According to a recent report by the Independent, Tottenham Hotspur are now in pole position to secure the services of Joachim Andersen from Sampdoria. The same source has also claimed that Spurs have moved ahead of Manchester United in the race to obtain the services of the Danish centre-half. The Independent has revealed that the North London outfit has already made contact and ‘progress has been made’ over a possible transfer next summer.
Spurs have been linked with the Serie A defensive ace in recent weeks, so this latest development will come as a welcome bit of news for anyone associated with Tottenham. Mauricio Pochettino needs a long-term replacement for Toby Alderweireld so Andersen might be an ideal option for him to consider ahead of the new campaign.
The Sampdoria star is versatile enough to operate in a variety of different roles in defence and midfield. He primarily plays as a centre-back but is equally capable of filling in as a deep-lying holding midfielder at the centre of the pitch.
The Danish talent is a commanding presence inside his own box and is a very dependable figure at the back. He doesn’t lose his cool during high-pressure situations and can also make some timely interceptions for his team. However, Andersen can sometimes lack the pace and precision required to play for a top club like Tottenham.
The 22-year-old has featured in 25 appearances for the Italian side this term, making 1.1 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per match which is no easy feat. Hence, Pochettino would be getting a talented centre-back if he ends up signing him in the summer. The Frederiksberg born talent has also represented his nation at various youth levels and is destined to play an integral part for the Danish national side in a few years time.
He struggles to play the ball out from the back which would be a massive problem for Spurs as their whole system is built on launching attacks out from the back. Pochettino’s style of play at the North London club is mainly based on being dominant in possession. Hence, Andersen might not work out for them in the long-run. Even with that risk, the Danish defender has a very bright future in European football and could be nurtured into a top talent if given a platform to showcase his abilities.
Thus, it could prove to be a shrewd move for the North London giants, and so they should go all out to land the Danish youngster next summer.
