Tottenham Hotspur are, as ever, making headlines.
Perhaps it speaks of the Londoners’ quality that in spite of all the negative noise this season, they are straight through to the last 16 in the Champions League and trail the Premier League‘s top eight by seven points, 14th though they are and with two wins in 15 games.
Spurs have conceded two goals or more in each of their past four top-flight fixtures, something skipper Cristian Romero will no doubt be frustrated about.
However, he would tell you a lack of depth has formed the crux of his backline’s defensive problems, something he made known after last weekend’s draw to Manchester City.
The latest on Cristian Romero’s Spurs future
Tottenham rallied to recover from a two-goal deficit against Manchester City, showing great spirit. But Romero, who missed out due to illness, took to social media after to criticise the board.
Injuries have run amok at Tottenham this season, and Frank was forced to admit his side is weaker than it was at the start of the winter transfer market.
More concerning is the manager’s response when quizzed on Romero’s future in a press conference on Thursday. Frank does not know whether the skipper will play in Lilywhite next term.
Journalist Gaston Edul has claimed that the Argentina international “will leave Tottenham” this year, with interest building across Europe, particularly in Spain.
Tottenham did spend throughout the January transfer window, but too many holes have been left unplugged, and a lack of quality in the final third could prove their undoing as Frank mounts a charge for European qualification.
And while Tottenham must strengthen, they must also cut out the deadwood, with a talented forward in a depleted frontline likely to move on come summer.
ENIC must sell Spurs flop
Tottenham are flattering to deceive right now, but Frank would argue that progress has been made. After all, while Ange Postecoglou lifted the Europa League trophy last year, Spurs also finished 17th in the Premier League.
The ball is rolling, but more changes are needed if the script is to be rewritten and consistency is to be found. And with that in mind, the Lewis family may finally want to part with Richarlison, especially when considering the need for a new centre-forward.
Richarlison is a mercurial striker, more than capable of blowing hot and cold. His first year at Tottenham after moving from Everton for £60m was an unsuccessful one, but he has built himself up beyond that point, even if he still leaves something to be desired.
Admittedly, he’s been pretty prolific this season, scoring at a decent rate in the Premier League. But Richarlison picked up a hamstring injury in January and is now sidelined until March.
However, a steady stream of goals has compensated for a number of poor performances. When he doesn’t score, his general level of play can be disappointing.
|
Richarlison’s Tottenham Career (Prem) |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Season |
Apps |
Goals + Assists |
|
25/26 |
21 |
7 + 3 |
|
24/25 |
14 |
4 + 1 |
|
23/24 |
28 |
11 + 4 |
|
22/23 |
27 |
1 + 4 |
|
Stats via Transfermarkt |
||
Dominic Solanke is fit and firing once again, at least, but with something still missing from the final third, perhaps it’s time to cash in on Richarlison and a dynamic new attacker who can offer a fresh take. In the winter transfer market, for example, the likes of Omar Marmoush and Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta were targeted.
Though there would be an outcry should Romero leave Tottenham this summer – even though it feels like that is a certainty following recent events – it feels like Richarlison should leave, in truth.
Whether he is “one of the worst signings in Premier League history“, as has been claimed by pundit and retired striker Gabby Agbonlahor, is open to debate, but when considering the finances involved and Spurs’ struggles in attack over the past several years, he hasn’t had the anticipated effect after a potent career on Merseyside with Everton.
Richarlison is a maverick, capable of special moments. But he’s also inconsistent and, at times, unreliable, and with an injury record that leaves much to be desired, it’s right that ENIC Group cash in and look to sign a new frontman to rival Solanke.
Their best signing since Van de Ven: Spurs star is becoming Frank’s own Rice
Tottenham have hit the jackpot on this talented player.
