Why Tottenham Hotspur must reignite their interest in Rafael Toloi
According to an earlier report from Football Italia, Tottenham Hotspur were interested in Atalanta defender Rafael Toloi.
Rafael Toloi, 28, made his name in his native Brazil with Goias and Sao Paulo before heading on loan to AS Roma in 2014 and then joined Serie A rivals Atalanta in the summer of 2015. The Brazilian impressed at the back for Atalanta last season, scoring 3 goals and assisting 4 in 39 games.
The 28-year-old stopper has continued his good form this season as well, impressing in both Serie A and Europa League. Keeping the defender’s form in mind, Tottenham Hotspur must reignite their interest in him.
Tottenham were the only Premier League team to not sign a single player in the summer transfer window ahead of the 2018/19 campaign, yet they have enjoyed their best start in Premier League history. Mauricio Pochettino has built a very exciting Spurs side in the last few years, capable of beating any team on their day.
However, it’s high time Pochettino has to start delivering trophies for Spurs and for doing that he needs to bring in a couple of quality players. Spurs have to show ambition in the transfer market if they are to challenge cash-rich clubs like Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea for silverware.
One area Pochettino must surely strengthen in January is the defence, as Toby Alderweireld’s future at the club looks foggy. Manchester United have been credited with holding an interest in Alderweireld and if he does seal a transfer away from Spurs in January, Pochettino will be left with just Jan Vertonghen, Juan Foyth and Davinson Sanchez as senior centre-backs.
Juan Foyth and Davinson Sanchez are the future of Tottenham’s defence but Jan Vertonghen has suffered injury problems this season and will be 32 in April. With Vertonghen ageing, Pochettino should try getting a replacement for the Belgian in January.
Atalanta’s Rafael Toloi would be a very smart signing for Spurs. Toloi’s ability to play out from the back combined with his strength and aerial ability makes him a perfect fot for Pochettino. Standing at 6ft 3in, the Brazilian is an imposing presence in the defence and his tall stature makes him a set-piece threat in the opposition box as well.
A cultured centre-back, Toloi has the ball-playing attributes that managers look for in a central defender these days. He is a decent dribbler too and can initiate attacks from the back.
Read more: Here’s why Tottenham should go one step ahead and sign this 25-year-old La Liga defensive wall in the summer
At 28, Toloi is playing at the peak of his powers and Spurs should table a handsome bid for the defender in January. The Brazilian certainly has all the attributes to be a success in the Premier League.