In talks with agents: Spurs offered chance to sign the new Eriksen in phenomenal ace – opinion

Tottenham Hotspur’s future looks promising under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, with the club making some strategic moves in the transfer market. The summer has seen the arrival of young talents like Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, while Mikey Moore’s standout performances during pre-season have also caught the eye.

With Dominic Solanke reportedly on the verge of a move to North London, Tottenham’s business in the transfer window might not be over just yet. In fact, the club has been presented with the opportunity to sign another midfielder, raising questions about whether this is the final piece of the puzzle for Postecoglou’s squad.

Tottenham has already secured the signing of Archie Gray, a versatile player whose primary position remains uncertain. Although Gray excelled at right-back for Leeds United last season, there is speculation that he could also be deployed in midfield. With Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s departure and the potential exit of Oliver Skipp, there could be a void in the center of the pitch that needs to be filled.

One potential candidate to fill this gap is Celtic’s Matt O’Riley. Valued at around £25 million, O’Riley has been offered to Tottenham by his agents, according to Spurs insider Paul O’Keefe. However, despite the potential fit, Postecoglou and his team are reportedly “not convinced” about pursuing a deal. This raises an interesting debate: could O’Riley be the creative force that Tottenham has been missing since Christian Eriksen’s departure?

Christian Eriksen was one of Tottenham’s most influential players during his time at the club. The Danish playmaker was known for his vision, passing, and ability to produce moments of magic that could change the course of a game. With 69 goals and 88 assists in 305 appearances, Eriksen was a central figure in Tottenham’s attacking play, particularly during the final days at White Hart Lane.

Since Eriksen’s departure, Tottenham has struggled to find a player who can replicate his impact. James Maddison has shown glimpses of that creativity, especially during the first half of last season, where he contributed eight goal involvements in 11 matches.

However, an injury derailed his campaign, and his form dipped upon his return, with only one goal in his final 17 outings. This inconsistency has left Tottenham searching for another creative outlet in midfield.

Matt O’Riley, dubbed “phenomenal” by former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, has drawn comparisons to Eriksen due to his performances for the Scottish giants. Last season, O’Riley was a revelation for Celtic, scoring 19 goals and providing 18 assists across all competitions. His ability to contribute effectively in the final third has naturally led to comparisons with Eriksen, who was known for his key passes and shot-creating actions.

When comparing O’Riley’s stats from the 2023/24 season with Eriksen’s during his prime at Tottenham in 2018/19, there are several parallels. Both players excel in creating chances for their teammates, with similar numbers of key passes and shot-creating actions.

However, there are also notable differences. O’Riley is more willing to engage in the defensive side of the game, whereas Eriksen was more focused on progressing the ball through his passing and dribbling.

This versatility could make O’Riley an attractive option for Tottenham, especially under a manager like Postecoglou, who values work rate and defensive contribution from his midfielders.

However, it’s also important to consider that O’Riley’s performances came in the Scottish Premiership, a league that is not as competitive as the Premier League. While his quality is evident, it remains to be seen whether he can replicate his output in England’s top flight, especially given that he failed to score in last season’s Champions League.

There is no denying that Matt O’Riley possesses the qualities needed to succeed at a club like Tottenham. His creativity, goal-scoring ability, and willingness to contribute defensively make him a well-rounded midfielder. However, the question remains whether he can make the leap to the Premier League and perform at the same level as he did in Scotland.

For Tottenham, signing O’Riley would be a calculated gamble. While he may not reach the heights of Christian Eriksen in terms of output, he could still provide the creativity and energy needed to complement the likes of Maddison and Gray in midfield.

Given the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Hojbjerg and Skipp, O’Riley could be a valuable addition to Postecoglou’s squad, offering depth and versatility in a key area of the pitch.

As Tottenham continues to build a squad capable of challenging for top honors, the potential signing of Matt O’Riley represents an intriguing opportunity. While he may not be the finished article, his performances at Celtic suggest that he has the potential to make an impact in the Premier League. If Postecoglou can harness his talents and integrate him into the team, O’Riley could become a key player for Tottenham, helping to fill the creative void left by Christian Eriksen.

Whether or not Tottenham decides to pursue a deal for O’Riley remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the club’s ambition and strategic approach in the transfer market signal a bright future under Postecoglou’s leadership. With the right additions, Tottenham could be well on their way to establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in both domestic and European competitions.

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