According to a recent report by Calciomercato, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in securing the services of AS Roma skipper Alessandro Florenzi during this summer transfer period. The same source has revealed that Spurs are searching for a new right-back following Kieran Trippier’s departure to Atletico Madrid earlier this month. Calciomercato has claimed that the North London giants have identified the Italian defender as a perfect replacement for the Englishman in this off-season.
Florenzi Vs Trippier: Who Has The Statistical Edge?
The 28-year-old had to endure a mediocre campaign last season. However, he still managed to put in some memorable performances for Roma in the Serie A. Florenzi featured in 38 matches for the Italian outfit in the previous campaign, scoring three goals while grabbing three assists in all competitions. On the defensive end, he made an average of 1.3 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and 1.8 clearances per game in the Italian top-flight (stats via whoscored).
Comparatively, Tripper provided a similar attacking return for Spurs last season as he scored once and grabbed five assists on all fronts. The numbers tell the same story on the defensive end as well after the England international made an average 2.5 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and 2.3 clearances per game in the Premier League (stats via whoscored).
Even though Trippier has attempted more tackles and clearances, Florenzi comes out on top as he has won back possession more times (on average) for his team. Hence, we can conclude that both players provide a similar threat going forward, but the Italian might be a slight upgrade over Trippier in the defensive end of the pitch.
What Will The Italian Right-Back Bring To North London?
Florenzi has blistering pace in his locker which enables him to make penetrative runs down the right-wing. The Roma-born defender can also pass the ball accurately and is not afraid to work his socks off for his teammates. He can be a potent goal-threat from long-range and is a very reliable defender in his own half.
However, the Serie A star has struggled at times while playing for the Stadio Olimpico outfit in recent years. Thus, a change in scenery could help him rekindle his playing career in European football. Florenzi has a wealth of experience and could turn out to be a shrewd signing for Mauricio Pochettino’s side ahead of the new season.
Final Verdict
At 28, the Italian workhorse still has a few years left in him to play at a high level, which means Spurs could benefit from acquiring him this summer. Furthermore, Florenzi would be a perfect replacement for Trippier as he is a slightly better defender in his own half.
