Tottenham made numerous signings over the summer, although they didn’t tick everything on their check list (for example a new star striker to replace Harry Kane), they got a lot done in a short space of time. Tottenham certainly look a lot better than they did last season and that’s not just due to having a new manager, these new players are looking very promising too.
Undoubtedly, James Maddison is the signing of the summer not just for Tottenham, but the whole of the Premier League. There were plenty of expensive signings this summer who haven’t yet lived up to their price point. The fact that Maddison only cost £40m and has created such a huge impact, only eight weeks into the season, is incredible.
Maddison has played every game so far this season (7) and has already secured 2 goals and 4 assists. Although he was not brought in as a Kane replacement, he has helped Spurs fans feel more positive after losing their highest goal scorer. He has clearly settled into Tottenham perfectly, is a winner with the fans and has become a must-starter.
One position Tottenham needed an upgrade on was in between the sticks. Tottenham’s number one goalkeeper for the past 11 years has been Hugo Lloris, but with him turning 37 this season, a new one was needed. Guglielmo Vicario was chosen as his replacement and for £16.3m from Empoli to Tottenham, it was a great deal for the North London side. Spurs fans were unsure at first as he wasn't the most well-known keeper on the market, but he has made a good impression so far.
Vicario is another player who has started every game this season, he was thrown in as number one straight away and has not disappointed. Although he has only kept 2 clean sheets in 7 games, he has only conceded 8 goals altogether and contributed immensely to Spurs being unbeaten thus far. He is an outstanding shot-stopper and has very sharp reflexes, saving the Lilywhites from conceding on multiple occasions.
Another thing about Vicario is that you can tell he’s settled in well with his teammates already. After the Sheffield United game, which Spurs won in the last minute, he ran the full length of the pitch to celebrate with the rest of his teammates. Similarly, after the Liverpool game, in which Spurs won in the last minute again, he collapsed to the floor in celebration. This shows that he truly is Spurs through and through already and has settled in comfortably.
Micky van de Ven is another signing who has proved himself already. Spurs bought the 22-year-old dutchman for £34.5m from Wolfsburg. The former Volendam centre-half doesn’t panic under pressure, which perfectly counteracts Tottenham’s other central defender, Cristian Romero. The Argentinian is a lot more aggressive and has needed someone beside him who is similarly strong, but calmer in the press.
Despite being signed just before the end of the transfer window, manager Ange Postecoglou chose him to start in Spurs’ first game vs Brentford. This shows how good he has been in his career before Tottenham and that Postecoglou has faith in him. Similarly to Vicario, even though only 2 clean sheets have been kept, he has made several crucial tackles and works cohesively with the rest of his teammates.
Destiny Udogie was signed last season but was loaned back to Udinese; he is now back with Spurs and has become a regular starter. Udogie fits into Ange Postecoglou’s style of football perfectly. The Australian loves attacking football and with Udogie being more of an attack-minded full-back he has helped contribute to multiple goals. The Italian has already got himself 2 assists, which is very promising from a defender.
Spurs have struggled over the past few seasons on the left side of their defence, needing a player who could work well defensively but also help down the wing in the attacking phase. Udogie has shown so far that he can be strong and decisive defensively but also provide intensity going forward. He seems like everything Spurs has needed and with him being only 20 years old it's incredible.
Van de Ven and Udogie both already have chants made for them by Spurs fans which shows how much the fans appreciate them already. All new signings have settled it perfectly, it was a very successful transfer window for Tottenham and hopefully the team's unbeaten run will continue.
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