Signing players from Portuguese football directly into the English game has always been a hit-and-miss prospect. Much like signing from the Dutch top-flight, for every star there is a flop. Therefore, the reports that Tottenham Hotspur F.C. might look to the Portuguese league for signings in the summer has already made some fans concerned. Can the club really afford a summer of speculation? Do they not need to buy sure-thing talents?

Well, according to a former Spurs hero, a sure-thing might already be playing in Portugal. He plays for Benfica, and his name is Darwin Nunez. According to Crouch, he could be just what Spurs need this summer.

Of course, Spurs have already signed a Benfica striker in recent years – Carlos Vinicius. The big Brazilian looked the part, and scored some good goals in Europe, but was never really part of a long-term plan. Nunez, though, looks a cut above this standard of player and could be just what Spurs need to add more depth for Antonio Conte ahead of the 2022-23 season.

For Spurs, though, the key objective is to finish in the top four and grab a UEFA Champions League spot. Given Nunez just scored in the quarter finals against Liverpool, and also scored against Ajax to knock them out in the last sixteen as well as scoring a decisive goal against FC Barcelona, he might not accept anything other than the top table.

Crouch, though, is certain that if Spurs broke the bank to get Nunez they would be signing a sure thing. At 22, the Uruguayan has grown to be prolific both in Europe and domestically. Given Benfica look certain to miss out on UCL football themselves, could Spurs offer Nunez that vital next step in his career?

What did Peter Crouch say about Darwin Nunez?

When speaking about Spurs, Crouch always offers an enthusiastic take on everything. The big striker enjoyed some wonderful nights at the club, including scoring the goal that secured UCL football under Harry Redknapp. And he was keen to offer high praise for Nunez, comparing him to Uruguayan striker duo Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez.

Speaking about the impact Nunez had, as he scored an opportunistic goal against Liverpool after an Ibrahima Konate mistake, Crouch said: “Suarez and Cavani, he plays up front with them for Uruguay. He’s got something like 27 goals in all competitions. He’s obviously going to be a big threat. Set pieces as well, he’s good in the air.”

Given that Nunez is represented by Jorge Mendes, Spurs would need to offer a good deal to get ahead of the other likely suitors. Though likely not at the level needed to replace Harry Kane if he does leave in the summer, Nunez would be the ideal foil to work alongside Kane, Son Heung-Min, and Dejan Kulusevski.

For Spurs, the summer transfer work must already have begun – and if they can get ahead of a long queue to land Nunez, it looks like good business indeed.