Tottenham Hotspur are actually main the race to signal an “clever” midfielder from a Champions League membership, having overtaken various their Premier League rivals within the race for his signature.
Spurs urged to reshuffle midfield amid lack of ahead passes
Sky Sports activities analyst Nick Wright has lately referred to as for Tottenham to reshuffle their midfield, off the again of the poor group efficiency within the 0-0 draw in opposition to AS Monaco within the Champions League, in addition to the 2-1 defeat in opposition to Aston Villa.
Towards the French aspect, Spurs’ midfield duo of Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha directed simply seven of their 58 mixed passes ahead, selecting out Richarlison on three events and failing to offer substitute Randal Kolo Muani with the ball as soon as.
The creativity issues have been additionally on show in opposition to Villa, with the duo directing 15 of 79 passes ahead, which signifies Thomas Frank must both reshuffle his midfield choices or usher in a brand new participant in January or the summer season.
In line with a report from Report (through Sport Witness), Tottenham are actually main the race for Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand, who has attracted widespread curiosity from the Premier League, with the likes of Man United and Manchester Metropolis additionally eager.
Sporting expect presents for Hjulmand within the January switch window, however it might take an enormous provide to get a deal over the road, on condition that the Portugal membership plan to stay to the €80m (£70m) launch clause included in his present contract.
It’s unclear whether or not the north Londoners are keen to make an strategy this winter, and Sporting stay in a robust negotiating place, contemplating the midfielder is contracted till 2028, however there are many indicators he might be value pursuing…
“Clever” Hjulmand might be precisely what Frank wants
As beforehand talked about, Tottenham are having a tough time progressing the ball up the pitch, however the Sporting star is an especially spectacular passer of the ball, who tends to advance the ball into extra superior areas.
Statistic | Common per 90 (previous yr) |
Passes tried | 62.70 (87th percentile) |
Cross completion % | 90% (ninety fifth percentile) |
Progressive passes | 6.51 (83rd percentile) |
The pass-master has additionally began to show himself on the prime stage this season, receiving a 7.6 SofaScore match score in his aspect’s 2-1 defeat in opposition to Marseille within the Champions League earlier this month, the very best of any Sporting participant.
Not solely does the Denmark worldwide excel in possession of the ball, however he’s additionally stable from a defensive perspective, based on scout Ben Mattinson, who mentioned: “Hjulmand is a defensively clever midfielder who reads the sport to a excessive stage. He has nice anticipation which permits him to learn the oppositions subsequent attacking strikes.”
As such, Hjulmand might be the best addition to Frank’s squad, with the Tottenham supervisor clearly in want of various choices within the engine room.
