In a recent interview with MOT Leeds News, former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson urged Leeds United to sign Juan Foyth from Tottenham Hotspur this summer when he said, “It’s come out of the blue.
“But if he is to leave Spurs then the Argentinian connection could work for Leeds.
“I rate him as a player, I think he did well at Spurs. He played a couple of Champions League games when Serge Aurier wasn’t performing and his defensive capabilities and his ability to play right across the backline would make him a decent acquisition.
“He’s a top-quality player and it would seem like very sensible business for Leeds, especially if they can’t sign Ben White on a permanent deal.”
Foyth’s Underwhelming Season At North London
The Argentine defender has struggled to earn regular first-team minutes at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season. He has only made seven appearances for Spurs this term in multiple competitions. Foyth is currently behind Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Davinson Sanchez and Japhet Tanganga in Jose Mourinho’s pecking order which explains why he has received so little game time so far in this calendar year.
The former Estudiantes youngster has averaged 1.6 tackles, 0.4 interceptions and 1.3 clearances per game in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League this season (stats via whoscored). His numbers prove that he has struggled to make a positive impact whenever Tottenham have relied on his services on the pitch.
Foyth has also secured ten senior caps for the Argentine national side but is still waiting to score his first goal for his country at the international stage. Maybe a summer switch to Elland Road might help him find some form and stake a claim in Lionel Scaloni’s squad ahead of the 2021 Copa America which has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What Will The Ten-Time Argentine International Add To Marcelo Bielsa’s Team?
Foyth is a moderately paced defender who is not afraid to get stuck in with a few tackles inside his own half. He can also read the danger quickly and make some vital last-ditch clearances for his side. The South American centre-back is also versatile enough to fill in as a right-back if needed, which makes him a worthy target for the Whites to consider during the summer transfer period.
The Argentine is a decent ball-playing defender who can pass the ball well out from the back. However, he needs to work on improving his upper-body strength if he wants to cope with the physicality of English football.
Marcelo Bielsa is in dire need of a few fresh faces in defence as he is set to lose Ben White, who is expected to return to his parent club Brighton and Hove Albion at the end of this campaign. Gaetano Berardi is also set to part ways with the Whites when his contract at Elland Road expires later this summer.
Therefore, a defender of Foyth’s skillset will be a welcome acquisition for Leeds ahead of the new season. He will not only serve as a reliable centre-back partner to Liam Cooper but also enhance the overall depth of Bielsa’s squad. Due to his versatility, Foyth can even provide some healthy competition for Luke Ayling for the right-back berth in the upcoming campaign.
