According to Sport, Nelson Semedo’s contract talks with Barcelona have stalled, with the player unwilling to pledge his future to the club unless they offer him regular game-time. The report claims that the Catalans are ready to offload the defender if he fails to sign the deal that is being provided by the club.
Manchester City have already been linked with a move for Semedo. In this article, we will discuss why fellow Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur should also shift their attention towards the Barcelona ace this summer.
An upgrade over Serge Aurier
Serge Aurier has had a mixed time at Tottenham this season. The Ivorian started the campaign disastrously, making several defensive errors and struggling under Mauricio Pochettino. But, the arrival of Jose Mourinho slowly made him one of the most important players for the Lilywhites. However, Semedo is an obvious upgrade over Aurier for multiple reasons.
First and foremost, the Portuguese international is much more technically gifted. He can effortlessly rotate possession and make Tottenham much more effective on the ball. His ability to create passing triangles with the midfielder and the winger will also significantly improve Tottenham’s build-up from the back.
Semedo is a much more consistent performer as well, unlike Aurier and this is why the Barcelona ace could emerge as the ideal replacement for Kieran Trippier, whose departure last summer has created a massive hole in the right-back slot.
Tactically compatible individual
What makes Semedo such an appealing target for Tottenham is the fact that he is tactically compatible with Mourinho’s style of play. A strong defender, whose burst of pace is combined with technical prowess, his presence at right-back will undoubtedly add a new element to the defence-oriented tactics of the ex-Real Madrid boss.
Speaking of physicality, it makes Semedo a tailor-made fit for the Premier League. However, the 26-year-old may need to improve his defensive positioning to succeed under Mourinho. Fortunately, they’re both Portuguese and so the job could get much more straightforward.
An experienced and successful individual
Semedo is not exactly treated as a success at FC Barcelona. However, the right-back has still notched up 29 competitive appearances for the Spanish giants this season. Hence, he has a considerable amount of experience at the highest level of football.
But more importantly, Semedo has won two Spanish league titles, one Copa Del Rey and two Liga NOS titles so far during his career. He can, therefore, instil the winning mentality in the Tottenham side, who are often criticised for failure of winning major trophies, especially over the past decade.
