It is clear that the new manager Nuno Espirito Santo and the new football manager Fabio Paratici mean business in Tottenham this summer.
While talks about the potential signing of Atalanta’s Cristian Romero continue, Spurs have already secured the signing of high-ranked Spaniard Bryan Gil from Sevilla on a long-term contract – a deal that has seen the last of the ‘magnificent seven’, Erik Lamela, go against the other way.
Thanks, agent @sergio_regui?
Welcome to Spurs, @ 11BryanGil! pic.twitter.com/S9782r48eI
– Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 26, 2021
Although Gil was eventually relegated from La Liga while on loan at Eibar last season, Spurs fans can be as happy with this transfer as they have been for a long time.
The child is special and can thrive in north London.
Santo has previously stated its intention to exhibit its Spurs side with two front, which means that there will be an increasing need for out-and-out wide men. We have seen Son Heung-min and Lucas Moura slide into the field and run behind while Harry Kane plays as a lone frontman before, but with two strikers it will be crucial to ensure that central areas are not blocked.
Gil is part of an increasingly rare brand of wingers, as he is a left-handed player who prefers to play on the left. The 20-year-old mainly favors the ‘classic’ school for extensive play, which shows great directness, complexity and quality in delivery.
According to FBRef, Gil ranked fourth last season for delivered crosses (110), fourth for players dribbled past (78), tenth for progressive bears (212), seventh for bears into the penalty area (36), and eighth for shooting action per 90 minutes (3.87) – despite playing in a side that finished at the bottom of the table with only 29 goals.
While the direct style impressed during the 2020/21 campaign, Gil also showed more aspects of his game than just hitting his man, reaching the village line and crossing. His versatility on both sides and through the middle becomes understandable when he sees the creativity he holds in his closet.
He is also effective when he drops a little deeper to receive the ball and helps move defensive units around. When he plays on the right, he is just as comfortable hitting the ball inwards and opening the pitch, so that he can choose a pass and create opportunities for others. He is accurate in his passing weight and possesses typical Spanish vision and playmaking nous – exemplified by the fact that he ranked seventh for key passes (52) in Spain’s highest level last semester; 23 more important passes than his team scored.
His dazzling talent is shamefully wasted in a seriously wonderful Eibar team last season, but with the likes of Son and Kane to create for, the young man can become a star turner. Do not be surprised to see Gil become a favorite in fast style – he has many of the same qualities as a certain David Silva did.
Gil’s small frame, sharp feet, agility and speed from the marking make his sublime technical ability a real threat. And with a penchant for an elegant and exciting style of football, he will be an exciting opportunity to see in the Premier League – he also loves a nutmeg, ranked sixth in La Liga’s last campaign with seven completed – having already earned the nickname ‘Little Cruyff ‘.
While you may think that the 20-year-old’s unfavorable size (he is 5’7) combined with a good-looking and creative style of play can make him a target for brutal Premier League defense, that was also what was said about Silva on Citylegend’s arrival to these beaches.
Gil is a fighter, anxious to push and get his side on the front foot and is not at all afraid of a good challenge from time to time and collects six yellow cards during the La Liga campaign 2020/21. He will not be reluctant to test himself in England’s best flight; you can be sure of that.
Bryan Gil in action for Eibar last season / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
Although the Spaniard has little experience of the top of the game, he represents an excellent signing for Spurs.
The club has acquired a competitive, powerful electric, creative bright and extremely talented perspective in Gil and in just 20 years he can become a real star for the club in the coming years.
