Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring the progress of Joachim Andersen, according to a report from Calcio Mercato(via Mirror). The Sampdoria defender has been in great form this season, attracting interest from a number of top clubs across Europe including Manchester United and Spurs.
It is believed that Andersen could cost around £25 million, which is a reasonable price-tag for Tottenham, who failed to sign a single player in the summer. But is he really worth all the fuss for the Lilywhites?
Joachim Andersen: Player profile
Andersen has been one of the breakout stars of Serie A this season, having played a key role in the Sampdoria backline. He has built a formidable defensive partnership with Lorenzo Tonelli, featuring in 13 league matches.
Anderson’s impressive performances have been a boon for the club, especially following the departure of veteran defender Matias Silvestre in the summer.
The Danish centre-back has averaged 1.7 tackles per game along with 1.2 interceptions, which, though not sensational by any stretch, is indicative of his intelligence as he boasts a tackle success rate of 70%.
In addition, his tally of 4.8 clearances per game reflects his hard-working mentality in defence while he’s also quite menacing in the air, having won 2.5 headed duels per game this season.
What makes Andersen such a sought-after talent, however, is his ability to circulate possession. Indeed, the 22-year-old has averaged over 60 passes per game with an impressive accuracy of 88%, which is bettered by only one Spurs defender in Davinson Sanchez this season.
Should Tottenham make a move for Joachim Andersen?
On paper, Andersen looks like a perfect fit for Tottenham Hotspur as he is blessed with the ideal skillset to excel under the tactical philosophy of Mauricio Pochettino, who in turn, is known for his proficiency in nurturing young players.
Andersen has already impressed this season with his sublime passing and defensive nature while he’s also a tactically astute defender, who can easily be accommodated into most defensive setups. Therefore, he is unlikely to face any difficulties in integrating to the Premier League if he can get used to the fast-paced nature of English football.
But most importantly, the Danish centre-back will add some much-needed depth to Tottenham’s defensive department amid speculations linking Toby Alderweireld with a move away from White Hart Lane.
And for a fee of just £25 million, he might turn out to be a superb piece of investment for the Lilywhites as they aim to sort out their defensive department in the upcoming January transfer window for the foreseeable future.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
