Is Gylfi Sigurdsson the Man to Replace Luka Modric at Tottenham?

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The protracted summer transfer saga surrounding Luka Modric has rumbled on, as Tottenham and Real Madrid continue negotiations over a possible switch to the Santiago Bernabeu for the Croatian playmaker.

Despite a difference in valuation currently, Modric's eagerness to leave White Hart Lane could well see a deal completed ahead of the 2012-13 campaign.

One of Andre Villas-Boas’ new signings this summer has been Icelandic attacking midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson. With Modric looking like he is ready to leave north London, is Sigurdsson the man to replace the mercurial maestro?

Yes

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Villas-Boas is likely to play three central midfielders in his new-look Spurs side, with Scott Parker and Sandro more than likely winning the other two positions in the engine room. With two enforcers alongside him, Sigurdsson would be responsible for directing Spurs’ attacking play and getting forward as a goal threat.

Although the new man does not have the same poise as his predecessor, Sigurdsson has a number of attributes that will give him the support of the White Hart Lane faithful.

The Scandinavian proved his eye for goal last season in his loan spell at Swansea, and should provide an outlet for goals from midfield, taking some pressure off the attackers. Sigurdsson’s dead-ball delivery is also exemplary, and will give Tottenham an added threat from free-kicks and corners.

Also, Sigurdsson’s movement and willingness to get forward will certainly add a different dimension to the north London club’s attacking play.

Not Quite

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Although Sigurdsson is a positive addition to Tottenham’s squad ahead of the new season, there is no doubting that his and Modric’s style of play is different.

Should the diminutive eastern European leave the club, Spurs will lose an impressive array of passing, the ability to control the tempo of the game and creativity as good as any in the world game.

Sigurdsson is certainly more dynamic and forward-thinking than Modric, but Spurs will miss an orchestrator that can run the game from deep-lying positions.

They will lose a player able to deliver a killer through-ball or who can put their foot on the ball and take control even under pressure.

Conclusion

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Gylfi Sigurdsson is set to play an important role for Tottenham in 2012-13, and his summer signing has been an exciting and positive move by new coach Villas-Boas.

However, despite his considerable abilities, one feels that Spurs must delve into the transfer market once more to bring in a deep-lying playmaker, like Porto's Joao Moutinho, to minimise the loss of a player of Modric’s standard.