Tottenham Hotspur Still Monitoring The Progress Of This French Midfielder: Ideal Target For Mourinho?

According to Sky Sports, Tottenham Hotspur have continued to keep an eye on Geoffrey Kondogbia. The Valencia midfielder is topping the list of players Spurs are monitoring as they look to undergo a potential squad overhaul in the summer transfer window. However, they could face stiff competition from Everton in the pursuit of Kondogbia.

An injury-prone midfielder

Kondogbia initially joined Valencia in the summer of 2017, in a season-long loan deal from Inter Milan. And after a successful debut season, his move was made permanent by the Spanish club for a fee of €22 million.

However, the midfielder’s progress during the 2018/19 campaign was stifled by a hamstring problem that kept him out for almost two months. It was followed by a thigh injury, further halting his progress and restricting him to just over 1,200 minutes of league football.

Kondogbia has faced similar problems this term, with the Frenchman suffering from a recurring hamstring problem as well as a muscle injury. During his relatively short spell at Valencia, the ex-Monaco star has suffered from several health problems, meaning Kondogbia is indeed an injury-prone individual.

A well-rounded individual

If we overlook his poor injury record at Valencia, Kondogbia is quite a competent midfielder. He is primarily known for the mobility and aggression he offers in the middle of the park. Indeed, the Frenchman is capable of hurrying the opposition while his tenacity makes him a key figure in the second line of press.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 14: Ryan Christie of Celtic battles for possession with Geoffrey Kondogbia of Valencia during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 First Leg match between Celtic and Valencia at Celtic Park on February 14, 2019, in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Moreover, Kondogbia has excellent technique when it comes to rotating possession. He can easily nestle through tight spaces and like Paul Pogba, he can distribute the ball all around the park. The midfielder has averaged over one dribble per game with a success rate of 63%.

However, what makes the 27-year-old such an appealing target is his positioning sense. Kondogbia loves to attack the opposition, but he can also read the game and make important interceptions – making him a well-rounded individual. He has notably averaged an impressive 2.2 interceptions per game this season.

Stat courtesy: Whoscored

Should Spurs make a move for Kondogbia?

Tottenham reinforced their midfield department last summer with the addition of Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso. However, Ndombele has suffered from numerous fitness problems while Lo Celso has been utilised higher up the pitch, especially following the departure of Christian Eriksen.

Moreover, Moussa Sissoko has also been out injured for a chunk of the campaign while the likes of Eric Dier and Oliver Skipp have failed to make the desired impact under Jose Mourinho.

Kondogbia, in that regard, is an ideal target for Spurs. The Valencia star can add the much-needed depth in the midfield department. Given his all-round gameplay, he could ideally thrive under Mourinho’s pragmatic style of play. However, it remains to be seen whether or not Valencia will be willing to let go of their star midfielder this summer.

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Jack O’Brien

A 22 y/o football nerd seeking my way into football writing. I love Irish football and also the Premier League. A huge Arsenal fan! Aside from writing, I like to spend my time fishing and drinking beer.

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