Tottenham Hotspur have identified Benjamin Pavard as the ideal candidate to replace the Toby Alderweireld, who is set to depart this summer.
According to Mirror, Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a move for Benjamin Pavard amid speculation linking Toby Alderweireld to a move away from the club this summer. The Belgian international is expected to leave within the coming weeks and it seems as if the Lilywhites have identified Pavard as an ideal candidate to replace the highly rated centre-back.
Pavard, who was one of the key players in France’s World Cup winning campaign, has already attracted a series of interest from top clubs around Europe.
Despite being rated as a promising centre-back, French manager Didier Deschamps was forced to deploy the youngster as a right-back, due to lack of options in that particular area of the pitch and he never had to look back since. The Stuttgart defender showed excellent composure and skill to remain solid throughout the campaign with his stunning goal against Argentina remaining the highlight of his performances in Russia.
However, the 22-year-old had his actual breakout last season when he was one of just two players to feature in every minute of Stuttgart’s 2017/18 Bundesliga campaign. He ended the corresponding as one of the most promising defenders in the German top flight. Thus, earning a call-up to the French squad for their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Since joining from LOSC Lille in the summer of 2016, the Frenchman has been a revelation at Stuttgart, initially winning promotion to the top flight in his debut season before helping them to an impressive seventh-placed finish last campaign.
Tottenham Hotspur, on the other hand, could be in deep trouble next season as far as their defence is concerned. Even though each of their central defensive duo of Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez had a great World Cup campaign for their respective sides, the Lilywhites lack depth in that area of the pitch.
Provided defensive stalwart Toby Alderweireld leaves the club this summer, head coach Mauricio Pochettino will only have Vertonghen and Sanchez as his two reliable options in central defence. Though he’ll also have the services of Eric Dier, who has been used as a makeshift centre-back throughout his career at Spurs.
Therefore, the addition of a top-class defender is imperative this summer as Tottenham look to pose a strong challenge for the title next season. And it is believed that Benjamin Pavard fits the bill perfectly, largely due to his overall qualities in the defensive department.
The Frenchman is very good on the ball and is also quite astute on the defensive front. He is not a bad option going forward either but by far his greatest asset is his versatility. During his time with Stuttgart, Pavard has been deployed in several different defensive positions including in midfield, a certain trait which has appealed Pochettino.
At the age of 22, the Stuttgart defender could certainly turn out to be a huge asset for the club in the coming years. Having said that, Spurs will definitely have to flush a big amount of sum for Pavard, who still has a three-year contract with Stuttgart. And to add salt into their wounds, Stuttgart’s sporting CEO Michael Reschke has already reiterated that their prized defender is not available for sale this summer.
But, Tottenham will have the cash to burn following the expected departure of Alderweireld. Thus, it remains to be seen if the Lilywhites can secure the signature of the Frenchman this summer, who is more than capable of making a huge difference at the club next season.
