In a recent report from Express Daily, it was mentioned that Tottenham Hotspur are keeping a close eye on Manuel Ugarte’s performances for Uruguay during the World Cup before they decide to bring him to North London. It is understood that even though the Lilywhites brought in reinforcements during the summer transfer window, the midfield department still requires depth and Ugarte could be a brilliant addition according to Antonio Conte.
Ugarte’s Impressive Stats For Sporting CP
Ugarte had a brilliant start to this campaign as he has put in a series of dominant displays at the centre of the park. The central midfielder is yet to open his account in the offence but has performed extraordinarily on the defensive side. He has appeared in 16 matches so far and he remains a key player for the Portuguese outfit.
The Montevideo-born talent has been consistent and reliable in the midfield areas after averaging 3.1 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 1.7 dribbles per game in Liga Portugal. He has also been impressive with his ball distribution after completing 91.3% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
Should Conte Bring Him To Tottenham Hotspur?
Fernandez is a tough tackler of the ball and can time his interceptions to win the ball back for his team at the centre of the park. He can strike the ball with power and accuracy from long range and has got the eye to play a few decisive passes in the final third.
However, the Uruguayan sensation is still quite raw and might need time to settle into life in English football if Tottenham can devise a way to bring him to North London this winter. Fernandez will undeniably enhance the overall quality of Antonio Conte’s midfield department and is well-equipped to offer some healthy competition for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Yves Bissouma for a regular starting spot.
Thus, it makes sense for Conte to engineer a move to snap Ugarte up during the January transfer window even if he has to make a lucrative offer for convincing the Portuguese outfit. At 21, the Uruguayan midfielder has still got a lot of room to grow as a footballer and could help the Spurs get back to challenging for top honours over the next decade.
