When Liverpool, Chelsea, Inter/AC Milan, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Tottenham are all scrambling for the signature of a 21-year-old, then it’s safe to say such youngster is a world class talent. And that’s perhaps the best adjective befitting Hoffenheim central back ace Niklas Sule.
The German youngster helped keep it tight at the back as his side emerged silver medalists at the 2016 summer Olympics, and his stocks have continued to rise since.
Despite boasting of the best backline in the EPL; one that has managed to concede just thrice in 7 league games till date, Pochettino still wants more reinforcements and options in his defensive ranks. As a result, he has identified Niklas Sule as a primary target ahead of the January transfer window.
Here are 3 reasons why the Germany youth international will be a great addition to Tottenham.
There is the quality
Standing at 6 ft 5 in (1.95 meters), Sule’s dominating figure stands him out, and he uses it well to his advantage – defensively and offensively. Because of the latter, he is a threat at set pieces and it’s one quality Tottenham can put to much more good use.
Defensively, his figures speak volume. This season, he has won 14 tackles, made 8 interceptions, 13 clearances and 4 blocks.
His ball-playing abilities are also extraordinary, and so far in 5 Bundesliga outings, he has averaged a pass accuracy of 90%, with a 21 meters average pass length. Last season, his pass accuracy averaged 86%, with 22 meters average pass length.
Sule can be a superb plus to Spurs rearguard.
He has the experience
Sule has a considerable amount of club level playing experience despite his tender years. Since his debut at 17, he has earned over 80 Bundesliga appearances for Hoffenheim and was helpful in their struggle to stave off relegation last term.
He has quickly established himself as a starter within the past 2 seasons, playing 25 and 33 games and only missing few due to injury.
So he’s not coming to the EPL to learn the ropes as an understudy. He has garnered well enough experience to hit the ground running upon arriving, if a move is secured. Given the playing minutes under Niklas’ belt, he sure has all it takes to become an immediate contender for a starting role at White Hart Lane.
He can become Alderweireld’s long-term partner
Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld are Tottenham’s first choice central defence pairing. And the Belgians have hardly put a wrong foot forward, providing enough cover for Hugo Iloris.
However, at 29 years of age, Vertonghen is slowly ageing and will no longer be able to put out excellent performances on a consistent basis with time.
Sule comes as a perfect replacement to pair up with the 27-year-old Alderweireld, who is very much at the beginning of his peak years. And given how much of an aerial threat both can be to the opposition’s attack while defending, and the opposition’s defence while attacking, better years are ahead of the north London club if they do manage to recruit one of the most sought-after youngsters on the continent.