Again-to-back defeats within the Premier League remind Tottenham Hotspur that the group shouldn’t be ok to compete with the likes of Manchester Metropolis, Arsenal and Liverpool for the title.
Regardless of a wonderful begin to the season, important accidents to key gamers corresponding to James Maddison, Richarlison and Micky van de Ven have uncovered weaknesses in Ange Postecoglou’s depth, with the likes of Emerson Royal, Ben Davies, Eric Dier and Giovani Lo Celso all struggling obtained reward. taking part in time within the disappointing 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers previous to the worldwide break.
Postecoglou needs so as to add some extra high quality to the present group of gamers he has at his disposal, however may very well be making a giant mistake by approaching one participant specifically.
Tottenham Hotspur switch targets – Ben Godfrey
In keeping with 90min, Spurs have added Ben Godfrey to an inventory of centre-backs forward of the fast-approaching January switch window, with Everton stated to be open to promoting the defender after he dropped down the pecking order at Goodison Park. Spurs’ top-four rivals Newcastle United are additionally curious about signing the previous Norwich Metropolis star, the report claims.
After being signed by Carlo Ancelotti for £20million in 2020 after the Canaries have been relegated to the Championship, Godfrey has made 79 appearances for the Merseyside membership, however has made only one look underneath Sean Dyche within the Premier League this season, which was gained by Carlo Ancelotti. a one-minute cameo throughout a 2–2 draw in opposition to Sheffield United in September.
The England worldwide is now price simply £4million, in accordance with the CIES Soccer Observatory, that means Spurs may doubtlessly purchase the 25-year-old on a budget, though it is protected to say that Nottingham Forest legend Stuart Pearce is definitely not a fan. , having as soon as referred to as Godfrey ‘disastrous’ after being despatched off at half-time in a defeat to Manchester United final season.
Ben Godfrey’s stats this season
Tottenham have loads of high quality, particularly within the beginning line-up when everyone seems to be absolutely match. Nevertheless, the decline in sure positions will fear Postecoglou, particularly on the again. Whereas Ben Godfrey could also be out there comparatively cheaply, the Everton defender comes no nearer to Van de Ven’s capabilities than Dier.
In keeping with FBref’s participant comparability mannequin, Godfrey is statistically similar to former Spurs man Serge Aurier. Tottenham’s goal is primarily a centre-back, however has made 31 appearances as a full-back for Everton. Dier can be outperforming the York-born defender in quite a lot of key areas.
Per 90 statistics |
Ben Godfrey – 2022/23 |
Eric Dier – 2022/23 |
Serge Aurier – 2023/24 |
---|---|---|---|
Blocks |
1.35 |
1.2 |
1.31 |
Interceptions |
0.9 |
0.84 |
1.12 |
Aerial duels gained% |
46.9 |
64.3 |
69.6 |
Tackles |
2.25 |
1.81 |
0.96 |
Tackles gained |
1.24 |
1.2 |
0.61 |
Errors that result in targets |
0.11 |
0.12 |
0.06 |
Progressive steps |
2.13 |
4.34 |
2.78 |
Advances to last 1/3 |
2.7 |
3.13 |
2.43 |
Statistics by way of FBref |
On account of Godfrey and Dier’s lack of minutes this season, knowledge needed to be taken from the earlier marketing campaign. Not one of the three gamers excel in any space, however the Everton man lags behind in quite a lot of areas.
Moreover, in comparison with all defenders within the prime 5 European leagues final calendar 12 months, Godfrey is within the backside 1% for tried passes per 90 and the bottom 4% for progressive passes per 90, which isn’t ideally suited given Postecoglou’s model . round taking part in expansive, possession-based soccer.
Contemplating Spurs let Aurier go away for nothing in 2021 and are reportedly seeking to promote Dier, signing a participant of an identical stage will not enhance Ange’s squad for the second half of the season.