Should Tottenham really sign Simon Adingra after Wilson Odobert coup?

Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer strategy under Ange Postecoglou has seen the club make some intriguing moves, including the recent signing of 19-year-old French winger Wilson Odobert from Burnley. Odobert, who shone even in a relegated Burnley side, has shown immense potential, catching the eye of Tottenham’s recruitment team and landing himself a spot in what could be a very promising Spurs squad.

Links to other attackers?

However, despite this promising addition, there are rumours linking Tottenham with another winger—22-year-old Simon Adingra from Brighton and Hove Albion. While Adingra is undoubtedly talented, Tottenham would be wise to think twice before making a €30m+ investment in the Ivorian winger, especially after securing the services of Odobert.

The Premier League is littered with examples of clubs that have over-invested in specific positions, leading to a bloated squad and a lack of cohesion. Chelsea, a club not far from Tottenham geographically or competitively, is a prime example of how a scattergun approach in the transfer market can lead to more problems than solutions. A compact squad, with just enough depth to provide competition and cover, is often stronger and more cohesive than one filled with too many players vying for the same positions. Tottenham should focus on grooming Odobert, a player with immense potential, rather than diluting his opportunities by signing another player in a similar mould.

When assessing Wilson Odobert and Simon Adingra, it’s clear that both players bring something unique to the table. Odobert, despite his youth, has already shown his capability in the Premier League. His stats from last season—three goals and three assists in 29 appearances—may not seem groundbreaking, but they are impressive for a teenager in a struggling Burnley side. Odobert is a dynamic player, known for his ability to carry the ball forward with purpose and beat defenders with his quick feet and sharp dribbling. His playing style is similar to that of Matheus Cunha at Wolves or Federico Chiesa at Juventus. Both of them have a direct approach to their football and are quite creative on the ball as well.

Comparing them both

Adingra, on the other hand, is also a player with significant potential. The 22-year-old has eight goals and three assists in 41 appearances for Brighton, showcasing his ability to contribute both goals and assists from wide areas. Adingra is versatile, capable of playing on either flank, and has a knack for pace, dribbling, and the ability to stretch defences out.

However, when we delve deeper into the statistics, particularly through platforms like FBRef, Odobert stands out as the more effective progressive ball carrier. Odobert has a higher rate of successful take-ons per 90 minutes compared to players in similar positions, indicating his ability to break lines and create opportunities from wide areas.

In a head-to-head comparison, Odobert’s style of play appears more suited to the Premier League, where the ability to carry the ball under pressure and make things happen in tight spaces is crucial. Adingra’s versatility is appealing, but Tottenham already have a number of versatile wingers and attackers in their squad, making the need for another such player less pressing.

Learning from Chelsea

Chelsea’s recent history in the transfer market should serve as a cautionary tale for Tottenham. Over the past few seasons, Chelsea have spent vast sums on a plethora of attacking players, often bringing in multiple players for the same positions. This has led to a bloated squad, with many players struggling to get regular game time and, in turn, failing to find form or consistency. The club has also faced challenges in maintaining squad harmony, with too many players competing for too few spots, leading to dissatisfaction and underperformance.

Tottenham should avoid falling into the same trap. After signing Wilson Odobert, the club now has a promising young talent who needs nurturing and regular game time to develop. Bringing in another player like Adingra, who would be competing directly with Odobert for a spot, could hinder the development of both players. Instead of overloading the squad with too many similar players, Tottenham should focus on getting the best out of the players they already have.

A compact, well-balanced squad allows for better squad management, clearer pathways for young players to break into the first team, and a more cohesive team dynamic. Spurs should prioritise quality over quantity, ensuring that every player in the squad feels valued and has a clear role to play. This approach not only benefits individual player development but also creates a more unified and motivated team, capable of challenging for trophies.

Focusing on Odobert

Well, to start things off, Odobert has the backing of his former manager Vincent Kompany. The former Burnley boss also has just a few Premier League appearances to his name and might know a thing or two about talented footballers. That’s just a guess though.

signing should be seen as a significant investment in Tottenham’s future. At just 19 years old, Odobert has already shown that he has the potential to become a key player for Spurs in the coming years. His ability to play on either wing, coupled with his directness and creativity, makes him an exciting prospect for Postecoglou’s side. By focusing on developing Odobert, Tottenham can mould him into the type of player who can become a cornerstone of their attack.

Odobert’s playing style is reminiscent of players who have thrived in the Premier League due to their ability to take on defenders, create chances, and score goals. With the right coaching and regular game time, there’s no reason why Odobert cannot follow in the footsteps of players like his captain Heung-min Son or Sadio Mane for reference, becoming a standout player in the league.

Avoid unnecessary competition

One of the biggest risks of signing Simon Adingra would be creating unnecessary competition within the squad. Both Adingra and Odobert are young, talented players who need regular game time to develop. However, having both players competing for the same spot could lead to one of them being sidelined, potentially stunting their growth. In such a scenario, Tottenham could end up with two unhappy players, neither of whom is able to fulfil their potential.

Furthermore, having too many similar players can create tactical dilemmas for the manager. Postecoglou would be forced to rotate more frequently, which can disrupt the team’s rhythm and make it difficult to establish a consistent starting XI. By focusing on Odobert, Tottenham can avoid these issues and ensure that they have a clear plan for his development.

Tottenham could also direct a portion of the “Adingra funds” to shore up the defence that has been leakier than one would hope, ever since the second half of last season. That or nothing at the moment. We have a more than capable squad and it is all about trusting the process (if it has a Plan B in it, of course).

TL;DR: Spurs would be wise to steer off the potential €30m+ investment to get Adingra on board. Odobert has the potential to become a key player for Spurs, and the club should focus on nurturing his talent rather than bringing in another player who would compete directly with him for a spot. By learning from the mistakes of clubs like Chelsea, Tottenham can avoid overloading their squad and instead build a compact, cohesive team that is capable of challenging for trophies.