Tottenham need Danny Rose more than ever. dark

Some Tottenham fans will dismiss the idea of Lo Celso being a better player in Pochettino’s system than Eriksen as “happy clapping” or something similar. It’s not. There’s a reason why Spurs are willing to smash their transfer record for Eriksen’s potential replacement.

Home/Tottenham Hotspur