Why Tottenham should sign Benjamin Pavard from Stuttgart
According to a report in ESPN, European giants Napoli, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are keeping close tabs on French defender and World Cup winner Benjamin Pavard. Ever since he starred for his national team in Russia, big clubs have been interested in the right-back cum centre-back.
There were reports about the 22-year-old agreeing to join Bayern, however, there was no official confirmation to it. Liverpool have been long-term admirers of the player who is versatile and can perform various roles in defence.
But, here’s why Tottenham should take charge of this situation and sign the Frenchman, who has a release clause of €35m:
Tottenham’s need of quality at the back
Toby Alderweireld’s contract will run out come the end of this season, and the Belgian has extended his deal yet. Even Jan Vertonghen hasn’t also committed to a long-term future at the club yet, leaving Spurs short on options at the back if both these giants leave in the summer.
Hence, it is imperative from the club’s viewpoint to sign a player of similar quality to take up that position. Pavard is a fantastic footballer who is adept in playing as a centre-back or as a right-back. His propensities were on display in Russia, one of the main reasons why France were solid at the back. No one will forget his wonder goal against Argentina in the last 16 to light up the stage.
The Frenchman is tall, meaning he is physically strong and can win aerial duels, doing so at an average of three in the Bundesliga this season. He is more than capable of passing the ball out from the back. The 22-year-old possesses a pass success rate of 84.4%, which is on the higher side.
The tackle and interception rates of 1.2 and 1.8 respectively epitomize his strength while defending as well. The above numbers truly make him a phenomenal defender, well coped to play in the Premier League.
Read More: Who is this £4.5m French prodigy on Tottenham and Man City’s radar? The next big Ligue 1 talent?
After spending a big zero over the summer transfer window, Spurs should be pro-active in the winter or during the next summer window. Mistakes here and there can lead to them chasing the shadows in the league for a top-four spot.
The new stadium and all that are good, but spending on quality players like Pavard should be the upmost priority as well. The work Mauricio Pochettino has done in a tight budget is phenomenal, and the Argentine deserves more support from the board.
Stats courtesy – Whoscored.com