For all the thrill surrounding the brand new Ange Postecoglou period at Tottenham Hotspur, the latest 3-2 defeat to rivals West Ham United within the membership’s opening pre-season sport has showcased that work nonetheless must be accomplished to ensure that the Lilywhites to shake off final season’s baggage.
With a purpose to try to spark an enchancment on that relatively dismal 2022/23 marketing campaign, the ex-Celtic boss does seem eager to supervise one thing of a squad clearout at N17, with long-serving skipper, Hugo Lloris amongst these wanting destined to depart.
One maybe extra shock exit that might happen is the sale of earlier everpresent, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, with latest studies suggesting that the Danish midfielder – who has began 109 of the membership’s final 114 Premier League video games – might be on his option to Atletico Madrid.
That prime profile departure will doubtless spark a necessity for a high quality alternative within the centre of the park, with Postecoglou having maybe already recognized a possible dream inheritor to the 27-year-old…
Who might change Hojbjerg at Spurs?
In keeping with a latest report from 90min, the north Londoners – in addition to a number of different Premier League golf equipment – are believed to have been provided the possibility to land Fluminense starlet, André, having held talks with the 22-year-old’s representatives.
As per the piece, it’s presently Fulham who’re seemingly main the race for the Brazilian’s signature, with a charge of round £25m having been mooted – after the Cottagers didn’t safe a £20m deal again in January.
Who’s Fluminense midfielder André?
If Postecoglou is seeking to change Hojbjerg on the base of the midfield this summer time, then the skilled coach will surely be clever to look to André as a attainable discount possibility, with the 5 foot 9 sensation having showcased his credentials in his homeland of late.
The one-cap Brazil worldwide – who has racked up 142 membership appearances for his present facet – seemingly has the instruments to have the ability to succeed the present Tottenham man at N17, showcased by his innate composure when in possession.
That’s proven by the truth that whereas Hojbjerg impressively ranks within the high 8% amongst his European friends for cross completion (at a median of 88.2% per 90), the Fluminense gem is much more safe on the ball, having achieved a median cross accuracy price of 93.2% per 90 throughout the final one year.
The teenager – who has been lauded for “very good method” by expertise scout Jacek Kulig – additionally shares Hojbjerg’s need to try to dictate proceedings the place attainable as he averages 76.06 tried passes per 90, with the skilled Dane averaging 65.70 in that regard, whereas rating within the high 12% in Europe.
Not only a light-weight possibility, nevertheless, André – who has been dubbed a “jewel” by Kulig – can also be adept at profitable again possession for his facet having recorded 3.8 tackles and interceptions per sport on common from his 12 league appearances this season, along with his Tottenham counterpart simply behind after averaging three tackles and interceptions per sport from his 35 league begins final time period.
With the youthful man additionally offering the advantage of his abilty to drive ahead from deep – having averaged 1.6 profitable dribbles per sport, in distinction to simply 0.9 for Hojbjerg – then he might nicely show to be Postecoglou’s new midfield common subsequent season.
The goal now will simply be to see if that rival curiosity within the promising playmaker…