According to Mirror, as cited by TVP Sport, Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs monitoring the progress of Michal Karbownik. The Legia Warszawa left-back has reportedly impressed Jose Mourinho, whose side is willing to table a €10 million offer this summer, although AC Milan and Real Betis are interested in his services.
Who is Michal Karbownik?
Karbownik has emerged as one of the rising stars at Legia Warszawa this season, having made 19 appearances in Ekstraklasa. He has become the club’s first-choice left-back, getting the nod ahead of Luis Rocha and new signing Ivan Obradovic. The fact that he has registered six assists this season has helped Legia retain their place at the top of the league table.
However, despite being labelled as a left-back, Karbownik can easily be classified as a winger. He has a direct style of play and is always keen on taking on defenders. The 19-year-old is blessed with quick feet that allow him to drift past opposing defenders and nestle through tight spaces, making him a remarkable ball-carrier.
After going forward, Karbownik always looks to get to the byline in order to provide dangerous crosses into the box. However, he also remains on the lookout for spaces that could help him exploit the opposing backline. Meanwhile, the Pole’s electric pace becomes a huge advantage, especially on the counter, making him a chief source of creativity on the left flank.
Is he a viable target for Spurs?
Karbownik is, no doubt, a talented individual. He has shown immense potential in the Ekstraklasa, and his ability to drift past defenders is undoubtedly breathtaking. However, Tottenham must consider him as a winger rather than a fullback as the youngster is simply too attack-oriented.
In that case, the Pole should be an excellent addition to the club. He can compete with Ben Davies at left-back. But more importantly, he can provide backup for both Steven Bergwijn and Heung Min Son in the more advanced role. The player’s lack of experience, however, means that he could take time settling into the fast-paced nature of the Premier League.
Moreover, Karbownik also needs to learn to tone down his attacking tendencies if he is to find success under Jose Mourinho. But in hindsight, for a fee of just €10 million, he could turn out to be a steal, although it remains to be seen whether or not Legia will be willing to agree on that price.
