Tottenham Hotspur have reached a point where bold decisions are no longer optional, and that feeling is spreading fast among supporters who live by the club’s famous motto. Fans want brave football, creativity, and players who can excite again, yet there is a growing sense that the current setup under Thomas Frank has struggled to consistently deliver that spark.
While Spurs have shown moments of resilience and character, especially during their Europa League triumph over Manchester United at the end of last season, this campaign has once again exposed a lack of imagination in the final third.
There has been plenty of noise around the need for a reliable centre-forward, with Richarlison, Randal Kolo Muani, and Dominic Solanke all failing to truly lock down the role for different reasons.
However, when you look closely at Tottenham’s performances, the deeper issue is not just finishing chances but creating them in the first place. Spurs often reach dangerous areas without the final pass, the clever movement, or the calm decision that unlocks tight defences.
This is why the club’s ownership is now ready to back a move for a genuine creative force rather than simply another runner or goal poacher.
Mohammed Kudus has been one of the more positive stories this season. Signed from West Ham for a hefty fee, the Ghanaian has brought energy, drive, and unpredictability.
His five assists place him among the league’s better creators, yet his strengths lie more in carrying the ball, beating defenders, and causing chaos rather than dictating play. His recent hamstring injury has also reminded Spurs how thin their options are when key attackers are missing. Kudus is a weapon, but he is not a natural playmaker who can control the rhythm of games.
That is why Tottenham have quietly stepped up their interest in AS Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has been on Spurs’ radar for some time, with scouting work and early talks already carried out last summer.
Now, with creativity at a premium and competition fierce, the North London club appear ready to act. Akliouche is valued at around £50 million and is attracting attention from Manchester City, Newcastle United, and several other top European sides, which says plenty about how highly he is rated.
Akliouche’s rise has been steady rather than explosive, but his numbers tell a clear story. Since breaking into Monaco’s senior side, he has delivered goals and assists with impressive consistency. This season alone, he has chipped in with goals and key passes despite not always starting, and his influence on games goes far beyond raw statistics.
Scouts describe him as a rare technician, someone who sees passes others do not and has the courage to attempt them. His left foot, often called special by those who watch him closely, allows him to unlock defences with ease.
To put Tottenham’s creative struggles into perspective, the numbers below highlight how inefficient their attack has been compared to goals scored:
| Team | Goals Scored | Expected Goals (xG) |
|---|---|---|
| West Ham | 21 | 20.5 |
| Wolves | 14 | 19.0 |
| Tottenham | 28 | 18.9 |
| Burnley | 20 | 17.6 |
| Sunderland | 21 | 16.8 |
Expected Goals measure the quality of chances created, and Tottenham’s figures suggest they are overachieving in goals while still failing to consistently create high-quality opportunities. This imbalance points directly to a lack of sustained creativity, something Akliouche could help fix almost immediately.
Unlike Kudus, Akliouche thrives between the lines. He may not possess blistering pace, but his intelligence, close control, and awareness make him ideal for breaking down organised defences.
He can play wide or centrally, link midfield to attack, and relieve pressure by keeping the ball moving with purpose. For a Spurs side that often looks predictable, his presence could change the flow of games.
At just 23, Akliouche also fits the profile Tottenham should be targeting. He is young enough to develop further, yet experienced enough to make an instant impact.
While Kudus remains a fantastic player with unique qualities, Akliouche offers something Spurs lack far more urgently. If Tottenham are serious about restoring their attacking identity and supporting Thomas Frank with the right tools, this is the kind of signing that could redefine their season and shape their future.
