Key Points
- Former Tottenham Hotspur winger and club legend Chris Waddle has advised technical director Johan Lange to target an attacking midfielder rather than a new striker during the upcoming transfer window.
- Waddle suggested that Tottenham should sign someone resembling Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze or a “Cole Palmer-type player” to unlock the full potential of centre-forward Dominic Solanke.
- Speaking in an exclusive interview with TEAMtalk in conjunction with iGaming.com, Waddle highlighted that Spurs are “crying out for a creative midfielder who can pull the strings”.
- Waddle expressed regret that Tottenham failed to secure Eberechi Eze previously, noting that the player possesses the requisite technical skills to operate in pockets of space off the striker.
- The former England international also analysed the wider squad balance under Roberto De Zerbi, noting that while approach play has been neat, the team continues to lack sufficient goal output from the number nine and number ten positions.
Tottenham Hotspur (North London News) November 14, 2026 — Tottenham Hotspur technical director Johan Lange has been handed a clear directive regarding the club’s upcoming recruitment strategy by former Lilywhites star Chris Waddle. In an exclusive interview conducted by TEAMtalk, Waddle asserted that the North London outfit should bypass signing a traditional centre-forward in January and instead direct their financial resources toward capturing a creative midfield operator capable of unlocking striker Dominic Solanke.
As detailed by TEAMtalk, Waddle pointed to recent performances—including a tepid display and a 1-0 defeat away at Leeds United—as evidence that manager Roberto De Zerbi still faces a significant challenge in achieving the right tactical balance in the final third. Despite boasting fluent approach play, Waddle argued that the side suffers from a distinct lack of cutting edge and a scarcity of natural creativity when playmaker James Maddison is absent from the side.
As reported by Jake Stokes of Football.London, Waddle specifically referenced the profile of player required to elevate Tottenham’s offensive output. Discussing the tactical void behind the frontline, Waddle stated that:
“You’re looking for a Cole Palmer-type player, aren’t you? Someone like Eberechi Eze. It’s a shame they didn’t sign him when they tried.”
How Can A Playmaker Like Eberechi Eze Transform Dominic Solanke’s Output?
Elaborating further on the tactical requirements of the squad, Chris Waddle emphasized to TEAMtalk that Dominic Solanke requires a specific type of service that the current midfield configuration is failing to provide consistently. Waddle stressed that a creative conduit is essential for bridging the gap between the midfield lines and the penalty area.
As reported by Football.London, Waddle explained the positional necessities by stating:
“You need someone who can play in that pocket off the striker, thread passes inside the full-backs, and get the centre-forward in to score goals. They are crying out for a player like that to pull the strings in the final third.”
Waddle added with a touch of nostalgia regarding former club greats:
“They need someone like Glenn Hoddle! The creativity is so lacking in that team; they may have to ask Glenn to put his boots back on again!”
What Did Chris Waddle Say About Roberto De Zerbi’s Attacking Options And Squad Balance?
Beyond the central playmaking role, Waddle evaluated the wider composition of Roberto De Zerbi’s attacking roster, offering candid assessments of existing personnel, including forward Omar Marmoush and winger Mohammed Kudus.
When questioned about Marmoush, who has occasionally featured in a supporting capacity, Waddle told Football.London:
“I could never figure out his position when he was bought by Manchester City, and I still can’t work out where he actually plays. De Zerbi might look at him and see a player with a load of pace, but where do you play him? It didn’t really work on the wing, it didn’t work up front, and it didn’t work at 10. He’s an enigma…”
Addressing the team’s wide-area contributions, Waddle told TEAMtalk:
“Their approach play is really nice; they take people on and get past people, but they don’t score enough goals. Mathys Tel scored a great goal at Chelsea, but I’m not sure if Mohammed Kudus has scored yet. As a winger, you’ve got to be chipping in with 10 to 15 goals.”
Waddle further remarked on Kudus’s responsibilities:
“Kudus’s approach play is good, he’s strong, he keeps the ball well, and he can get at full-backs, but he’s got to get in the box more when the ball is down the other side. He has the technique and ability, but he needs to add more goal attempts and come off the pitch thinking he should have scored two or three by now.”
Background of the Particular Development
The debate surrounding Tottenham Hotspur’s recruitment priorities has intensified following an inconsistent start to the Premier League campaign under Roberto De Zerbi. Despite substantial financial investment in previous transfer windows—including the club-record acquisition of Dominic Solanke from AFC Bournemouth—Spurs have periodically struggled to maintain fluid offensive momentum, particularly when injuries sideline key creators such as James Maddison. The club’s search for a decisive, dynamic midfielder has remained a recurring theme among supporters and analysts alike, with historical links to high-profile creative talents dominating media discussions. Pundits and former players frequently scrutinize Johan Lange’s transfer strategy as the club attempts to secure a consistent top-four finish and bridge the gap with elite domestic competitors.
Prediction
If Tottenham Hotspur heed Chris Waddle’s advice and direct their January transfer efforts toward securing an elite, progressive attacking midfielder in the mould of Eberechi Eze rather than investing in another orthodox striker, the impact on the squad could be transformative. For Dominic Solanke, the arrival of a natural number ten who specializes in threading vertical passes and operating in tight half-spaces would likely yield a significant increase in high-percentage scoring opportunities, elevating his goal conversion rate. For Roberto De Zerbi, solving the creative deficit would alleviate the heavy tactical burden currently placed on isolated wingers and provide the structural balance necessary to revitalize Tottenham’s push up the Premier League table.
