Tottenham urged to sign Como striker Anastasios Douvikas after stunning Champions League hat-trick
Tottenham could make signing a new striker one of their major priorities when the January transfer window opens, with Como forward Anastasios Douvikas emerging as an interesting option for Roberto De Zerbi.
Spurs have struggled to find consistent goals this season, and their search for a reliable centre-forward could see them turn their attention towards the Greek international.
Tottenham signed Omar Marmoush from Manchester City on a season-long loan, which includes a reported £60m obligation to buy next summer. However, the Egyptian is not a natural centre-forward and is more comfortable operating in wider or deeper attacking positions.
Dominic Solanke remains another option, but the English striker has struggled to deliver consistently, managing just eight goals in all competitions since the start of last season.
His performances this campaign have also attracted criticism, with questions raised about his movement, positioning and involvement in attacking situations.
With Spurs considering alternatives ahead of January, Douvikas is beginning to attract attention following his impressive performances in Italy.
### Douvikas’ incredible numbers make him an attractive option
The 27-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Como, establishing himself as one of Europe’s surprise attacking performers.
Douvikas has scored six goals in just four Champions League appearances, making him the competition’s unexpected leading goalscorer.
His latest heroics came during Como’s remarkable 9-1 demolition of RC Lens on Wednesday night, where he scored a hat-trick and registered an assist.
He had also found the net against Manchester United in Como’s impressive 4-1 victory, further strengthening his growing reputation.
Across all competitions this season, the Greek striker has registered 11 goals and one assist in 14 appearances.
Standing at 6ft 1in, Douvikas offers the physical presence Tottenham need in attack. He is particularly dangerous inside the penalty area, with intelligent positioning, sharp movement and an impressive ability to convert chances.
However, his suitability for De Zerbi’s tactical approach remains a subject of debate.
### Why Douvikas could be a tactical concern for De Zerbi
Despite his remarkable performance against Lens, Douvikas recorded just 17 touches throughout the match.
Although this demonstrates his exceptional efficiency in front of goal, it also highlights his limited involvement in general attacking play.
His passing statistics and defensive contributions are relatively modest, averaging just 7.63 successful passes and creating 0.70 chances per 90 minutes.
He is also not particularly known for leading an aggressive high press, preferring to conserve energy and concentrate on finding opportunities inside the penalty area.
That could create difficulties under De Zerbi, whose attacking players are expected to press intensely and contribute defensively.
Against Premier League opponents who defend deep, Douvikas might struggle if Tottenham fail to provide him with sufficient service.
### Why Tottenham could still benefit from signing him
Despite those concerns, there is a strong argument in favour of bringing the Como striker to north London.
Tottenham desperately need a forward who can consistently turn opportunities into goals, and Douvikas has demonstrated that ability this season.
His conversion rate reportedly stands at 59.9%, significantly higher than the 15% recorded by both Solanke and Marmoush.
He also provides a stronger aerial threat, winning 44.8% of his aerial duels. By comparison, Solanke has won 27.8%, while Marmoush stands at 18.2%.
De Zerbi could potentially adjust certain aspects of his tactical approach to accommodate a striker with Douvikas’ goalscoring instincts.
After all, scoring goals remains the primary responsibility of any centre-forward.
### Como unlikely to entertain January offers
However, Tottenham could face a significant obstacle if they decide to pursue the Greek international.
Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, are enjoying an impressive season and remain firmly involved in the battle near the top of Serie A.
They are also performing strongly in the Champions League, currently sitting fourth in the league-phase standings behind Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Arsenal.
Selling one of their most productive attacking players halfway through the campaign would make little sense for the Italian side.
Another major complication is that Douvikas recently signed a new contract, extending his stay at Como until 2031.
That makes an immediate departure particularly difficult to imagine.
Even if Como were willing to consider offers, Tottenham could face competition from several major European clubs, potentially driving up his transfer valuation.
For Spurs, Douvikas could represent an exciting solution to their goalscoring problems, but convincing Como to part ways with their in-form striker in January may prove extremely difficult.
