Our Tottenham Hotspur fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping to bring in a similar quality of defender should their Belgian leave this summer.
Toby Alderweireld has been strongly linked with a move away from Spurs this year after he is struggling to regain his place in the side following an injury. Still, the Belgian would be a welcomed addition to any top European club, including Manchester United and Real Madrid who are the leading chasers of the pack.
However, while he would be sorely missed at Spurs, our regulars think that Mauricio Pochettino can find a worthy replacement. Indeed, that was an unthinkable notion just a few months ago, though things change quickly in football.
Recently Spurs have found themselves in the top-four once again, thanks to Chelsea’s poor form since the turn of the year and their constant progression looks to be continuing. Still, if they harbour any ambition to kick on next season, then a top quality centre-back has to be high on the priority list in the summer, should he depart.
With that in mind, our landlord takes a look at TWO potential defenders to replace Alderweireld, should he move…
Thilo Kehrer
The 21-year-old German can play in a variety of positions, but being in the centre of defence is where he excels. Thilo Kehrer is having a great season with Schalke so far and the team are performing well in the Bundesliga because of it, proving to be one of the most exciting youngsters in Germany.
Kehrer is only young, however, he would suit Pochettino’s youthful team, and could remain a fixture in the Spurs side for many years to come. He likes to dribble and play the play out of defence when he can, but his main strength is tackling and could help Tottenham press hard.
Milan Skriniar
The Inter Milan defender is another who is having a great season with his club after making a big step up in terms of stage by leaving Sampdoria for the San Siro. Furthermore, at 23, he has a couple of years experience on Kehrer and the Slovakian can grab a goal or two also.
Skriniar likes to play the ball out from the back and is always on the lookout to dribble past a create confusion in the midfield.
