After much speculation and reported complications in transfer talks, Spurs have finally completed the signing of Vincent Janssen from AZ Alkmaar. But how exactly does the front man compare to Harry Kane and where would he fit into the squad?
Harry Kane showed excellent form last season after a shaky start, netting on 25 occasions and at times looking absolutely unstoppable, providing the baulk of Spurs’ goals on his way to collecting the Premier League golden boot. Janssen in fact outscored Kane last season, managing an impressive 27 goals in the Dutch league last season, making four less appearances. However, it is more than fair to say that the standard of football in the Premier League is higher than that of the Eredivisie.
In terms of creating chances and goals, Kane managed to create 44 chances for teammates, but only notched up one assist. Janssen on the other hand created a total of 56 chances, four of which resulted in goals. Looking at those numbers, neither striker had made a name for themselves creating goals, hence neither playing in a playmaker role.
At first glance, Janssen’s statistics look good, although we have to question whether he would fit in with the Premier League style of play. Pochettino likes to play with just the one striker up top, so we are likely to still see Harry Kane start up front more often than not.
However, the signing of Janssen will provide Pochettino with a new option that the Argentine has not been able to enjoy over the course of last season, and that is the option of throwing on a recognised striker mid-game to offer something a little different up front.
Whether Spurs are chasing the game or trying to break the deadlock in a tight match, the addition of Janssen will give the manager the option of chucking another striker onto the pitch, or if Harry Kane isn’t performing, replace him with another striker in a like-for-like switch.
Looking at the two players, they look to be very similar in terms of the style of player that they are, so the two playing up front together in a partnership from the start looks unlikely when you also take into account Pochettino’s preferred formation being 4-2-3-1.
The most likely scenario is that Vincent Janssen will come in as a second choice starter, but looking at his ability and goals scored last season for AZ Alkmaar, the 22-year-old looks to be a natural finisher, and if he manages to bring that form to White Hart Lane, he should have no problem settling in and pushing Harry Kane for a starting spot. With the Champions League also playing a part in the fixture list for Spurs next season, there will surely be no shortage of first team opportunities for Janssen next season following his move to North London.
