Tottenham: Why Folarin Balogun transfer makes sense for Roberto De Zerbi | OneFootball

USA striker is not the typical De Zerbi forward, but transfer links should be welcomed

Tottenham are reportedly eyeing up a move for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun as they look to add attacking reinforcements before the end of the transfer window.

Spurs want to bolster their frontline ahead of the new season and are said to have identified Balogun as a potential cut-price alternative to the injured Eli Junior Kroupi.

With Kroupi expected to be out for up to four months, Spurs have turned their attention elsewhere and have reportedly been offered the chance to sign former Arsenal hitman Balogun.

Why Folarin Balogun deal makes sense for Tottenham

Links between Balogun and Spurs remain tentative at this stage, and it is not clear whether the north London club will make a move for the USA international.

But off the back of a strong World Cup, scoring three goals in four appearances, the 25-year-old is in form and available should Spurs decide to make a move.

Balogun is not typically what De Zerbi looks for in a striker. While his movement is fluid, he does not tend to drop deep and link play, instead looking to chase balls in behind.

De Zerbi often looks to his wingers to attack the space beyond the opposition defence, leaving the striker to connect play by getting the ball deep and picking out the runners in behind.

Folarin Balogun

AFP/Getty

That is not Balogun’s game. However, his penalty-box instincts and the timing of his runs mean he consistently arrives on the end of attacking moves.

Balogun’s intelligent movement will appeal to De Zerbi not only because he gets in the right positions to shoot but also because he is adept at leading the press.

A younger, more agile alternative to Spurs’ current options up front, Balogun will be well suited to the pace of the Premier League.

The question, though, would be whether Spurs can give Balogun the service he needs to thrive.

Capable of asking defenders uncomfortable questions with his pace and movement, The USA star has not yet developed the ability to get hold of the ball and make things happen when teams sit back and restrict space.

That is an aspect of his game that would need to be worked on with De Zerbi.

In some senses, Balogun is not an archetypal fit for the way De Zerbi looks to play.

But for all his limitations, Balogun does possess the natural goalscoring instincts Spurs sorely lack and would add pace and unpredictability to their attack.