According to a recent report by El Mundo Deportivo (translated by Four Four Two), Tottenham Hotspur are keeping tabs on the development of Real Sociedad defender Diego Llorente. The same source has also revealed that Spurs had sent their scouts to catch the La Liga centre-back in action back in November last year.
However, Mauricio Pochetitno’s side will face stiff competition from Fulham, Liverpool and West Ham United in pursuit of the Spanish prospect (via Mundo Deportivo).
The Majestic Rise Of Diego Llorente In The Spanish Top-Flight
Llorente was a sporadic option for the La Liga outfit last season, but he has still managed to put in some decent defensive displays at the Anoeta Stadium. Llorente made 23 appearances for the Spanish side in the last term across multiple competitions.
He began his playing career at his boyhood club, Real Madrid but he failed to prove his worth at the Spanish capital and was soon shipped out. The 25-year-old had loan spells with teams like Rayo Vallecano and Malaga before he decided to leave Madrid in search of greener pastures in the summer of 2017.
What Will The La Liga Prospect Add To Pochettino’s Team?
The Spaniard is highly versatile as he primarily operates as a centre-half but can also fill in as a holding midfielder if required. He is a good tackler and can make some vital interceptions for his side. The Real Sociedad rising star made an average of 1.2 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 3.8 clearances per game in the top tier of Spain last season (stats via whoscored.com).
Llorente has also earned four international caps for Spain thus far. However, the Madrid-born talent needs to improve his overall game if he wants to secure more game time for his nation at the international level.
Does Spurs Need To Sign Llorente?
The potential acquisition of a versatile defender like the Spaniard will significantly improve the quality of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad at North London. With Toby Alderweireld set to depart the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer, Llorente could serve as an ideal replacement for the Belgian defensive ace. However, the Sociedad prospect has still not established himself as a first-team regular in Spain, which suggests that he might find it difficult coping with life in England.
Pochettino might be better off opting for more proven talents rather than settle for a centre-back who has still not proven himself at the top level.
