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Emma de Duve

Mauricio Pochettino has told Antonio Conte what Georginio Wijnaldum would bring to Tottenham

Mauricio Pochettino has already had his say on Georginio Wijnaldum and what Antonio Conte could expect from the Dutchman amid Tottenham links.

Wijnaldum has made 25 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain so far this season, scoring three goals and registering two assists.

PSG are currently top of Ligue 1 and Pochettino has led his side to winning 16 of their 22 matches so far, creating an 11 point lead between them and second place Nice.

However, Wijnaldum has played 90 minutes in just five of the league games he has featured in and the midfielder has now been linked with a potential move to N17.

The 31-year-old has been suggested as a potential incoming, if Tanguy Ndombele makes an exit from the north London club, as well as being linked with a move to Arsenal.

There had been some talks of the former Liverpool man being part of a swap deal but on Monday, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that no talks to include Wijnaldum in the Ndombele loan deal had begun.

When the midfielder made the move to PSG, Pochettino explained that it isn't just the change on the pitch that new arrivals have to get used to.

"Any transfer corresponds to a new sporting situation but also family, human, and this impacts any player arriving at the club especially without the pre-season preparation period," the Argentine said in September 2021.

"When the players come in late, when they have to be competitive, when they have to get to know each other when they have to train when their families have to find a home, a school for the children.

"This adaptation time is necessary for the club, teammates, and families. As long as his family is not settled in his new life, it is difficult for a player to have the peace of mind to show all his qualities," Pochettino added.

"We know that Wijnaldum can do a lot of different things for us in the game."

Just a month later the Dutch international explained his feelings at his new club.

"I can't say I'm completely happy," Wijnaldum said. "The situation is not what I wanted...I was really looking forward to the new step and then this happens. It is very difficult.

"I think [not playing], it's a primary concern for every player," he added. "It's also worrying if you don't play. But it's just the beginning of the season. A lot can still happen and I stay positive."

Although the midfielder is getting game time, he has struggled to become a key starter under the former Tottenham manager.

In November, the former Liverpool player compared his time at his new club to what he experienced in England.

"In Liverpool we knew each other well, we formed the same team for five years," he explained.

"We had our identity, it was different. Here, I think the coach prefers when we rotate, when we do not keep the same position.

"Here it’s a new team, I have to get used to my teammates, this is our first season together," the 31-year-old added.

Georginio Wijnaldum has Premier League experience, from his time at Liverpool. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

If Wijnaldum was to make the move to north London, he would again have to get used to new teammates and with the busy schedule of fixtures, rotation is inevitable for Conte.

The problem with the issues the midfielder has raised is that Spurs need someone who can slot into their starting XI, become a key part of the squad and help them improve their performances on the pitch, immediately.

Earlier this month Pochettino praised the Dutchman after his side drew to Lyon: "Wijnaldum has a lot of experience, he has been at great clubs. He is used to playing in different positions."

However the PSG boss went on to speak about the game after the midfielder and two of his teammates were substituted off.

"When we changed, we were looking for freshness," Pochettino said. "The introductions of Thilo Kehrer, Xavi Simons and Edouard Michut brought energy and enthusiasm."

If Wijnaldum can be versatile in his play and add some creativity to the middle of the park then he could be a good addition to the Tottenham side, especially with his Premier League experience.

However given his age, the fact he has already struggled with injury issues so far this season and his admission about needing time to settle, he may not be a great match for what Conte needs for his Tottenham team now.

With a week left of the transfer window, Fabio Paratici has some decisions to make regarding who to bring to north London from the players that are available to him, in order to give Spurs the opportunity to be as successful as possible this season.

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