Kevin Zenón: Tottenham's Next Argentine Star? Analyzing His Fit in Postecoglou's System
Could Kevin Zenón Be the Next Argentine Sensation at Tottenham Hotspur?
It was Davies's tackle on Ollie Watkins, who I feel is a grade below Harry Kane when it comes to getting off a shot, on the half-way line that led to Pape Matar Sarr driving into the space left by the taken-off injured Morgan Rogers, that led to our second and Dominic Solanke's first goal.
A loyal servant, he fulfils an important role as experienced back-up tp the younger Micky Van de Ven and Destiny Udogie.
His versatility allows us to rotate in Europe and importantly fulfils the homegrown quota, both domestically and in Europe, which affects squad numbers. In addition he helps the wage bill which is an important factor whether fans like it or not.
Davies is being asked to help makeshift defences cope and excel.
He has frequently had a different partner alongside him and had 18 year old Archie Gray alongside and in front of him.
Then there is 18 year old Bergvall too, as well as 22 year old Romanian Radu Drăgușin finding his feet in a new country and to a new style of football.
Will this be the Welshman's last season with Tottenham though, given Spurs are in the market for a left-sided player and with youngsters coming through gaining experience out on loan?
Spurs interested in Kevin Zenón
Talking about left-sided players, Boca Juniors ace Kevin Zenón is one player Spurs are actively looking at the midfielder, as are Newcastle United and Aston Villa.
Ctes HOY report that Hoffenheim offered €18 million (£14.97m) for Zenón, even though his release clause is €15 million (£12.47m), but the player himself asked Xeneize (Boca Juniors nickname) to reject the offer.
Thus the other websites suggesting he could be available for £10m, clearly haven't done any homework, just regurgitated the news.
Zenón is well aware of interest from the Premier League so there could be movement in the summer of 2025 for the left -footed left winger/midfielder.
According to La Nación, Sevilla is considering Zenón as a potential addition to bolster their midfield options. The paper also reports that Boca Juniors president Juan Román Riquelme is searching for left-sided players.
What the Argentinian Press Say
Kevin Zenón, a midfielder for Boca Juniors, has recently attracted interest from several Premier League clubs. According to MinutoUno, in addition to previous interest from Newcastle United, teams like Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have intensified their monitoring of the 23-year-old player. Despite recovering from a left ankle sprain, these clubs are looking to strengthen their squads for the upcoming European winter transfer window.
TyC Sports highlights that Zenón, who joined Boca in January 2024 from Unión de Santa Fe, has delivered notable performances that have caught the attention of European teams. His versatility and on-field skills make him an attractive target for clubs seeking to bolster their offensive options.
Additionally, BolaVip reports that although Zenón is currently in recovery, his prior performances have been sufficient to maintain the interest of Premier League clubs. He is expected to return to the field in the coming weeks, which could influence the decisions of interested teams ahead of the next transfer window.
The Kevin Zenón Scouting Report
Kevin Zenón, a 23-year-old Argentine midfielder who could continue Spurs' Argentinian connection, has garnered attention from European clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, due to his versatile playing style and technical prowess.
Playing Style and Strengths
Versatility: Zenón primarily operates as a left-sided midfielder but is adept at playing as a winger or left-back, offering tactical flexibility.
Technical Skills: He possesses excellent dribbling abilities, enabling him to navigate tight spaces and maintain possession under pressure.
Offensive Contribution: Known for his incisive passing and vision, Zenón effectively creates goal-scoring opportunities for teammates.
Defensive Work Rate: His stamina and commitment allow him to contribute defensively, tracking back to support the backline when necessary.
Fit with Ange Postecoglou's System
Ange Postecoglou's tactical approach at Tottenham emphasizes fluidity, high pressing, and attacking football.
Zenón's adaptability aligns well with this philosophy:
Inverted Full-Back Role: Postecoglou often utilizes full-backs who invert into midfield during possession. Zenón's experience as a left-back and midfielder makes him a suitable candidate for this role, providing additional midfield support and aiding in ball progression.
