Opinion: 23yo Monaco winger could be the most talented player that Levy can bring to Tottenham this summer

Given how apt he is with his dribbling and 1v1 ability, Ange can use that flair to isolate defenders and try to unlock packed defenders (while also other players around him create overloads). Then if you see his press resistance, you can use him to allow controlled build-up even when the Lilywhites are facing aggressive press (this can be crucial in UCL games).

Moreover, if you combine his carries with his ability to lay off passes, he can carry from outside to inside before laying off channel-breaking passes into the likes of Solanke and Son.

He is someone who has the capacity to find pockets between the lines and can stretch the backline to try and open up spaces for overlaps.

And then comes defensive work rate; here I think Ange will need to work a bit with him. He is not as aggressive in counterpressing as the Australian head coach would likely demand.

Basics of how he can fit into the system at Tottenham

He can play as a right winger in a 2-3-5 attacking sequence framework. You can also slot him as an interior on the left or maybe in a wide ten role.

On that right flank, he would be raked to go from outside into the central zones, so he cuts inside on his stronger left foot, mirroring what Kulusevski offers but with more directness and unpredictability.

Then when he features in a left interior role. Akliouche can be more of a creative outlet and can combine with Udogie and Solanke in tight zones. He can drift centrally, acting as a second playmaker, complementing James Maddison.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

He can add such tactical versatility to the current squad, given he can play RW, LW, CAM, or interior 8, giving Postecoglou tactical flexibility. Moreover, he does add that close control complemented by his quick feet and vision can become all-important in Ange’s positional system.

Moreover, he is just twenty-three (23) and comes in at a ready-to-contribute quality while having the capacity to grow into a massive star.

Weakness

As I mentioned above, he may find it difficult to struggle at the start with the physical demands that he will face in the Premier League, but his defensive work rate needs to be worked on. He is prone to dips in concentration along the ninety minutes, especially in games where his marker is marking him tightly.

Opportunities

The Algerian-French heritage prodigy will help Tottenham to add some creativity that the North Londoners haven’t had since prime Eriksen, which will go on to complement the likes of Son, Maddison, and Udogie’s progressive play.

Threats

He will take some time to adjust to the pace and power of the Premier League. Moreover, €60–70m transfer fees added with his wages could be a big blow to the North Londoners’ budget, especially given interests in his signatures from the likes of Liverpool, Newcastle, and United.

Author Opinion

Maghnes Akliouche has the potential to become a massive player in the English top tier, and if Levy wants to continue bringing in young players, then his system-fitting talent should be exactly what the Lilywhites should prioritise this window. See, the thing is he is not just a winger – he is more of a creative disruptor who has the capacity to operate in multiple zones across the attacking unit.