Spurs have won four of nine games so far this season placing them on 13 points and in eighth place in the table. Their last game came against Crystal Palace in a 1-0 defeat at Selhurst Park. Ange Postecoglu wants to add more in defence despite the fact that his side have the fourth-best defensive record in the Premier League.
According to former Tottenham scout Mick Brown, Spurs are looking for more depth at the back amid worries that injury could affect their backline. Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “Tottenham worry me defensively, their strength in depth is an issue too because it makes rotation difficult.
“All the best teams have defensive units that you know you can rely upon every week. Look at Arsenal, for example, the big reason they’ve been able to challenge for the title is because of their defenders.”
“They’ve [Spurs] got a settled pairing in Romero and Van de Ven, but behind them, they’re short of real quality options and strength in depth. From what I’m hearing, they want to bring in someone who can fill in if those two miss out.”
Tottenham currently have a strong centre-back partnership of Micky Van de Ven and Cristian Romero, however behind them is just Radu Dragusin as an out and out central defender, whose agent had to quash rumours of a possible move away in January.
Brown says that Spurs are worried about their lack of depth at the back and despite being happy with their first-choice defenders, want to add more in case of injury or fixture congestion.
Spurs may have to replace star defender in January
The focus as things stand is on adding a new centre-back, however, Tottenham may be forced to look at the full-back position as well as there are reports of a move for Pedro Porro.
Manchester City are said to want the Argentine as a long-term replacement for Kyle Walker, who is now 34 years old. Furthermore, Real Madrid also believed to share an interest in Porro if they aren’t able to sign Liverpool man Trent Alexander-Arnold.
If Porro decides to leave to join either his former club Man City or Champions League winners Real Madrid, then Ange Postecoglu may have to bring in a new full-back as well as a centre-back.
Tottenham want to use Arsenal defence as a model
The Spurs’ ownership has made it clear that they want to build a winning mentality at the club and could take a leaf out of the Arsenal book when looking at building a rock-solid defence in Ange Postecoglu’s XI.
'Wouldn't surprise me...' - Spurs tipped to lose £40m star man to rivals in huge blow to club ambitions
Mick Brown said: “Gabriel and Saliba are so solid at the back, and everybody does their bit.” Last season, Arsenal’s defence was a big part of why they could challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title.
The Gunners conceded 29 goals in the 38-game season last year which was the best defensive record in the league by five goals over City. Despite scoring fewer goals than City, Arsenal could mount such a strong title charge due to the solidity of William Saliba and Gabriel at the back.
Spurs may look at Arsenal’s near-success last season and want to emulate their style in that they have a solid defence, Ange Postecoglu could need just one or two more defenders to have an Arsenal-esque defence. January could provide Spurs’ opportunity.
0 Comments