Transfer story
PSV Eindhoven full-back Santiago Arias had created a stir back in April when he openly expressed his desire to play in foreign shores with England being a possible destination as he wanted to take the “next step”.
Now, as per latest reports, interests have started mounting on the Columbian from Premier League clubs with Tottenham Hotspur being wanting to sign the 25-year-old.
Recent transfer rumours have linked the club’s full-backs Kyle Walker and Danny Rose with an exit. There were reports earlier which stated that Walker doesn’t have Pochettino’s full confidence as the Argentine has his doubts over the England’s international’s fitness.
So it comes as no shock that Pochettino would be eyeing to grasp the Columbian and bring him to the North London club. Spurs would want to compete on all fronts next season and the Argentine won’t risk being too complacent with his squad before the start of the season.
Although tied to the PSV till 2019, the player’s open willingness to shift shores might compel the club to cash in early on the player rather than losing him for a nominal fee.
Let’s take a look at the stats of the 25-year old and evaluate for ourselves.
Player stats
The player has won two Eredivisie titles with PSV and also two Dutch Super Cups which goes to show he has the hunger and experience of winning silverware.
- He made 28 appearances for PSV this past season, contributing 1 goal and 2 assists for the club. Being consistent and free from injury or fitness issues for a major part of the season has made him a key figure at the backline for the Dutch club.
- Although predominantly a right-back, the player can feature on both sides of the field as a full-back.
- The Columbian maintained an impressive pass success rate of 85.6% and also mustered 43 key passes for his team in all competitions. Not only a defender, the 25-year-old has the right qualities and skill to build up play from the back and create chances up front.
- Making a total of 62 interceptions with a tackle success of 69.3%, Arias puts to rest all doubts and questions on his defending capability.
Surely the above resume does boast of stellar qualities prevalent in the Columbian understandably making him a prime transfer target for many elite Premier League Clubs. (Stats via WhoScored)
What’ll he offer the club?
Keeping in mind the player’s quality and skills, he can be a good replacement for Walker or even Rose. With lethal pace and ability to play on either side of the pitch, Pochettino would no doubt cherish having this Columbian prospect. Also, being only 25-years old, he would surely fall in the long-term plans of Pochettino.
Though many players find it difficult to adjust to life in the Premier League, the above qualities of the Columbian does extenuate those doubts.