Expected to leave: Spurs target “mind-blowing” £25m marksman who’d revive Maddison – opinion
Last season, Tottenham Hotspur experienced a Premier League campaign marked by two distinct phases. Under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, the team initially embarked on a ten-game unbeaten streak, showcasing their potential to compete at the highest level.
However, a series of injuries and a subsequent dip in form saw Spurs slip out of Champions League contention, ultimately securing a spot in the Europa League.
Among the players who epitomized Tottenham’s fluctuating fortunes was James Maddison. Early in the season, Maddison was one of the league’s most creative forces. Yet, as the campaign wore on, his form waned to the point where he was omitted from the England squad in May.
Despite this downturn, Maddison remains a highly skilled player, and recent transfer news suggests Tottenham is poised to make a move that could help him regain his best form.
According to GIVEMESPORT, Tottenham Hotspur has sustained its interest in LOSC Lille’s star forward Jonathan David. With just 12 months left on his contract, David is expected to leave the French club this summer. This scenario has piqued the interest of several top clubs across Europe, including Spurs.
A report from Football Insider indicates that due to his contract situation, the Canadian international could be available for a bargain fee of around £25 million.
The potential acquisition of Jonathan David is not just about adding another forward to Tottenham’s ranks. It is a strategic move aimed at reviving James Maddison’s form. Here’s why:
Jonathan David’s goal-scoring prowess is well-documented. Over the past four seasons, he has netted 84 goals and provided 18 assists in 183 club appearances.
| Jonathan David’s recent club career | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | 2020/21 | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 |
| Appearances | 48 | 48 | 40 | 47 |
| Goals | 13 | 19 | 26 | 26 |
| Assists | 5 | 0 | 4 | 9 |
| Goal Involvements per Match | 0.37 | 0.39 | 0.75 | 0.74 |
| All Stats via Transfermarkt | ||||
This translates to an average of a goal involvement every 1.79 games, a remarkable level of consistency that Tottenham has sorely lacked.
David’s effectiveness extends to the international stage, where he has scored 28 goals and provided 16 assists in 54 appearances for Canada. This means he averages a goal involvement every 1.22 games for his country, underscoring his ability to perform consistently at high levels.
James Maddison’s creative capabilities need a reliable finisher to convert his chances.
Despite his late-season struggles, Maddison remains in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for shot-creating actions and progressive passes per 90 minutes, according to FBref. Pairing him with a striker of David’s caliber could unlock Maddison’s full potential, transforming Tottenham’s attack.
Last season, only Son Heung-min and Richarlison reached double digits in goals across all competitions for Tottenham. As the main striker, Richarlison’s tally of just 12 goals was underwhelming.
This inefficiency in front of goal hampered Maddison’s ability to shine, as the team lacked a clinical finisher to capitalize on his creativity.
Jonathan David, described as a “mind-blowing” talent by scout Jacek Kulig, could be the solution. His consistent goal-scoring record at both club and international levels makes him an ideal candidate to lead Tottenham’s frontline.
Moreover, his ability to both score and assist would provide a significant boost to an attack that often struggled for goals last season.
The potential signing of Jonathan David represents more than just a transfer; it is a strategic move to rejuvenate Tottenham’s attacking play. With his impressive goal-scoring record and the potential to reignite James Maddison’s form, David could be the key to a successful season for Spurs.
As Tottenham prepares for the new campaign, fans can look forward to a dynamic partnership that promises to elevate the team’s performance in the Premier League and beyond.
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