They say attack wins you games but defence wins you trophies. For a side whose last trophy came 16 years ago, you’d think that this area of the pitch needs immediate backing.
Of course, the usual starting backline of Porro, Romero, van de Ven and Udogie is up there with one of the best in the league, if not the world. However, keeping them all fit for a long period of games is unrealistic.
Which is why it comes as no surprise that Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is looking to sign another central defender in the summer, stating: ‘‘It’s an area we will probably look at.’’ (Fabrizio Romano)
Here are five defenders I believe would provide excellent cover whilst also having the potential to challenge for a spot in the starting XI.
Option 1: Murillo
Murillo is relatively new to European football, but you wouldn’t think it based off of performances for Midlands club Nottingham Forest this season.
Joining at the start of the season from Corinthians for roughly £10.2 million, (Transfermarkt) he has established himself as a fan favourite. Known for being very confident on the ball, he would suit Tottenham’s style of play which is to build up their attack starting from the defence and maintain possession.
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After 23 appearances Murillo ranks in the top quarter of central defenders in the league for blocks and passes blocked per 90 (FBref). On top of this, he ranks in the top 2% for clearances made and has made 0 errors leading to goals this season (FBref).
This highlights how at just 21 years old and playing in a side that does a fair amount of defending whilst waiting to counter, he can remain composed without making any mistakes.
According to reports, Nottingham Forest may have to drop their £50 million valuation in order to comply with FFP or in the event that they get relegated (TeamTalk). If this is the case it seems like a no-brainer. He’s a player who has been brilliant in the league so far whilst still possessing bundles of potential going forward.
Option 2: Goncalo Inacio
With quality left-footed central defenders becoming harder to come by these days, an option Tottenham could explore is Goncalo Inacio. The young defender is a product of the talent factory that is Sporting Lisbon’s academy and has emerged as one of Portugal’s best young defenders.
Across 4 seasons, Inacio has missed just 12 games through injuries (Transfermarkt) and one of those games was due to flu, highlighting that he is a player who most of the time would be regularly available.
Inacio excels when it comes to his on-the-ball ability. In fact, he ranks in the top 1% of players in his position in the league for attempted passes and completed passes (FBref). Averaging 79 completed passes per game emphasises his quality whilst playing in a possession-based side.
He’s also very confident progressing the ball up the pitch averaging around 8 progressive carries per game, this ranks him again in the top 1% of players (FBref).
The Portuguese is reported to have a release clause in his contract that is around £52m (Daily Express). A signing of this level of quality will allow us to rest van de Ven, who has had injury problems, in periods where there are congested fixtures.
Contrary to this season, we should also be competing in Europe next season. Whether it be Champions League or Europa League, there will be an increase in fixtures where players will need resting. This would also allow us to rest Romero if we need to and play Dragusin on his favoured right side.
Option 3: Ilya Zabarnyi
Zabarnyi has featured in every single minute of Bournemouth’s 30 league games this season (Transfermarkt) highlighting him as a reliable player who would always be available.
Aged just 21 years old Zabarnyi is still a work in progress, but has contributed massively towards his side reaching 11th place and on track to beat their highest-ever points tally in the Premier League (BBC Sport).
At 6’3’’ Zabarnyi averages 2.13 aerials won per game (FBref) which betters Micky van de Ven’s 1.28 aerials won considerably (FBref). Although van de Ven is the better defender overall, Zabarnyi would prove useful against sides that are more aerially dominant or when seeing out games.
Valued at around £24 million (Transfermarkt) the Ukrainian could be a cheaper alternative to the other names shortlisted above, and seeing as club Chairman Daniel Levy loves a bargain deal, this could be a realistic option going forward.
Option 4: Tosin Adarabioyo
Spurs fans will have grown used to signing players on a free transfer during Daniel Levy’s reign in London and Tosin would be another example of one of these transfers. With his contract expiring this summer Tosin is the cheapest option out of the entire shortlist.
Tosin offers serious aerial presence which is something Tottenham have been lacking when defending set pieces. The 6’5’’ Nigerian wins over 3 aerial duels per game (FBref) ranking him in the top 10% of players in the entire league.
He may not be the flashiest name on this list, but for someone who would cost nothing to sign and yet still has years of experience in the league, he would make a great backup in the case of an injury.
Option 5: Piero Hincapie
The final option is high-flying Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie, who as of now has featured 20 times in the Bundesliga (Transfermarkt). Like van de Ven when he was playing for Wolfsburg, Hincapie can play left-back as well as centre-back.
His versatility would be a big bonus for Tottenham as signing Hincapie would provide cover for not just van de Ven, but also full-back Destiny Udogie, who has had suspensions as well as injuries this season.
Once again Hincapie is a profile that would suit Postecoglou’s style of play as he is strong on the ball and would allow the side to build up their attack from the defence. Hincapie averages a pass completion rate of 89% and attempts 82 passes per game (FBref).
Reports earlier in the season indicate that potential buyers would have to rack up a near sum of £43 million to acquire the Ecuadorian’s services (Caught Offside), and seeing as Leverkusen look almost certain to win the Bundesliga, Tottenham would have to offer Champions League football to prize him away from Germany.
Spurs Web Opinion:
Professional footballers should be fairly confident on both feet, so it shouldn’t be a huge problem if a right-footed player had to play on the left. However, in my opinion, I would prefer a left-footed central defender.
My top choice is Murillo. He embodies everything Postecoglou wants for his centre-backs. He’s strong, comfortable on the ball, young and most importantly plays to a high standard whilst still possessing huge potential. The sky really is the limit for the Brazilian.
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