In a recent report, Roma Giallorossa revealed that Tottenham Hotspur have launched a move to land AS Roma defender Roger Ibanez. It has been stated that Spurs are showing interest in signing the Brazilian centre-back but are facing competition from West Ham United in pursuit of him ahead of the new season.
Ibanez’s Impressive Form At The Stadio Olimpico
Ibanez was a solid presence at the heart of Jose Mourinho’s defence in the previous campaign when he was responsible for putting in several impressive performances on the defensive end of the pitch. The Canela-born sensation was involved in 48 matches for AS Roma last season, netting three goals in all competitions.
The 24-year-old was a rock at the back for the Italian club and deserves credit for averaging 2.0 tackles, 2.0 interceptions and 2.8 clearances per game in Serie A football. He was even accurate when distributing possession from the back after making 88% of his attempted passes in the Italian top tier (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at Roma will expire in 2025. Thus, Spurs will have to make a sizable offer if they are serious about recruiting the Brazilian defensive ace during this summer transfer window.
Is Ibanez A Decent Choice For Tottenham Hotspur Boss Angelos Postecoglu?
Ibanez is a tough-tackling defender who can time his challenges well to earn the ball back for his team inside his half. He can scan the danger well and doesn’t mind clearing his lines when the opposition are on the offensive.
Standing at 1.86m, the Brazilian talent is a strong presence in the air as well and can play his way out from the back. He mainly functions as a central defender but can also fill in as a defensive midfielder or as a right-back if told to do so.
We can expect Ibanez to bring more bite and steel to Tottenham‘s defence. He might even help the North London club challenge across all fronts in the coming years.
At 24, the best is yet to come from Ibanez which makes him a good choice for Spurs boss Angelos Postecoglu to consider in this off-season. However, it remains to be seen whether the Brazilian centre-half can make a smooth transition to life in Premier League football.
