With reports of Tottenham entering the frame for Liverpool target Henrikh Mkhitaryan we have a closer look as to which destination would suit the Armenia international. The 24-year-old is said to be commanding a fee of around £20m because of his sublime form for current side Shakhtar Donetsk and is keen to make the switch to the Premier League to increase his reputation.
Now, to compare which side would be beneficial for the attacking midfielder we have to assume that both sides are offering the same security in length of deal and also the same wages.
First up is the lure of Champions League football. The pinnacle of any players’ club career is competing against Europe’s elite yet neither side can offer that to the player this season, although Spurs have the Europa League to look forward to.
The most important factor to look at in a potential new club is competition for places, something which there is a clear winner in this case. With the Spurs midfield rammed with quality – Mousa Dembele, Clint Dempsey, Gylfi Sigursson, Lewis Holtby, Jake Livermore, Tom Carroll, and of course Gareth Bale, not to mention the defensive outlets of Scott Parker, Sandro and Tom Huddlestone, Mkhitaryan may struggle to get a game.
Liverpool have Steven Gerrard, Jonjo Shelvey, Joe Allen, Philippe Coutinho and Lucas at their disposal, as well as new signing Iago Aspas, and would be a more viable option for Mkhitaryan to break into the team.
Last up is style of play. Brendan Rodgers has implemented a unique pass-and-move system up at Anfield which demands patience, creativity and a desire to chase the ball down, which would suit Mkhitaryan down to the ground.
Tottenham have been used to a single frontman since Andre Villas-Boas’ arrival in north London and operated with a strong counter-attacking style of play. Bale has been the real driving force in the side and often the one to provide the pace, as well as widemen Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe, something which Mkhitaryan could also help with.
Liverpool are said to be in the driving seat for the playmaker and it has to be said, on paper, a move to the Reds looks to be the better choice.
