How Alejo Veliz Will Elevate Tottenham Hotspur

Explore how Alejo Veliz, a rising youth talent, is set to transform Tottenham Hotspur's fortunes in the Premier League.

ROSARIO, ARGENTINA - JULY 23: Alejo Veliz of Rosario Central celebrates after scoring the second goal during a Liga Profesional 2023 match between Rosario Central and River Plate at Estadio Gigante de Arroyito on July 23, 2023 in Rosario, Argentina. Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur have a variety of forwards who can help the club significantly, however, the signing of Alejo Veliz from Argentinian side Rosario Central for £13m gives Spurs a future star.¹

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has relied on younger players such as Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie this season; meaning Veliz has the chance to play regular game time.

Here are some important attributes which you should know about the Spurs striker and why he might be an important player for the club.

Early career

Born in Gödeken, Argentina, Veliz joined Central at an Under-20 level and progressed to make his first team debut in July 2021.² His breakthrough year was the 2023 season when the Argentinian attacker managed to score 11 goals in 23 games for the club.³ He also scored three times during the Under-20s World Cup before the team was eliminated by Nigeria. The attacker made a total of 62 appearances for The Primera Division side in all competitions, scoring 19 times.

Playstyle

Veliz’s playstyle suits Postecoglou’s attacking play. One of his strengths is his aerial ability, measuring at 6 ft2. During a Rosarian derby against Newell's Old Boys, the striker headed a winning goal. During the Spurs manager’s tenure with the Australian team, he played with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation during the 2014 World Cup. His wide forwards came off the flanks and looked to get on the ball between the lines, with Tim Cahill providing the focal point up front, who is known for his strong heading abilities. I believe Veliz could play where Cahill played in that Australian team.

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How does he compare to other strikers at Spurs?

Veliz’s competition at Spurs for the striker position is difficult. The Argentinian striker has to deal with players such as Dane Scarlett, who is currently on loan at Ipswich Town. Scarlett attracted attention in the 2020-21 season after scoring 17 goals in 16 games for Spurs’ Under-18s side.⁴ He also played with the Under-23s during the 2020-21 season scoring three goals in five matches. The English striker also has managed in four games to score one goal and create one assist during England’s campaign in the Under-20s World Cup.

Scarlett, who measures 5 ft11, is smaller compared to Veliz. Despite his small frame Scarlett is strong and makes it difficult for defenders to deal with him. The English striker has also caught the eye of the Spurs manager, with Postecoglou saying he has a future with the club.⁵ Comparing Veliz and Scarlett is difficult because both players have had experiences playing in different leagues.

Conclusion

Veliz, who played in an Under-21s game against Colchester and played in Spurs’ (2-1) win over Liverpool, is a future star for the London side. He has had first-team experience, compared to his teammate Scarlett, however, European leagues are different compared to South American leagues. Veliz needs regular first-team football, in the youth side, the senior team or on loan. He has experience but needs to show it regularly in a top league in Europe.

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1. Alejo Veliz joins Tottenham in £13m transfer from Rosario Central - https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/transfer-news/breaking-alejo-veliz-tottenham-transfer-27471815

2. Why would Tottenham want to sign Alejo Veliz? - https://www.90min.com/posts/why-would-tottenham-want-sign-alejo-veliz.

3. Ibid 1

4. Dane Scarlett: The Tottenham Loanee Making Headlines in League One for Portsmouth - https://breakingthelines.com/player-analysis/dane-scarlett-the-tottenham-loanee-making-headlines-in-league-one-for-portsmouth/

5. Dane Scarlett set for new Tottenham contract before Ipswich loan move - https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/dane-scarlett-set-tottenham-contract-114332263.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAM9_c9aUhnCEIVgacEUeK5UFKADX9bwqs2lvEZb2Uhwr_8mor4tFX0TebLl0Xf3anL51GnoXRIgIMM-Aw_sCrfvQ4bfXi0Y_9L1hFigRWaDU-lw-_jaeeDxtNagyHo8EHvO1spHaZ9DDMgxeQNL9B-cGuWVFBXXrDCuWnQCCq-i-