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. Hi
s 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 styleis 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
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