During an interview with Football Insider, Noel Whelan has backed Leeds United to sign Juan Foyth. The former centre forward believes that the Tottenham Hotspur starlet would be a great signing for the Championship leaders, ahead of their potential promotion to the Premier League.
Whelan told Football Insider, “He’s someone that Marcelo Bielsa has asked about on numerous occasions so that does not surprise me. As cover, we don’t have enough centre-half cover. If Berardi goes, we’re going to need a player like that and he’s got Premiership experience.”
Juan Foyth’s disappointing season at Tottenham Hotspur
Prior to the start of the season, Foyth was tipped to make his Premier League breakthrough, having made an impact during the 2018/19 campaign. However, his progress was halted by an early ankle injury that kept him out of action until October.
While Spurs were still struggling with lack of a reliable option at right-back and even at centre-back, Foyth’s downfall began with the arrival of new manager Jose Mourinho. The ex-Chelsea boss was unwilling to give the young Argentine a chance to shine. Instead, he put his faith in Serge Aurier at RB.
As a result, Foyth has featured in only four Premier League games this season. Although he did feature in the UEFA Champions League fixtures, it is simply not enough for a player of his calibre.
What can he bring to the table?
A centre back by trade, Foyth is primarily known for his versatility. He can be deployed as a right-back as well as a holding midfielder. What makes the Argentine thrive in such different roles is his technical prowess.
Indeed, Foyth is excellent on the ball. He can march forward with possession and distribute the play across the pitch – making him a modern defender. However, the 22-year-old must improve on his overall physicality as well as his man-marking, which may presumably have been the reason behind Mourinho’s disdain for the defender.
Noel Whelan has backed Leeds United to sign Juan Foyth: A good option for Marcelo Bielsa?
Foyth will be an ideal signing for Leeds United. The Whites are already running the risk of having their defensive department completely ripped apart, especially with Ben White set to return to Brighton & Hove Albion. Gaetano Berardi’s contract also expires in the summer, leaving Bielsa with Liam Cooper as his only option.
That’s where Foyth comes into the fray. The young Tottenham star can provide the much-needed depth in central defence. However, in addition to that, he can also compete with Luke Ayling at right-back, another area where Leeds lack reinforcements.
Moreover, the Argentine international’s technical prowess means he will be able to improve the club’s build-up play, thus adding a new dimension to Bielsa’s defensive unit.
