Their own Odegaard: Spurs chasing “unbelievable” England star who could join for free
Ange Postecoglou’s tenure at Tottenham Hotspur has been nothing short of eventful, marked by dramatic highs and challenging lows. Since taking the reins, the Australian manager initially led Spurs to the summit of the Premier League table within his first ten games.
However, the club’s league form since then has been underwhelming, and they currently sit 12th in the standings. Despite this, there are signs of progress, including their exciting attacking style, newfound confidence against top teams, and a crucial 1-0 lead over Liverpool in the League Cup semi-final.
Spurs’ League Cup Journey
| Round | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Third Round | Coventry City (A) | 2-1 (W) |
| Round of 16 | Manchester City (H) | 2-1 (W) |
| Quarter-Final | Manchester United (H) | 4-3 (W) |
| Semi-Final | Liverpool (H) | 1-0 (W) |
Tottenham’s League Cup run has showcased their resilience and potential under Postecoglou. While the league results have been disappointing, their cup performances hint at a brighter future.
To sustain this upward trajectory and compete with rivals like Arsenal and Chelsea, Spurs need to strengthen their squad with quality signings. Recent reports link them with a talented England international who has drawn comparisons to Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard, one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders.
Transfer journalist Dean Jones has revealed that Tottenham are targeting Angel Gomes, a midfielder currently playing for Lille. Gomes, a former Manchester United prospect, is set to become a free agent this summer, and Spurs are keen to secure his services.
Jones mentioned that Tottenham is actively working to persuade Gomes to join for free, though there is a possibility of a January move if Lille opts to cash in on him now due to his contract situation.
Gomes has earned comparisons to Ødegaard due to their similar playing styles and impressive stats. According to FBref, which compares players across Europe’s top five leagues and continental competitions, Ødegaard is among the most statistically similar players to Gomes over the past year.
This resemblance stems from key metrics such as expected non-penalty goals, assists, progressive passes received, and more. Below is a detailed comparison of their performance this season:
| Statistic | Angel Gomes | Martin Ødegaard |
|---|---|---|
| Expected Non-Penalty Goals | 0.13 | 0.15 |
| Progressive Passes Received | 5.88 | 5.93 |
| Assists | 0.15 | 0.18 |
| Crosses into the Penalty Area | 0.29 | 0.27 |
| Tackles Won | 0.59 | 0.53 |
| Fouls Drawn | 1.18 | 1.15 |
The numbers highlight Gomes’ potential to impact games in various phases, much like Ødegaard. Both players excel as versatile midfielders who contribute to attacking play without being restricted to traditional playmaking roles. This adaptability makes Gomes an attractive prospect for Spurs, who aim to enhance their midfield dynamism.
In addition to his statistical output, Gomes brings valuable experience to the table. He has performed exceptionally in the Portuguese and French leagues and has become a regular in the England squad, earning four senior caps since September. His ability to adapt to different leagues and perform on the international stage underscores his quality and potential.
Signing Gomes would be a strategic move for Tottenham. Whether they secure him for a nominal fee in January or wait to acquire him for free in the summer, the addition of a player of his caliber seems like a no-brainer. His profile aligns perfectly with Postecoglou’s vision of building a squad capable of challenging for major honors.
Ultimately, Spurs must focus on adding quality players to support Postecoglou’s ambitious goals. Gomes represents a step in the right direction, offering skill, versatility, and experience at a potentially minimal cost. With Tottenham aiming to compete at the highest level, securing a talent like Gomes could prove pivotal in their journey toward sustained success.