Tottenham opinion: Should Tottenham sign Youcef Atal?

According to a report from the Telegraph, Tottenham are among a number of clubs interested in signing Nice’s Youcef Atal in the summer. The report reveals that the full-back will cost at least £34million and based on this season’s performances, he could well be worth every penny.

Spurs might have a huge overhaul of their squad with as many as 12 players set to be sold in the summer, according to the Sun. The likes of Christian Eriksen, Toby Alderweireld, Danny Rose, Victor Wanyama and Fernando Llorente are all expected to move on but the biggest surprise comes in at the right-back position.

The report reveals that Spurs will sell both Kieran Trippier and Serge Aurier in the summer, which would leave them with just Kyle Walker-Peters available to play in that role.

This could leave Mauricio Pochettino’s side heavily exposed in that area if they weren’t to sign a replacement but luckily for them, Youcef Atal can instantly solve the issue.

Atal is a solid full-back but he has excelled going forward this season. The Algerian’s attacking prowess has been recognised by Nice boss and Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, who has given him opportunities higher up the pitch.

The 22-year-old has been used on the right wing on multiple occasions this season but the biggest surprise was when he started on the left flank against Guingamp at the end of last month. The surprise turned out to be a pleasant one as he starred in the 3-0 victory, where he scored all the goals.

Atal’s incredible attacking prowess often makes you forget about how good a defender he is. The Algerian possesses exceptional pace, which allows him to get back from an attacking position to help out his defenders.

He is a brilliant tackler of the ball, and his pace and reading of the game allow him to intercept almost every loose pass from the opposition.

Atal has 6 goals so far this season, which is an exceptional return for a player whose natural position is in the defence. Atal will be a valuable asset to the Tottenham squad and would provide Pochettino with a ton of options both offensively and defensively.

Read more Tottenham news, click here – Tottenham latest news

Conclusion

Tottenham signed a young full-back named Gareth Bale a number of years ago and he developed into one of the best attacking players in the world.

Spurs could have someone similar on their hands in Youcef Atal, who has shown real promise both at the back as well as in a forward position. Pochettino should go all out to sign him in the summer.