Two Toby Alderweireld Replacements For Tottenham Hotspur Should He Leave In The Summer
While players like Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen have been performing on a different level in the offensive department for Spurs for the past few seasons, their formidable defensive combination of Jan Vertenghon and Toby Alderweireld should receive just as much credit for their success in recent seasons.
Toby Alderweireld, in particular, has been super impressive in the Premier League for the past few years. Since his move from Atletico in the summer of 2015, the Belgian has been transformed into one of the best defenders in English top flight – a fact which hasn’t gone unnoticed to the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United, both of whom are hugely interested in the services of Spurs’ defensive stalwart.
Aldeweireld, with his contract expiring at the end of next season, is highly expected to leave the club in the upcoming summer transfer window.
As Tottenham prepare for life without Toby Alderweireld, we take a look at two candidates who can definitely replace the Belgian defender.
Jonathan Tah
Jonathan Tah of Bayer Leverkusen is an ideal replacement for Toby Alderweireld. Thanks to his impressive performances in the Bundesliga for the past few years, Tah is currently regarded as one of the best young defenders in European football.
The 22-year-old has been a mainstay in defence for Bayer Leverkusen, who have done so well this season, especially after a horrid season last term. His partnership with Sven Bender in the centre of the defence has provided solidity in the Leverkusen backline, which in turn, has helped them consistently challenge for the top four places.
Despite being only 22 years old, Jonathan Tah has already proved his mettle in the top flight, making 86 appearances in the Bundesliga. While his robust style of play is perfectly suited to the Premier League’s demands, Tah’s huge 1.94m figure can also be intimidating for any striker in the world.
According to reports, Tottenham Hotspur have already identified Jonathan Tah, as their desired replacement for Toby Alderweireld. The Bayer Leverkusen starlet could cost around £35m, which is almost the same amount they had spent on Davinson Sanchez last summer.
Kalidou Koulibaly
A much more expensive option compared to Jonathan Tah, Kalidou Koulibaly is already one of Europe’s most highly-rated defenders at the moment.
The Napoli superstar has made a huge impression in the Serie A since his move from KRC Genk in the summer of 2014. During his three and a half year stint with Napoli so far, the Senegalese International has already notched up over 150 appearances for the Ciuciarellis.
A large, quick and physically imposing defender, Kalidou Koulibaly is someone who can be commendable at the back. Apart from his unmatched physical prowess, Koulibaly is actually one of the best ball-playing centre-backs one can come across. Thanks to the leadership of Maurizio Sarri, the 26-year-old has evolved into a passing-master at the back, who is also quite dogged, when it comes to the defensive front.
However, Spurs might face stiff competition from a host of European heavyweights if they are to secure a deal for the Napoli superstar, who is definitely going to cost a fortune.