Tottenham Hotspur have been one of the most disappointing English teams in this new campaign. After being tipped to challenge Liverpool and Manchester City for the title, the Lilywhites have endured a difficult start to the season.
The recent 7-2 defeat to Bayern Munich highlighted the instability in the defensive department. Jan Vertonghen, in particular, was absolutely horrendous and is beginning to show shines of deterioration. In this article, we will talk a look at three Premier League defenders Spurs could target as potential replacements for the Belgian next summer.
Nathan Ake
Nathan Ake is currently among the best defenders in the Premier League who is not playing for any of the top six clubs. The Dutchman, since leaving Chelsea, has enjoyed immense success at Bournemouth under the tutelage of Eddie Howe.
The ex-Feyenoord prodigy has also culminated a lot of experience in the English top-flight, having featured in almost 100 competitive matches during his ongoing three-year spell at Bournemouth.
Ake is known for his defensive solidity and could complement the more technically gifted figure of Toby Alderweireld. He is also strong in the air that makes him an indirect threat from set-pieces as well.
However, what really makes Ake such an appealing target for Spurs is his extensive experience in the Premier League. And at the age of 24, he could be an ideal long-term investment for the Lilywhites.
Ben Godfrey
While Ake has already made a mark in the Premier League with Bournemouth, Norwich City defender Ben Godfrey has impressed the onlookers during his maiden season in the top tier of England.
Despite being a part of a leaky Norwich defence that has conceded the second-highest number of goals this season, Godfrey’s determination coupled with his fighting spirit has been commendable. Moreover, the 21-year-old is blessed with the technical quality that allows him to play the ball out from the back.
He could turn out to be an ideal replacement for Vertonghen, who is also an excellent ball-playing centre-back. Besides, Godfrey is the youngest player on this list, which gives him a slight edge over the two other candidates.
Issa Diop
It was a tough decision to choose one between Issa Diop and Jamaal Lascelles. But, the latter’s poor injury record at Newcastle United was enough to pick Diop, who was one of Premier League’s rising stars last season.
Indeed, the former Toulouse defender was an ever-present figure in the West Ham United backline during the 2018/19 campaign. And this season, he has stepped his game up to a whole new level, building a formidable defensive combination with Angelo Ogbonna. As a result, the Hammers are flying at fifth place and have conceded only nine goals so far.
Diop, therefore, is a viable target for Tottenham. The 22-year-old can provide the physical essence in the defensive third and make Spurs much more vigilant with his aggression and pace.
