Scout Report – Juan Foyth
Earlier this week, a report in the Mirror claimed that Tottenham Hotspur were monitoring young defender Juan Foyth, who plies his trade for Argentine side Estudiantes. Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claimed that Serie A side AS Roma are also interested in the player.
The 19-year old centre-back who is held in high regards back in his homeland, has now come out into the press and revealed that there may be negotiations with the North Londoners in the near future. Speaking to Radio Continental in Argentina, Foyth said:
“I found out about Tottenham’s interest through social networks.”
“I would like to play in Europe, if something comes up that convinces me and the club I will go. I know that my agent and [Estudiantes‘ president Juan Sebastien] Veron are able to travel over the Tottenham issue. I am feeling relaxed, on the outside of things.”
With the player claiming that negotiations are imminent amid interest from two European heavyweights, let’s take a closer look at why Juan Foyth is a sought-after target.
Footballing Background
Born in La Plata, Argentina, on 12 January 1998, Foyth joined the academy of his local club, Estudiantes, at a young age and came up through the ranks with the club.
He made his debut for the senior team earlier this year, on 19 March 2017 in a 1-0 win against Patronato de Parana in the Argentine Primera Division. Since then he has gone on to play 7 times for his club and has helped his club to 4 clean sheets in the games he has played, and has established himself as a key member within a handful of appearances.
The teenager, Foyth, was part of the Argentina U-20 side that finished fourth in the 2017 Sudamericano Sub 20 held in Ecuador in February this year, where he made 9 appearances (8 starts) for the Albiceleste, helping them qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2017.
Foyth was also part of the Argentina U-20 squad that traveled to South Korea for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, where they were dumped out of the competition at the group stages. The 19-year old started in all the three group matches.
Style of Play
A centre-back primarily, Foyth can also play in a defensive midfield role as well with equal comfort. Standing at 179cm in height, the 19-year old isn’t the tallest of the defenders, but is still very good in the air and is equally adept with challenges on the ground too. A strong tackler, he is unafraid and aggressive when he goes into tackles and more often than not comes out with the ball. He is a good passer too and possesses strong technical ability.
But what stands out the most in his game, is his dribbling ability. For a central defender, Foyth is a brilliant dribbler of the ball and possesses a decent turn of pace. He also has the composure and the calmness when on the ball, to understand when to carry it out and when to pass.
What Does The Future Hold?
Judging by his performances, Foyth looks like the real deal and could go onto become a star under proper guidance. And who better than a former Argentine centre-back, Mauricio Pochettino, to groom the youngster?
With the player himself stating that negotiations with Tottenham are imminent, it does seem like a move could very well be on the cards. The Mirror claims that Spurs will have to pay out his release clause of £5million and if his displays for Estudiantes are anything to go by, that will be money well spent.