'Stambouli will fit right in with Pochettino's pressing game'
French football scout James Eastham runs the rule over Spurs' new midfielder
French football scout James Eastham runs the rule over Spurs' new midfielder
Tottenham Hotspur have traditionally been a club active on deadline day of a transfer window and this summer was no different, albeit the signing of Benjamin Stambouli somewhat came in under the radar, overshadowed by the late arrivals of Falcao at Manchester United and the signing of Danny Welbeck by Woolwich.
Stambouli was brought in from Montpellier, where he made 129 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals in his 10 seasons at the club. The 24-year-old made 14 appearances for the France Under-21s but has yet to play for the senior side.
James Eastham, a French scout for clubs in England and a writer, provided premierleague.com with some background and insight on the French midfielder, whose arrival allowed the exit of Sandro.
"Benjamin Stambouli has been one of the best holding midfielders in Ligue 1 over the past couple of seasons," Eastham says. "He's a pretty big guy, about 6ft, and with a strong build, and is a powerful operator in the middle of the pitch. On the ball you would describe him as good rather than excellent - he has a decent passing range without being outstanding, and can beat a man when necessary - but generally keeps the team ticking over without getting forward too often.
"Arguably his strength is his work off the ball and he will suit the high-intensity pressing style with which Spurs head coach Mauricio Pochettino achieved success at Southampton. He plays with great intensity and energy, pressing well and having the stamina to put the opposition under pressure over 90 minutes. A lot of players need time to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Barclays Premier League. Stambouli will need time like everybody else but he is well equipped already on based on what he has shown in Ligue 1.
"At Montpellier he was a member of the side who caused a massive shock by winning the 2011/12 Ligue 1 title. At the start of that campaign Montpellier were more than outsiders, they were not on anybody's radar as potential title-winners. Stambouli was a fringe figure during the first half of that season but broke into the team midway through the campaign and went to play an important role in their shock title. That was the season in which he became known to French football fans.
"It is difficult to say what he will add to the Spurs team because there are a lot of midfielders in the squad. He is not identical to Etienne Capoue, but positionally he could occupy the same position on the field as his French compatriot so there could be competition between the two for a place in the side. In his younger years Stambouli also played as a centre-back and did well in that position so his versatility will also be useful.
"His attitude and desire have always been big attributes in France. It is possible that Pochettino sees him as bringing that winning mentality, that drive to the team. Certainly Stambouli has everything to play for as this is his first chance to impress in a bigger league away from his homeland.
"Then there's the matter of Euro 2016 on the horizon. Stambouli has been highlighted as one of the players that could break into the France squad before that tournament takes place on home soil. His presence at White Hart Lane will help to ensure that France coach Didier Deschamps will be keeping tabs on him."
