Mauricio Pochettino seems to be interested in signing his former club Southampton’s right-back Cedric Soares. The Argentine is leaving no room for complacency and is keen to bolster his full-back options.
With the inevitable clogging of European and Domestic fixtures in the upcoming season he would not want to gamble on his squad depth and strength, plus with the latest rumours of Kyle Walker leaving the club, he’d need reinforcements.
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The Euro 16 winner had been in sensation form off late and had turned many a heads in the footballing world. With lightning quick speed and strong technical awareness, the player has been a good player for the Saints.
He is currently contract bound at the St. Mary’s till 2020 and with 3 years remaining, it would take a hefty bid to prise away the Portuguese from Southampton FC.
Player stats
The 25-year old had featured in 34 games in all competitions last season, all of them being starts. No question on dependability and fitness issues as it is extremely clear how much of a key role he played for the Saints.
The former Sporting Lisbon man also had 3 assists to his name and has a pass success rate of 74.1%. Certainly not bad although he needs to be a little bit better as being a full-back, the forwards might sometimes have to rely on him to create some flair or spark in the final third.
The player’s defending stats are stellar as he has a tackle success rate of 80.1% and has also made 34 interceptions for the club in total.
Soares has the speed and tactical awareness that is required in a full-back and with proper guidance, it would be no surprise to see him contribute much better going forward. (Stats via WhoScored)
What’ll he offer the club?
Certainly a possible back up option and also a probable replacement for Kyle Walker in case the English International decides to change clubs in the transfer window. Also equipped with lightning speed and quick feet, he could help and assist wingers and give the opposition defenders a nightmare.
Defensively sound, he can attack with fervour and could be a decent fit in the three at the back, although it remains to be seen if Pochettino will use him ahead of the much-fancied Kieran Trippier who did a commendable job last season.
The player’s scintillating crosses and properly timed tackles are aspects that can be made use of at Spurs, even though he might not have the same pace as Kyle Walker, the man he is touted to replace. Certainly a prospect to have at Spurs, Pochettino should look to close this deal as early as possible.
