According to Sky Sports, Tottenham have expressed an interest to sign Nicolas Gonzalez. The VfB Stuttgart centre-forward is being monitored as an ideal replacement for Gareth Bale, whose loan contract expires at the end of the season. Gonzalez, though, still has three years remaining on his current contract, with Stuttgart valuing him at around €30 million.
Who Is Nicolas Gonzalez?
Nicolas Gonzalez is among the most popular in the large contingent of young up and coming attackers at VfB Stuttgart, having been a part of the squad since the summer of 2018. His performances in front of goal were integral in helping the Swabians secure promotion back to the Bundesliga last season, with the forward netting 14 goals in 27 matches in 2.Bundesliga.
The Argentine has replicated such performances in the top-flight as well, netting six goals in just 15 matches. His progress, unfortunately, has been halted by a recurring muscle injury that has seen him miss a chunk of the campaign.
Gonzalez, though, is still highly-rated by the onlookers due to his versatile nature and a more dynamic style of play that tunes in perfectly with Pellegrino Matarazzo’s footballing philosophy at Stuttgart.
Although a centre-forward by trade, the 22-year-old can play almost anywhere in the attacking third, including the false nine role where he has been deployed more than once this season. His technical prowess, combined with his work-ethic enable him to act in a supporting role than a centre-forward like Sasa Kalajdzic, and the fact that the player still brings in the productivity is what makes him such a sought-after prospect in the Bundesliga.
An Ideal Replacement For Gareth Bale?
It is almost impossible to compare Nicolas Gonzalez and Gareth Bale as the two attackers are completely different on every level. While Bale is known for his power, stamina and raw pace, Gonzalez perfectly resembles someone like Roberto Firmino – someone who can work around the Zone 14 and offer attacking support to his teammates.
It makes him a perfect option for Jose Mourinho, who can utilise the Argentine as a supporting striker for Harry Kane, with Son Heung-Min and another forward operating in the wider attacking slot. Alternatively, the Stuttgart star can be considered as a back-up for Dele Alli and his countryman Giovani Lo Celso in the number ten role.
Gonzalez, therefore, is certainly an intriguing option for Tottenham as he offers Mourinho some much-needed tactical flexibility in the final third. And for a fee of just €30 million, he could potentially be a bargain for the Lilywhites this summer.
