Fiery Argentine midfielder could ignite Spurs’ sterile midfield

Valencia’s Ever Banega

Few would disagree with the fact that Tottenham Hotspur’s squad is brimming with talent. At the same time, few would also disagree with the fact that manager Andre Villas-Boas is still missing one or two players who would add a bit more quality, depth, and even a different tactical option.

A striker is one, surely, with Roberto Soldado and the ageing Jermain Defoe the only senior strikers Villas-Boas currently relies on. Emmanuel Adebayor remains in the proverbial wilderness. And though his central midfield seems well-stocked, the options there are more known for their power and athleticism than for their craft. That said, a playmaker for that position would provide a interesting change-up tactically. Valencia’s Ever Banega could be that playmaker.

The 25-year-old Argentina international has a colourful past off the pitch, but vowed to knuckle down and concentrate on his football for los Che this campaign. Unfortunately, it’s a season that has proved difficult for the team as a whole to date, with it struggling to find form under new manager Miroslav Djukic. But Banega has been trying to make his presence felt in midfield, and has done so to an extent. At Spurs in a better, more confident squad, his efforts would make a more significant impact.

He is the kind of player who is a hybrid between central midfielder and attacking midfielder–he starts in a central midfield position, but doesn’t stay there, often shuttling forward to affect his team’s attack. Paulinho and Mousa Dembele, Villas-Boas’ preferred central midfield combination, do this as well, but their use of the ball in attack is different to Banega’s; they aren’t as penetrative as the Argentine.

Mousa Dembele, Paulinho stats

All three are good at taking on players when striding forward, with Banega, Paulinho, and Dembele completing averages of 2.8, 1.1, and three take on’s per game so far this season, but as far as passing is concerned, Banega has attempted 17 through balls (an average of 1.7 per game) compared to the two (an average of 0.2 per game) that both Spurs players have attempted each.

The Spurs duo tend to keep their passes short and simple both when positioned deep as well as when they venture forward, helping the team to retain possession as well as peg the opposition back in their own penalty area while they probe for an opening. Banega, on the other hand, while he also tends to keep his passes short, has better vision and is keen to force an opening, often looking to split the opposition defence with a lovely through ball. It should come as no surprise, then, to see that he has created more chances for his team-mates (18) so far this season than Paulinho and Dembele have for theirs (13 each).

A player like Banega in Villas-Boas’ central midfield would make better use of flying wingers Andros Townsend and Aaron Lennon, as he would be able to consistently play passes in behind their respective full-back’s for them to run on to and subsequently supply a cross into the box. Additionally, the attacking midfielder positioned just ahead of him would see the creative burden on his shoulders eased, while the striker–be it Roberto Soldado or Jermain Defoe–would also benefit as he would then have two players through the middle–Banega and the attacking midfielder–trying to play him in behind.

Banega would also do his bit defensively, as he is very much a ‘two way’ player, which would complement Paulinho and Dembele–whoever plays alongside him. So far this season, he is making an average of 1.3 interceptions and attempting 2.8 tackles per game. Paulinho is making an average of 1.3 interceptions and 2.4 tackles per game, while Dembele is making an average of .8 interceptions and 2.3 tackles.

Banega’s defensive actions in La Liga this season

Given the impact a player of his kind could have, Villas-Boas would be wise to consider doing a deal. Spurs already have a strong midfield, but a player in the mold of Banega would make it even better.