Why Tottenham should make a move for Ruben Dias in January

Tottenham haven’t enjoyed a solid start to the new Premier League, managing just a single win in their opening three matches—an unconvincing comeback against newly-promoted Aston Villa.

Mauricio Pochettino has had plenty to ponder over the last week following Tottenham‘s unexpected 1-0 home defeat at the hands of struggling Newcastle United. That just isn’t the ideal build-up for Sunday’s mouthwatering North London Derby.

It’s not possible for an unsettled squad to compete on an elite level. It’s also worth noting that injuries are playing their part. With Serge Aurier apparently out of favour and Kieran Trippier having joined Atletico Madrid, Spurs are threadbare at right-back, particularly with Kyle Walker-Peters also picking up a hamstring injury.

Recent injuries to Eric Dier, Harry Winks and Dele Alli also haven’t helped, while Christian Eriksen’s uncertain future continues to dominate the newspapers’ headlines.

Spurs have also had problems defensively thus far this season. Juan Foyth is out injured and Davinson Sanchez has looked out of depth, while Belgium stars – Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen – will be free agents at the end of this season.

It is also worth noting both Alderweireld and Vertonghen are in their 30s and don’t have many quality years left in them.

Back in May, a report from the Metro had claimed that Tottenham were interested in signing Benfica’s highly-rated defender Ruben Dias in the summer transfer window. However, a deal didn’t go through and the Portuguese has since stayed put at Benfica.

Ruben Dias, 22, won the Primeira Liga with Benfica and was voted the league’s Young Player of the Year last season. He was also part of the Portugal national team that won the UEFA Nations League title in June. At 22, the Portuguese fits exactly the mould of players Pochettino wishes to sign for Tottenham.

The 22-year-old is a product of Benfica’s youth academy and has blossomed into a key player for his side. Despite his young age, Dias is a natural leader in the back four and has captained his side on multiple occasions. Standing at 6ft 1in tall, he is strong in the air and possesses good strength which helps him to overcome experienced opposition attackers in defensive duels.

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The Portugal international is a modern-day centre-half, extremely comfortable in bringing the ball out from the back and launching attacks for his team. His leadership qualities would add some much-needed stability into the Spurs backline, while the 22-year-old’s physical attributes should have him no problem adjusting to the demands of the Premier League.

Verdict

Hence, Pochettino and co. should rekindle their interest and go all out for Dias in January. Bringing the Portuguese over in the winter transfer window would give him time to adjust to the new league and team as well.