According to L’Equipe (h/t Sport Witness), Tottenham are interested in Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek. Mousa Dembele looks set to join Beijing Sinobo Guoan and Mauricio Pochettino could use the January transfer window to identify a replacement. Van de Beek is an offensive option, however, and wouldn’t provide the same substance in midfield as the Belgian international.
Dembele was composed in possession, capable of driving with the ball from deep and seldom gave away the ball in dangerous areas. Van de Beek looks more of a risk-taker who plays much higher up the pitch and will provide goals and assists, rather than tackles and interceptions. The 21-year-old has contributed nine goals in 11 Eredivisie starts this season, creating 21 chances.
Manchester United are also reportedly keen on his signature and could blow Tottenham out of the water when it comes to lodging a bid. Van de Beek could be a good addition, but he’s not a direct replacement for Dembele. The Dutch international doesn’t get on the ball as much as the former, but he’s more dynamic in the final third and does look like a player in Pochettino’s mould if used in a more advanced role.
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