Why Tottenham should make a move for Ben Godfrey in January

Back in June, the Daily Mail had claimed Tottenham and Manchester United were keeping tabs on Norwich City starlet, Ben Godfrey. However, both the clubs didn’t push to sign him during the summer transfer window.

Ben Godfrey, 21, has enjoyed a swift rise since making his debut for then League Two outfit York, before joining Norwich in January 2016. He impressed last season, playing a key role in Daniel Farke’s side gaining promotion back to the Premier League as Championship winners.

The versatile defender made 36 appearances for Norwich last season, in what was his first taste of regular Championship football after spending the 2017/18 season on loan at League One outfit Shrewsbury Town. And Godfrey has settled into life in the Premier League brilliantly at Carrow Road, playing every game so far.

Godfrey has looked composed on the ball and his overall defending has also been robust when required. With the 21-year-old impressing in the top-flight, Tottenham must reignite their interest in the defender when the transfer window reopens.

Tottenham could have a busy January transfer window following their poor start to the new Premier League campaign.

Mauricio Pochettino is under pressure to turn the tables around and if Spurs are to realistically challenge for a top-four finish, they’ll need a couple of fresh faces in the New Year.

The Champions League finalists of last season have been uncharacteristically shaky at the back this season, with none of Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld or Davinson Sanchez showing consistency in their performances.

Plus, Vertonghen and Alderweireld, who can leave the club on a free in the summer, could be moved on in this upcoming window.

Pochettino must tighten up things at the back and should plot a January move for Ben Godfrey, who is extremely versatile as he can play in various positions across the backline as well as a defensive midfielder.

The 21-year-old also works well in a back three, a system which Pochettino has often used in his managerial career at Spurs.

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Godfrey has a good turn of pace which helps him in making recovery runs, especially in a counter-attack. He is composed in possession, reads the game very well and possesses the ability to initiate attacks from the back.

His speedy rise through the ranks has not phased the youngster and it seems his sights are firmly set on further improvement and reaching the senior England squad in the future.

Verdict

The York-born defender has a massive potential which Pochettino can unlock.

Tottenham are likely to have to pay more for Godfrey in January than they would have before the start of the season, as he has penned a new contract with Norwich, but they have now seen that he can perform at the highest level.