High Pressing: His work rate and defensive acumen fit the high-pressing strategy, enabling Tottenham to regain possession swiftly.
Attacking Support: Zenón's ability to advance the ball and deliver precise crosses complements the attacking dynamics, offering width and depth in offensive plays.
I feel from my research that Kevin Zenón's skill set and versatility make him a promising fit for our dynamic and aggressive playing style under Ange Postecoglou.
His potential addition could enhance squad depth and provide tactical flexibility across multiple positions, something our head coach is very keen on.
Kevin Zenón Psyche Report
Argentina's national character is shaped by a tapestry of cultural influences, historical experiences and societal values. Key aspects of the Argentine psyche include:
Pride and National Identity: Argentines possess a strong sense of national pride, deeply connected to their cultural heritage, history and achievements in areas like sports and the arts. As Spurs fans, we have seen in Cuti Romero this strong sense of desire to represent the national team, almost under any circumstances.
Resilience and Adaptability: The nation's history of economic fluctuations and political changes has fostered a resilient and adaptable populace, capable of navigating challenges with resourcefulness.
Social Warmth and Expressiveness: Argentines are known for their warmth, expressiveness and emphasis on personal relationships, often engaging in open and animated conversations.
Passion for Arts and Sports: A deep passion for cultural expressions, particularly tango music and dance, as well as a fervent enthusiasm for football, are central to Argentine life.
What does Football Manager 2024 say about Kevin Zenón's mental attributes? Not an ideal way to mentally assess a player but it might add something to our understanding of him.
- Aggression: 30
- Anticipation: 45
- Bravery: 40
- Composure: 40
- Concentration: 55
- Decisions: 60
- Determination: 45
- Flair: 65
- Leadership: 40
- Off the Ball: 65
- Positioning: 45
- Teamwork: 65
- Vision: 60
- Work Rate: 55
These attributes suggest that Zenón is a creative and perceptive player, demonstrating flair and effective off-the-ball movement, which are valuable in creating scoring opportunities.
His teamwork and vision indicate a strong ability to collaborate and understand the game's dynamics, while his determination and work rate reflect a solid commitment to his role on the field.
European Interest in Kevin Zenón
Apart from Hoffenheim, there are a few other Bundesliga sides are reported to be evaluating Zenón but nothing serious at this stage.
In France, there are a few pieces suggesting potential interest from Ligue 1 sides, but nothing really concrete.
In Italy, a few reports suggest mid-table Serie A teams are looking at the Argentinian.
The following clubs are possibly the most interested in Zenón, apart from Spurs, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Hoffenheim, with the strongest in the list being LaLiga side Sevilla, who are regular winners of the UEFA Europa League and share a common language with Argentina.
Sevilla FC: The Spanish club is reportedly monitoring Zenón's progress as a potential addition to their midfield with articles speculating about his games adaptability to LaLiga.
Brighton & Hove Albion: The EPL side is among the clubs to watch in the race for Zenón's signature.
Benfica: The Portuguese giants have shown interest in Zenón as they look to bolster their squad.
Olympique Lyonnais: The French club is reportedly considering Zenón as a potential target.
Napoli: The Italian Serie A team has been linked with Zenón in recent transfer discussions.
This widespread interest underscores Zenón's rising profile in European football.
We must remember that Spain and Argentina share a language so a move to Sevilla would hold a pull, but Spurs do have a strong Argentinian connection which might aid us,
You can read the piece on SpursArgentinian history, all the way back to our tour there in 1909, through Ossie Ardiles, Ricardo Villa, Diego Maradona, Mauricio Taricco, Érik Lamela to Giovanni Lo Celso, Cristian Romero and on-loan in Spain Alejo Véliz.
COYS
1 comment
Watkins really not at the level of Kane. Even in his thirties continuing to break records around Europe. Not seen the Galatasaray game yet, but willing to bet that if either Mikey Moore or Will Lankshear get to play for any time they will impress.
There are a number of good signs at Spurs nowadays. Nevertheless we must be mindful that high intensity football - such as Ange loves & we play - is bound to lead to more than the average number of injuries. Look after yourselves boys.
COYS!!