After being left with Harry Kane as the club’s only recognised centre forward last season, it was little surprise to see Tottenham Hotspur splash out on a new striker over the summer to add strength in depth to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.
Netherlands international Vincent Janssen was added to the Spurs contingent following a goal-laden campaign in the Eredivisie and offers the White Hart Lane outfit an extra option in leading the line.
Early signs are positive that the former AZ Alkmaar hitman can make a positive impression in the Premier League, with the 22-year-old impressing the Tottenham faithful to date.
Although Janssen is yet to hit the net for his new employers, temptations to compare him to big-money failure Roberto Soldado have largely been resisted as yet.
The Dutchman’s ability to hold the ball up, his work rate and a willingness to move off the ball have caught the eye and as a result there are high hopes for Janssen in England.
The acquisition’s presence gives Pochettino more flexibility in the final third but also creates something of a selection dilemma for the Argentine coach.
If Janssen is deployed in the main striker’s role, hotshot attacker Harry Kane is subsequently forced to play in a deeper role, while an attacking midfielder, such as Dele Alli, will be dropped to the bench.
Kane carried the can in terms of goalscoring for Spurs last season in their Premier League title assault, scoring 25 times in the process, but has started 2016-17 without a goal as yet.
Although few are ringing the alarm bells at White Hart Lane just yet over the England international’s lack of goals so far, the homegrown star may well have to become accustomed to a new role – and different responsibilities – due to Janssen’s presence.
Playing in the deeper number ten role, Kane will have providing his strike partner with goalscoring opportunities on his radar.
Last season, although the England international is an unselfish player, his main priority was scoring goals rather than supplying others.
Taking Kane away from the main striker’s role, where he is most natural and effective, may well facilitate the introduction of Janssen but it could also play a part in nullifying the English attacker’s predatory instincts and goalscoring potential.
In an ideal world both of Pochettino’s strikers would be able to score and create goals for each other in the same team, but this has not happened as yet.
As such, the Spurs manager’s team selections in upcoming games will be interesting and whoever is selected as the furthest man forward will be under building pressure to hit the back of the net.
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