Transfer Story:
Tottenham Hotspur are seemingly in the mood to bolster their squad and strengthen the bench accordingly to ensure that they have a large enough squad to challenge prolifically on all fronts next season. With an envious first-team at their disposal, Spurs are now looking to provide quality backup in every position and hence it is not a surprise to see Jamaal Lascelles being linked to them. However, the purchase of Lascelles won’t just be a backup buy, as the defender is more than capable of walking into the first-team of most top clubs in England.
Jamaal Lascelles- Player Profile
Lascelles has been in fine form for Newcastle United this season and is a rock at the back for the Magpies. Playing under Rafa Benitez, a coach who emphasizes on a compact defensive organization, Lascelles has matured as a player over the past couple of seasons. He exudes confidence and assurance in the defensive line and is almost irreplaceable for Benitez’s team. He is quick on his feet and hardly allows the attackers any space to exploit in and around the box. Lascelles uses his physicality to good effect, as he is never afraid to put his body in the line of the ball and is always up for a good tussle!
His aerial prowess makes him an assuring figure while defending set pieces too. Lascelles is very vocal and marshalls the backline well. This season, he has played 26 matches in the Premier League and has won an impressive 59% of his defensive duels. He has recorded 66% successful aerial duels and has a pass accuracy of 77%. Lascelles has scored thrice whilst delivering five key passes too. He records eight defensive actions per game, and a majority of them come through clearances.
Should Spurs make a move?
Toby Alderweireld has been mightily impressive for Mauricio Pochettino’s team but the Belgian seems to be moving out in the summer. In such a case, Pochettino will miss a leader at the back as Alderweireld too was active and keen to arrange his defenders and often carried Spurs on his own during difficult situations. Lascelles is an equally vocal and influential leader and has shown immense potential at a very young age.
He could add a lot of quality to the backline and this move would be beneficial from the player’s perspective too. A player of his calibre deserves a better chance at this stage in his career and Spurs will be the perfect platform for him, development wise also. However, whether or not he agrees to leave Newcastle; a club where he enjoys a cult status of sorts remains to be seen.
Stats Courtesy: Squawka