Tottenham are convinced Giovani Lo Celso is a Premier League superstar in the making.
According to Football Insider, Jose Mourinho and his backroom staff believe Lo Celso can become a midfield maestro like Mousa Dembele and Luka Modric.
A source told the outlet Spurs will have to rely on swap deals and signing free agents in the summer. The club have been scouting for a number of different positions, including central defence, right-back, defensive midfield and striker.
Sky Sports revealed earlier this year that Tottenham have made Southampton star Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg their top transfer target. Now, reports have emerged that Lo Celso is central to Mourinho’s plans, as he is considered to be capable of providing creativity and control in the midfield.
The Argentine has been one of the few highlights of the Lilywhites’ difficult season so far. The 24-year-old has worked his way back into contention after recovering from a hip injury, and it is fair to say he hasn’t looked back since.
In recognition of his performances on the pitch, the board decided to make his loan deal permanent (BBC). He actually signed for Spurs on the same day Christian Eriksen left for Inter Milan. He is currently valued at £36m via Transfermarkt.
Lo Celso started on the bench against Manchester United last week before coming on to play the last 20 minutes. He showed he was a class above the rest in the 2-0 win over West Ham on Tuesday night.
Just like his predecessors, Lo Celso is able to dictate the game from a deeper role.
While he was unlucky to miss out on his first Premier League assist after Son’s goal was disallowed, the playmaker has shown he is more than meets the eye, as he put in a shift all over the pitch.
Indeed, he took 119 touches of the ball with a pass accuracy rating of 89%, producing 3 key passes, and making 2 interceptions via SofaScore.
Whether or not Mourinho will move him around remains to be seen, but Spurs certainly have a young talent on their hands and the best is yet to come.
Tottenham fans, do you think Mourinho should build the team around Giovani Lo Celso? Let us know down below!