How Tottenham could line up under Xabi Alonso with Prem legend having huge network of wonderkids to choose from
XABI ALONSO could make some drastic changes if he was named Tottenham manager.
The Spaniard is reportedly Spurs’ No1 managerial target to replace the axed Antonio Conte.
Cristian Stellini was given the job on an interim basis but was sacked after some shocking form and now Ryan Mason has been placed in charge until the end of the season.
Alonso took charge of Bayer Leverkusen last year, having previously managed Real Sociedad’s B Team.
He has impressed since taking charge, guiding his side to sixth in the Bundesliga and the Europa League semi-finals.
And if he got the job in North London then he would need to make some changes to improve their form on the pitch.
Alonso’s first mission would be to sign a replacement for Harry Kane, who is thought to be on his way out of the club this summer.
A move for Bayer’s Patrik Schick could make sense having worked with the Czech striker.
Fans will remember him for his amazing goal against Scotland from the half way line in Euro 2020.
While he has not been at his best this season, a fresh start could bring the best out of him.
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Another option would be for another Bayer and Czech striker, Adam Hlozek.
The youngster is highly rated and after a slow start to life in Germany, he has started to prove himself, scoring six goals in 31 games.
Although at 20 years old, he would be a risk with taking on the burden of Kane’s goalscoring responsibilities.
Another area Alonso will want to improve is in the defensive line, which has become incredibly frail this season.
He could plan a double swoop to sign Bayer duo Piero Hincapié and Edmond Tapsoba.
The pair would fit in either side of Cristian Romero to form a solid back three.
Jonathan Tah would be another option that could potentially be cheaper than the other two.
To improve the creativity in the side, Alonso could look to either German wonderkid Florian Wirtz or winger Moussa Diaby.
One of the two would be able to help Son Heung-min add goals to the side from midfield.
To improve the midfield and give another quality competition for Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur, Alonso could look to LaLiga.
Former Newcastle youngster Mikel Merino has developed into a top player and he could play a similar role to that of Alonso in his playing days.
Or the club could opt to try and tempt Japanese star Daichi Kamada to the club after his contract expires at Eintracht Frankfurt.
The club could also be on the lookout for a new right wing-back after Emerson Royal made it clear he wanted to leave the club.
And Bayer’s Jeremie Frimpong has been highly tipped for a move to the Premier League, but Spurs would likely have to beat Manchester United to his signature.
The last position that would need strengthening is between the sticks.
Hugo Lloris‘ form has dipped this season and Fraser Forster is not a good enough No1 in the Premier League anymore.
Werder Bremen star Jiří Pavlenka has been impressive for the Bundesliga side recently and could be a cost-effective addition for Spurs.