Back
Signing a striker is likely to be a priority for Tottenham in January after their struggles in front of goal this season, and Como’s Anastasios Douvikas could be an intriguing option for Roberto De Zerbi. But how realistic would a deal actually be?
With several major clubs searching for a new striker, Tottenham are among those expected to explore the market when January arrives. It is a familiar situation for Spurs, having failed to secure their preferred target during the summer.
The club did bring in Omar Marmoush from Manchester City on a season-long loan, with a £60m obligation to buy next summer. However, the Egyptian is not an out-and-out, physically dominant number nine and generally prefers operating from a wider or deeper position.
Dominic Solanke remains Tottenham’s other recognised option, offering the physical presence of a traditional centre-forward. Unfortunately, he has struggled for consistency, scoring just eight goals in all competitions since the beginning of last season.
The Englishman’s performances this campaign have also attracted criticism, with the striker often struggling to get involved and find the right positions inside the box.
Spurs have consequently begun exploring alternatives ahead of January. Established strikers who are both available and affordable are hardly in abundance, but one name that could soon attract considerably more attention is Como’s Anastasios Douvikas.
| Statistic | Douvikas | Solanke | Marmoush |
|---|---|---|---|
| Club | Como | Tottenham | Tottenham |
| Appearances | 14 | 11 | 10 |
| Goals | 11 | 2 | 1 |
| Assists | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Goal contributions | 12 | 3 | 1 |
| Minutes played | 1,011 | 519 | 721 |
| Minutes per goal | 92 | 260 | 721 |
| Goals per appearance | 0.79 | 0.18 | 0.10 |
| Assists per appearance | 0.07 | 0.09 | 0.00 |
In a competition featuring some of the world’s best forwards, including Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, the Champions League currently has a rather unexpected leading goalscorer in Como’s Anastasios Douvikas.
The Greek international has scored six goals in just four appearances in the competition, three of which came during Wednesday night’s historic 9-1 victory over RC Lens. Douvikas also provided an assist in a result that equalled the biggest winning margin in Champions League history.
His previous European outing was impressive too. In Como’s 4-1 victory over Manchester United, Douvikas scored his side’s second goal, effectively passing his Premier League audition.
His overall numbers are just as encouraging, with 11 goals in 12 starts across all competitions this season. On those figures alone, he looks like someone who could help address Tottenham’s goalscoring problems.
Standing at 186cm (6ft 1in), Douvikas offers a strong central target – He is a sharp penalty-box predator who reads defensive shapes quickly, remains composed in congested areas and is very efficient when presented with chances.
However, there is a potential problem when it comes to De Zerbi‘s system.
Despite scoring a hat-trick and providing an assist against Lens, Douvikas managed just 17 touches throughout the game. While that is an incredible level of efficiency, it also shows how little he gets involved outside the opposition box.
His passing numbers and defensive contributions are relatively modest compared with other top-flight strikers. He averages just 7.63 successful passes and creates only 0.70 chances per 90, while rarely registering tackles, blocks or interceptions.
Douvikas is also not the sort of high-intensity defensive forward who will spearhead a relentless press. Instead, he is more of a traditional poacher, using his positioning to block passing lanes and conserving energy for attacking transitions and chances inside the box.
That could become an issue for De Zerbi, whose Tottenham forwards are expected to press aggressively and work hard out of possession. Against Premier League sides sitting in a low block, Douvikas could struggle if he is not supplied with enough quality service.
There are certainly reasons to question whether Anastasios Douvikas would be a perfect fit for De Zerbi’s Tottenham, but there is another side to the argument.
The Italian may be willing to adjust certain aspects of his system if it means having a striker who consistently puts the ball in the back of the net. Tottenham need goals, and ultimately, that is what centre-forwards should be judged on.
There are other players in the team who can take responsibility for tracking back and pressing high – It does not necessarily always have to be the number nine that has to do all of it.
A comparison with Solanke and Marmoush makes Douvikas’ biggest strength very clear. His goal conversion rate stands at an impressive 59.9%, compared with just 15% for each of Tottenham’s current striking options.
He also offers a considerably stronger aerial presence, winning 44.8% of his aerial duels. Solanke’s figure stands at 27.8%, while Marmoush manages just 18.2%. (FotMob)
Even if Tottenham decide that Douvikas is the right man, convincing Como to sell him in January could be an entirely different challenge.
Cesc Fabregas’ side are enjoying an excellent campaign, competing near the top of Serie A and sitting just five points off first place. They are also fourth in the Champions League table, behind only Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Arsenal.
There is very little reason for Como to weaken their squad midway through the season, particularly by losing one of their most important attacking players.
Moreover, Douvikas signed a new contract in Italy only just a few days ago, extending his stay until 2031. It would therefore be difficult to imagine Como sanctioning his departure barely two months after securing his long-term future.
And even if the club were to somehow be prepared to listen to offers, Tottenham would likely face competition from several other elite clubs, meaning Douvikas’ price tag could further be inflated.