View: Arnaut Danjuma deserves chance to shine at Tottenham
It is fair to say that Arnaut Danjuma has never been given much of a chance at Tottenham since arriving in North London on loan from Villarreal during the January transfer window.
The forward played just 169 minutes during his nine Premier League appearances (FBREF), and although he did score a goal in that limited playing time, those minutes are not enough for a player to really show their capabilities.
It is hard to see why he wasn’t given more of a chance in the side. Of course, there were players ahead of him in the pecking order, but given the inconsistent form of Dejan Kulusevski and the underwhelming contributions of summer signing Richarlison, it felt as if Danjuma deserved more of an opportunity to shine.
There were times when Lucas Moura would be substituted on ahead of the Dutch international, despite the Brazillian always planning on leaving at the end of the season.
It seemed strange that Danjuma wouldn’t be given a chance to show what he can do over the likes of Moura especially, considering Spurs have the option to purchase him this summer as part of the loan agreement, as reported by Sky Sports (23 January).
Football London’s Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold has reported (23 May) that Danjuma is settled in North London and happy to continue with the club, however, it remains to be seen whether Tottenham will make his move permanent.
The 26-year-old’s stats from his time at Villarreal suggest that perhaps Spurs should take the gamble and give Danjuma an opportunity.
During the 2021/22 La Liga season, the dynamic forward completed 4.34 progressive carries per 90, placing him in the top one percentile of this statistic compared to his positional peers in Spain’s top flight, (FBREF).
He also completed 2.02 successful take-ons per 90 which put him in the 89th percentile and found himself in the top two percentile for touches in the opposition’s penalty area, making 7.58 per 90.
The player is also no stranger to the big occasion. Danjuma was a crucial part of Villarreal’s miraculous run to the Champions League semi-final during the 2021/22 season, scoring six goals, including two in the knock-out stages, and providing an assist, as per stats provided by transfermrkt.
It is clear that Danjuma is a player with real quality and experience at the highest level and if he is already settled at Tottenham it might be worth taking the gamble and making his stay permanent.
With a new coach arriving in Ange Postecgolou, the transition might be made easier by utilising players who already know the club and Danjuma could be a real example of a player who knows the club but still has a point to prove.
If Tottenham choose not to make the switch permanent, after having a talented player on their books who they gave such little opportunity to, they might live to regret the decision.
In other Tottenham news, stats have revealed a transfer target who Spurs should go all out for.