In his fortnightly exclusive column for CaughtOffside, Jon Smith, one of football’s first-ever agents and a man who was an integral figure in the forming of the Premier League, discusses why Tottenham have had the best transfer window, why David Moyes is wrong, why the time is up for Erik ten Hag, Klopp’s perfect timing – and more!
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Another brilliant transfer window for Tottenham
Ange Postecoglou got what he wanted in this transfer window and I can’t argue that Tottenham have done very well in that respect.
A quality defender and a striker in Timo Werner who is already shutting a few mouths.
Ange has got the backbone of the team strengthened and didn’t overpay by the looks of things.
It’s the second or third time I’ve complemented Spurs this year, but they deserve it because they’ve done good business.
Moyes is wrong not buying a striker for West Ham
I’m surprised at David Moyes for going another window without signing a striker for West Ham, but then when I look at him, the whole Moyes structure, and lots of the technical stuff, it’s very relevant at the moment.
Moyes’ game plan revolves around the strikers performing in a certain way and I can understand that if he doesn’t get the right one – and there’s not a lot available other than the Ivan Toney’s of this world – then he must stick with what he’s got.
‘It’s not just the strikers, it’s the system’ is something that Moyes has said so often now it’s become a mantra.
I personally don’t agree with him, but who am I to question someone who’s got a lot more experience on the frontline than I have?
I tend to side with the supporters who would say he needs a striker, because I think he does and it’s a mistake not getting one – but that’s my view. His answer would be very much along the lines of ‘I’m a systemised coach.’
Unless there are the right people are available to play the system, he feels comfortable with it and, in fact, the system then becomes more…
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