According to a recent report by Record (via Sport Witness), Tottenham Hotspur will be keeping tabs on Benfica winger Jota aka Joao Filipe during the international break. The same source has also revealed that Spurs will monitor the performance of the Portuguese wide man along with Bayern Munich when he laces up to take on the England Under-20 side.
The Daily Telegraph claimed earlier this month that the Lilywhites had sent scouts to catch Jota in action for Benfica during their 3-0 win versus Dinamo Zagreb in the UEFA Europa League. The 19-year-old winger joined Benfica during his boyhood days before working his way up their youth system until he finally got an opportunity to play for their ‘B’ side back in 2016.
The Lisboa born sensation finally managed to break into Bruno Lage’s senior team at the beginning of this year and has featured in three matches for them so far. He is yet to prove his value at the highest level, but there is no doubt that Jota has incredible potential and could become a future star in European football.
Mauricio Pochettino has shown in the past that he can be the ideal man-manager to get the best out of his young talents as evidenced by the rapid rise of players such as Davinson Sanchez, Oliver Skipp, Harry Winks and Dele Alli in recent seasons. Hence, the Tottenham boss could be the perfect man to help Jota develop his game and become world-class in a few years.
The Portuguese starlet has enjoyed a successful spell during his time with Benfica’s ‘B’ side in the second division of Portugal. He has found the back of the net on six occasions while providing seven assists in 17 league matches for them in this campaign.
The acquisition of someone of Jota’s potential will undoubtedly bolster Pochettino’s attacking options at White Hart Lane in the future. However, he is still quite raw, and there is a concern that he might not get enough game time at the North London club. Hence, the best move for the teenager would be to stay put at Benfica for the time being as it will help him progress and take the step up to the next level.
As far as Spurs are concerned, recruiting the best young European talents remain a priority for them as they are looking to build for a more prosperous future in the Premier League. Hence, Jota’s addition could assist them in establishing long-term success under Pochettino.
