This prolific hitman is the solution to Spurs’ attacking woes

Despite spending around £100 million in the summer, Tottenham have been goal shy so far, scoring just 9 goals in 11 Premier League matches. At one point in the transfer window, Roberto Soldado was Spurs’ record transfer signing but has since scored just one goal from open play. Their new record signing, Erik Lamela, is yet to hit the heights he reached while at Roma and is struggling to make an impact on Spurs’ goal scoring charts. With his most dangerous players struggling to find the net, maybe Andre Villas-Boas should target a goal scorer in January?

Every top league has a player who scores plenty of goals on a regular basis, and none more so than the Eredivisie. For years the Dutch league has processed players who score for fun. Some went on to play for some of Europe’s biggest clubs while some failed to fulfil any potential and struggled at the likes of Middlesbrough and BATE Borisov.

Finnbogason’s season in summary

Players such as Luis Suarez, Mateja Kezman, Patrick Kluivert, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Ruud van Nistelrooy all scored bags of goals in Holland but only the best succeeded in Europe. Alfred Finnbogason is the latest striking sensation to be plying his trade in Holland. The Icelandic frontman has played in 11 games for Heerenveen this season, scoring 14 times. Impressive. He has a chance conversion rate of 30.4%, which is 10.4% better than Lionel Messi’s figures in La Liga.

Finnbogason is a strong striker who is confident in possession, can spot a pass and has wonderful movement in and around the penalty area. His impressive skill is his finishing ability. The Icelandic is incredibly composed in front of goal, often chipping the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper. The 24-year-old has scored 44 goals in 46 games in all competitions for Heerenveen – an incredible scoring record. He has created 21 chances for the club in the Eredivisie this season, the second best from anyone at Heerenveen. To compare to Soldado, who has scored just four goals and created just 14 chances, it is clear who has been the most effective in the opposition’s penalty area this season.

Finnbogason’s style of could be suited to Spurs, who like to play a high line and press forward as much as possible. He often straddles the last defender and latches onto through balls. He’s also adept at making excellent runs into the penalty area to score from inside the six-yard box. He is an all-round striker who is capable of scoring plenty of goals and it won’t be long until a European club comes sniffing for the Icelandic.

His Squawka Performance Score of 592 is considerably better than anyone else’s at Heerenveen. The closest player to him is Magnus Wolff Eikrem. Overall in the Eredivisie, Finnbogason is leading the way. Spurs’ main striker, Soldado, has scored just 148 points in comparison. A huge difference. Finnbogason is only 24 and has his best years ahead of him. He may not be too expensive given his lack of experience and the club he plays so Villas-Boas should take a punt on the forward. He needs goals and Finnbogason could be the player to score them.