In a recent print edition, L’Eco Di Bergamo mentioned that Tottenham Hotspur are winning the race to land Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu this summer. It is believed that Spurs have ‘won the duel’ with Atalanta in the chase for the Japanese centre-back who is keen on a move to North London in this off-season (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness).
Tomiyasu’s Solid Form At The Stadio Renato Dall’Ara Last Season
The 22-year-old had a solid season in Italian football after establishing himself as a dominant presence at the heart of the Bologna defence. Tomiyasu appeared in 33 matches for the Italian outfit in the previous campaign, netting two goals and picking up four yellow cards in multiple competitions.
The Japan international proved his worth as a reliable defender by averaging 1.5 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 3.3 clearances, 0.5 shots and 0.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in the 2020-21 Serie A season. He even distributed possession quite well from the back, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 82.1% in the top tier of Italian football (stats via whoscored)
Tomiyasu has matured into a top defender in Serie A, so Tottenham will do well to capture him before the start of the new campaign. At 22, the future is quite bright for the Japanese defensive ace which makes him a good long-term option for Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to pursue this summer.
What Will The Japanese Defensive Ace Bring To The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium?
Tomiyasu is a decent tackler of the ball and can read the danger quickly to secure possession back for his side. Standing at 1.88m, he can rise above everyone else using his strength to win some important aerial duels on the defensive end of the pitch.
The 23-time Japan international can nip the danger in the bud by putting his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the front foot. Furthermore, Tomiyasu excels at playing his way out from inside his half and is versatile enough to play in multiple positions across the backline. He is primarily a centre-back but can also operate as a full-back on either flank if required.
Recruiting Tomiyasu will undeniably help Spurs strengthen their defensive department for the new campaign. He will bring a lot of quality to the North London club and could offer some serious competition for Davinson Sanchez, Toby Alderweireld, Joe Rodon and Japhet Tanganga for a spot in Nuno Espirito Santo’s first XI.
Therefore, Daniel Levy should think about going all out to bring Tomiyasu to the English capital during this summer transfer period as he could help Tottenham challenge for a top-four place in the Premier League next season.
