Spurs fans have every right to be over the moon right now after their excellent 2-0 win against top of the table side Manchester City on Sunday. It could have easily been a worse result for the Sky Blues if Erik Lamela had converted from the spot. After seven game weeks, Spurs are right now sitting second on the table with 17 points from seven games, just one behind Manchester City and have made a massive statement already as they are the only unbeaten team in the league.
The Lilywhites fell just short for the title last season in the end despite being in the title race for most parts of the season but this could easily be their season.
A position where Spurs are short on numbers is at the heart of the defence (not in terms of quality though). They have only three senior central defenders in Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen and Kevin Wimmer which is not enough for a team that are also contending in the Champions League. Most managers prefer to have at least four centre-backs even if they are not in Europe and the lack of depth could turn out to be a costly decision from Pochettino if his resources get stretched with injuries and suspensions.
The North London side have been linked with 1899 Hoffenheim defender Nicklas Süle in recent weeks amongst many other top Premier League sides. Sky Sports claim that the 21-year-old rejected a chance to join Spurs’ local rivals and Premier League giants Chelsea this summer only to carry on his progress at the Bundesliga club. However, Spurs are looking to test the water once again as early as the winter transfer window.
Standing at 1.94m, Süle’s imposing physical presence is what first catches the eye. In many ways, the 21-year-old is similar in style to his compatriot and Arsenal star Per Mertesacker but looks less sluggish and is quicker than his countryman. In just 21 years of age, the German youngster has featured 88 times for his boyhood club Hoffenheim till date and is a key player for the Bundesliga side now.
Süle has already earned his first senior cap for the German national team and was very impressive in die Mannschaft’s Olympic campaign that ended with the disappoint of finishing runners-up to Brazil.
Süle is a player who has immense ability to read the game and that will only improve as he gains more first-team exposure. The 21-year-old has made as many as 3 tackles, 2 interceptions and 2.4 clearances in an average every game this season in Bundesliga which reflects his defensive ability very well.
One of the best young defenders in the world, Süle is also a brilliant passer and 90% of his passes have been accurate this season. His passing ability from the back makes him a tailor-made defender for Mauricio Pochettino’s side. However, with Belgian duo Alderweireld and Vertonghen having created a formidable partnership between them at the back, Süle might have to settle for a place on the bench at White Hart Lane if a move does materialise.
Future is pretty bright for him though and a manager like Pochettino looks like the perfect one for a young and talented player like him.
Stats courtesy- Whoscored
