OPINION
After three defeats in a row, and a summer transfer window devoid of any new signings, there is a growing feeling that Tottenham Hotspur are slipping from their top-four perch.
Mauricio Pochettino elected not to strengthen his squad this summer, a decision that has been brought into sharp focus by his team’s recent struggles.
It’s imperative, then, that Spurs do not find themselves outmanoeuvred in future transfer windows – something that should start with securing the signature of Ajax’s Frenkie de Jong.
The young midfielder has been heavily linked with Tottenham recently, but it now appears that Manchester United have joined Spurs and Barcelona in coveting the 5’9″ [Source: Transfermarkt] 21-year-old.
That is seriously bad news for Pochettino of course, although it gives the club the chance to show the transfer mettle that they have so often lacked in the past.
Tottenham cannot allow themselves to be intimated by the presence of these two European giants in the De Jong chase, instead the should use it as an opportunity to demonstrate how far they have come.
They have something that neither United nor Barca can boast: a top class manager with a record of bringing through and improving young players.
The work that Pochettino has done with the likes of Dele Alli, Harry Winks, Eric Dier and most notably Harry Kane should be applauded, and should definitely be used in their pitch to the Ajax ace.
If De Jong wants to getter better by playing regular first team football then North London has to be his destination. Paul Pogba’s troubles at Manchester United are an indication of what can happen if you don’t perfectly fit the exacting Jose Mourinho mould, and De Jong should avoid Old Trafford at all costs as a result.
At Barcelona he would run the risk of being swallowed up amidst the world class talents at the Nou Camp. There is no guarantee of regular football for him while the likes of Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets are around.
Tottenham provides him with the perfect blend of competition for places and a realistic chance of fulfilling his massive potential. Pochettino is one of the finest coaches in the world and he would doubtlessly elevate De Jong’s game to a whole new level.
Spurs must show themselves to be one of the big hitters in world football by securing the signing of De Jong – they face the very real risk of being left behind by their rivals if they don’t.