Mauricio Pochettino has a big task up his sleeve as his Tottenham Hotspur side need the right balance in the first team next season to be able to compete for the league title and also in Europe. The manager is targeting some fine players to add to the squad recently but is yet to finalise a deal for any of his transfer targets. One such target, who they have not yet reportedly made a contract for, is French defender Issa Diop.
A statement from the French outfit Toulouse claimed that the club has not received any offers for any of their defenders and that they are not expecting one as well. But Diop has extensively been linked with a move to Tottenham and at just 20, is a perfect fit for Pochettino’s system at the club.
A product of the Toulouse Academy, Diop made a stride into the first team in 2015 and has already made 51 league appearances in the top flight of French football. He is yet to earn an international cap, but is not too far away, after his impressive performances for the club in the recent season.
Very much a first choice defender for the club, Diop has two goals and two assists in 30 league appearances and has been one of the most reliable defenders for the entire season. Known for his calm demeanour, the youngster has great concentration levels and his lack of any errors at the back at such a young age is also impressive.
He is at times too eager and gives a foul or two away but is a player who loves to stay ahead of the game and has a huge future. He does not like to take risks and is also adept at using his strength against the strongest of opponents, making him a perfect fit for the English style of play.
Mauricio Pochettino has used Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld as the first choice this season and is expected to stick with them for the upcoming campaign. The duo has been impeccable at the back and is hard to be replaced in the first team. English star Eric Dier, however, is the only able backup for them and Diop will surely get his chance to shine.
The Argentine has also at times used a three-man defensive line, which was effective and if he decides to use it next season, Diop may not be too far away from first team chances regularly. At his age, he will only get better and Pochettino should act fast and snatch him away from local rivals Arsenal, who are also interested.
