The Argentine World Cup winner has backed another former Valencia striker to be a big success at Tottenham providing he can adapt to the Premier League.
Argentina legend Mario Kempes believes Roberto Soldado can be a hit at Tottenham this season following his €30m summer move from Valencia.
Kempes, who fired Argentina to World Cup glory in 1978 and claimed the Golden Boot with six strikes, also scored 149 goals in eight seasons at Valencia and has watched Soldado's progress with interest since the Spain striker moved to his hometown club from Getafe as a replacement for David Villa in 2010.
The 59 year old, who now works for ESPN as an analyst, says he was impressed with the 28 year old's time at the Mestalla and is confident he will replicate that form at White Hart Lane.
"Good players can do well everywhere and Soldado is a good footballer," the former attacker told Goal.
"English football is a lot different to Spanish football but Soldado is an international for Spain, he is a player who has become accustomed to playing against great teams - and he has always scored goals. The important thing is that he adapts and forms an understanding with his team mates.
"He did well for Valencia. Great goalscorers are always appreciated and he went back to his his home and gave the people a lot of joy.
"He wanted something more. He has gone to a team that plays different football, but the Premier League is attractive and a lot of the top goalscorers have gone to play there. It's an attractive league for a striker and if Soldado can adapt, he will score goals."
Soldado scored a penalty on his debut for Tottenham last weekend as Spurs drew 1-1 with Spanish side Espanyol at White Hart Lane. The 28 year old is now set to make his competitive bow against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Kempes, who fired Argentina to World Cup glory in 1978 and claimed the Golden Boot with six strikes, also scored 149 goals in eight seasons at Valencia and has watched Soldado's progress with interest since the Spain striker moved to his hometown club from Getafe as a replacement for David Villa in 2010.
The 59 year old, who now works for ESPN as an analyst, says he was impressed with the 28 year old's time at the Mestalla and is confident he will replicate that form at White Hart Lane.
"Good players can do well everywhere and Soldado is a good footballer," the former attacker told Goal.
"English football is a lot different to Spanish football but Soldado is an international for Spain, he is a player who has become accustomed to playing against great teams - and he has always scored goals. The important thing is that he adapts and forms an understanding with his team mates.
"He did well for Valencia. Great goalscorers are always appreciated and he went back to his his home and gave the people a lot of joy.
"He wanted something more. He has gone to a team that plays different football, but the Premier League is attractive and a lot of the top goalscorers have gone to play there. It's an attractive league for a striker and if Soldado can adapt, he will score goals."
Soldado scored a penalty on his debut for Tottenham last weekend as Spurs drew 1-1 with Spanish side Espanyol at White Hart Lane. The 28 year old is now set to make his competitive bow against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
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