According to Le10 Sport, as cited by Evening Standard, Tottenham Hotspur are ready to rekindle their interest in Thomas Meunier. The PSG fullback was set for a move to Borussia Dortmund in the summer, but it seems the Black and Yellows have backed out from the race. Jose Mourinho is now ready to make use of that opportunity to sign Meunier.
Thomas Meunier’s struggles at PSG
Meunier has endured a difficult spell at PSG, especially over the past couple of years. He hasn’t been able to secure first-team football, notably failing to muster over 2,000 minutes of league football in any of the four seasons in the French top-flight. This season, for example, the Belgian has featured in only 16 league games.
Thomas Tuchel has predominantly used Meunier as a rotation player, with Colin Dagba and Thilo Kehrer also emerging as reliable first-team options. And due to the right-back’s lack of game-time, he is likely to leave the club in the summer when his current contract comes to an end.
What is Meunier all about?
Meunier is primarily known for his ability to provide balance on the right flank. Unlike someone like Hector Bellerin, the Belgian is a very wise fullback who can rotate possession and create chances. And at the same time, he is also aware of his defensive chores.
Despite his lack of game time this season, Meunier has still mustered decent numbers. He has averaged one key pass, 1.1 interceptions and 2.3 tackles per game with a success rate of 73%. Another key statistic is that the 28-year-old has lost possession four times in 16 matches, which is indicative of his ability to retain possession.
Do Tottenham really need Meunier?
Tottenham have lacked the presence of a reliable set of fullbacks this season. Serge Aurier has improved steadily under Mourinho, but Ben Davies has simply not performed while Danny Rose joined Newcastle United on loan. Kieran Trippier’s absence, in particular, has left a considerable void in the right-back department.
That’s where Meunier could come into the fray. Unlike Aurier, the Belgian is an extremely reliable option at right flank. He can improve the Spurs’ build-up from the back thanks to his ability to rotate possession quickly. Moreover, he can also put pressure on the opposition by exhibiting a high press.
But more importantly, Meunier is a financially feasible target for Tottenham since he will be able for a free transfer in the summer. That means it can allow the Lilywhites to address one of the most important areas of the pitch without having to dig deep in their pockets, thus making him a viable target for the club.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
