After a long summer filled with rumors and high-profile deals, the transfer window is set to close this Friday.
Tottenham Hotspur, a club that has been relatively busy during this transfer period, still has time to make a couple more strategic signings before the deadline. With the Premier League season underway, Ange Postecoglou, the new head coach, has a daunting task ahead: he must guide Tottenham back into the Champions League spots by May. However, to accomplish this, Daniel Levy and the club’s hierarchy must bolster the squad, particularly in the attacking department.
The Spurs faithful are anxiously awaiting any last-minute moves that could enhance the team’s chances of success. Interestingly, Tottenham has been linked with a relatively unknown but exciting winger from outside Europe’s top five leagues. Although this player may not be a household name, he has the potential to challenge Brennan Johnson for a spot in the starting eleven. Moreover, there are distinct shades of a certain Gareth Bale in his style of play, which has caught the attention of both fans and pundits alike.
Bale’s Spurs Legacy
When discussing the greatest Tottenham players of recent history, Harry Kane and Son Heung-min undoubtedly top the list for most fans, and rightfully so. Kane, now Tottenham’s all-time leading scorer, and Son, with his remarkable consistency and flair, have cemented their places as modern-day legends of the club. However, if we go back a bit further, it’s impossible to overlook Gareth Bale’s impact during his time at Spurs. In terms of pure technical skill and the ability to single-handedly win games, Bale stands almost unmatched.
Bale’s journey at Tottenham was a tale of transformation. The Welshman spent six years in North London, and while his early years were marked by struggles and a lack of consistent form, he gradually evolved into one of the most feared wingers in Europe. Initially deployed as a left-back, Bale’s incredible pace, strength, and technical ability saw him gradually move up the pitch, eventually establishing himself as a devastating left winger. His performances in his final season at Tottenham were nothing short of extraordinary.
In the 2012-2013 campaign, which would be his last before his record-breaking move to Real Madrid for £85 million, Bale scored 26 goals and provided ten assists in 44 appearances. This remarkable output equated to a goal involvement every 1.22 games—a staggering statistic for a player operating from the left midfield and wing positions. Bale’s combination of speed, power, and a lethal left foot made him one of the most dangerous attackers in the world during that period. His ability to score from long range, take on defenders with ease, and deliver in crucial moments made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposition defenses.
While it would be unfair to compare any new signing directly to Bale, the player currently being linked with Tottenham does share some characteristics with the Welsh icon. This similarity in style is what has piqued the interest of the club’s scouting team.
The Next Big Thing: Andreas Skov Olsen
The player in question is Andreas Skov Olsen, a rising star currently plying his trade at Club Brugge. According to a report from Voetbalkrant, Tottenham’s interest in Skov Olsen dates back to March. While there was no concrete price tag attached to the winger at the time, more recent reports suggest that an offer in the region of £25 million could be enough to secure his services.
So, what makes Skov Olsen an attractive prospect for Spurs? The similarities between the Danish international and Gareth Bale primarily stem from their style of play. Data analyst Ben Mattinson has highlighted that the 24-year-old Skov Olsen loves “cutting in on his left foot” and “shooting from distance,” which is reminiscent of the way Bale played during his final campaign in England. Additionally, Mattinson describes Skov Olsen as a “quality goal-scoring, physical winger” who possesses a “deadly left foot.” At 6 feet 2 inches tall, Skov Olsen’s physical presence also mirrors that of Bale, making him a potentially formidable opponent for Premier League defenders.
Skov Olsen’s goal-scoring prowess is another attribute that draws comparisons to Bale. In recent seasons, the former Bologna player has proven to be a consistent threat in front of goal. His ability to score from a variety of positions and his knack for finding the back of the net from long range make him a valuable asset. While he may not yet be at Bale’s level, his potential and current form suggest that he could develop into a top-tier winger.
Comparing Skov Olsen to Brennan Johnson
| Skov Olsen vs Johnson in 23/24 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player | Skov Olsen | Johnson |
| Appearances | 50 | 38 |
| Goals | 26 | 5 |
| Assists | 8 | 10 |
| Goal Involvements per Match | 0.68 | 0.39 |
If Skov Olsen were to join Tottenham, he would likely provide competition for Brennan Johnson on the right wing. A comparison of their performances from last season provides some insight into what Skov Olsen could bring to the table. Johnson, who joined Tottenham from Nottingham Forest, had a solid campaign, scoring five goals and providing ten assists across 38 appearances. This resulted in an average of a goal involvement every 2.53 games—an impressive statistic for a young winger adapting to a new environment.
However, Skov Olsen’s numbers are even more eye-catching. In 50 appearances for Club Brugge last season, the Danish winger scored 26 goals and provided eight assists. This equates to a goal involvement every 1.47 games, a figure that, even when considering the relative strength of the Belgian league compared to the Premier League, is undeniably impressive. Skov Olsen’s superior goal-scoring ability, combined with his physical attributes and technical skills, suggests that he could offer more direct competition to Johnson than any other winger currently at the club.
Why Skov Olsen Could Be Key for Postecoglou
While Tottenham is not necessarily looking to find the next Gareth Bale, signing a player like Skov Olsen could prove to be a masterstroke. His style of play, physicality, and goal-scoring ability align well with Ange Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy. The Australian manager is known for his high-pressing, fast-paced style of football, and a player like Skov Olsen could thrive in such a system. His ability to cut inside from the right and unleash powerful shots with his left foot would add a new dimension to Tottenham’s attack.
Moreover, Skov Olsen’s versatility could be invaluable in a long and grueling Premier League season. He can operate on either wing or even as an attacking midfielder, providing Postecoglou with multiple tactical options. This flexibility, combined with his goal threat, makes him an ideal candidate to help Tottenham push for a top-four finish.
So: A Signing That Makes Sense
Lastly, Tottenham’s pursuit of Andreas Skov Olsen could be a savvy move as the transfer window draws to a close. While the Danish winger may not be the next Gareth Bale, his similarities to the Welsh legend, coupled with his impressive form, make him an exciting prospect for Spurs. With Postecoglou needing all the firepower he can get to propel Tottenham back into the Champions League, Skov Olsen could be the perfect addition to bolster the squad. If Daniel Levy and the club’s decision-makers can pull off this deal, it might just be the final piece of the puzzle that Tottenham needs to achieve their ambitions this season.
