Roma legend Vincent Candela has said that rumoured Tottenham target Roger Ibanez has the attributes to evolve into one of the best central defenders in the world.
Reports over recent months have indicated that Antonio Conte is set to prioritise strengthening in central defence during the January transfer window (CMW.it).
Several Serie A stars, including the likes of Milan Skriniar (90 min), Rodrigo Becao (Tutto Udinese) and Ibanez (CalcioMercato), have been mooted as targets for the North London club.
The latter might be hard to lure away from the Stadio Olimpico as he has started every single league game for Jose Mourinho’s men this season and is contracted to the club until 2025 (Transfermarkt).
Il Messaggero reported back in the summer that both Newcastle United and Tottenham were ready to submit offers for Ibanez but Roma Giallorossa revealed back in September that both Premier League clubs were driven away by Roma’s exorbitant asking price.
Candela has now claimed that the Brazil international could become one of the best in the world in his position if he can work on his concentration.
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The 49-year-old told Corriere dello Sport: “Ibanez will become one of the strongest defenders in the world. But he has to work a little on concentration.”
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Ibanez would be an excellent fit for Conte’s system and would be able to cover for both the right centre-back and the central sweeper roles. However, Roma will be keen to hang on to the 24-year-old and I cannot see Spurs paying the kind of money that it would take to snap up the Brazilian.
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