Why Tottenham should sign Tonny Vilhena from Feyenoord
According to a report in Mirror, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Dutch midfielder Tonny Vilhena from Feyenoord. (h/t Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport) The player is also linked with Serie A giants AS Roma, who are preparing a swap deal which could send Rick Karsdorp back to the Netherlands.
As per the report (h/t Calciomercato), Spurs have been keeping a close eye at this box-to-box midfielder in this campaign. The combative Eredivisie star has already won 12 caps for his national team, doing so at the tender age of 23.
Even though Roma have an upper hand as they are offering a swap, Tottenham should take centre-stage and sign the Dutchman before any suitor takes him away. Here’s why:
Spurs’ need of a box-to-box midfielder
Tottenham did not spend a single penny over the summer transfer window predominantly due to the increase in their new stadium expenses. Hence, it is understandable as to why their squad gets stretched every time there is an injury or two in any area of the field. As of now, Spurs are short in defensive and central midfield options.
Mousa Dembele is currently injured and his contract will run out at the end of this season. Victor Wanyama is an injury-prone player and has been nearly unplayable in the last year or so. This leaves Mauricio Pochettino with Eric Dier as a No. 6, with Moussa Sissoko and Harry Winks as central box-to-box midfielders.
Therefore, it is imperative from the club’s viewpoint to buy someone and fill the void in the most important position of the game. To that end, Vilhena would be an ideal option for them. The Dutchman is predominantly a central midfielder but can play as a No. 10 and a left-back if required.
He has had a terrific campaign with Feyenoord, scoring three goals and supplying an assist in 15 league appearances. His passing is fantastic and he doesn’t shy away from carrying the ball out from the midfield into the opposition’s third to create a goal-scoring opportunity. The 23-year-old is combative and loves to make a tackle or two during the game, having averaged 1.7 per match. (Courtesy – Whoscored.com)
All in all, if Tottenham take the upper hand in this deal, it would be perfect for them. Vilhena is a quality player who will add that extra bite to their midfield in the coming years.