Tottenham Hotspur could launch a surprise move to resolve their central defensive needs before Monday’s transfer deadline…
What’s the word?
According to Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas, Spurs are eyeing a bid to sign Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger on a season-long loan with his future under doubt at Stamford Bridge.
It’s claimed that the 27-year-old has fallen down the pecking order under Frank Lampard and would welcome a chance a regular game time ahead of next summer’s European Championships.
The two London clubs have rarely conducted business with each other as they are arch-rivals, so it remains to be seen if the German would be allowed to make the switch.
Defensive upgrade?
Rudiger has perhaps been treated unfairly across the river as Chelsea’s defensive issues continue to persist as seen last weekend when West Bromwich Albion were able to slot three past them.
In 20 Premier League appearances last season, the 6 foot 3 colossus averaged 2.9 aerials won, 2.8 clearances and 1.4 tackles per game, and was pretty good with the ball at his feet too, managing a passing success rate of 86.8% from just under a whopping 75 passes per match, via WhoScored.
He was part of the starting XI for both of the Blues’ wins against Spurs too, including a clean sheet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The German international absolutely bullied Harry Kane, managing one tackle and three duels won whilst the England talisman couldn’t find the scoresheet and lost possession 11 times, as per SofaScore.
Only Davinson Sanchez has managed more tackles than Rudiger this season from Spurs’ numerous central defensive options, so he should be most welcome.
Over the course of his career in England, Rudiger has drawn comparisons to Ricardo Carvalho, who helped Jose Mourinho to numerous trophies at Stamford Bridge.
“Tall, quick and athletic,” and “comfortable with the ball at his feet,” the £36m-rated Chelsea man should be considered as a viable alternative should they not manage to secure Milan Skriniar before Monday.
AND in other news, £45m powerhouse could become Mourinho’s new Drogba at Spurs…
The post Spurs must consider Antonio Rudiger as a viable Skriniar alternative first appeared on FootballFanCast.com.
