Tottenham Hotspur have finally broken the bank for the first time this summer as they earlier this week confirmed the signing of Ajax wonderkid, Davinson Sanchez for £42million. The club record recruit signed a 6-year deal with Spurs that will last up to 2023.
After losing Kyle Walker to Manchester City, it was imperative that Tottenham brought in competent defensive reinforcements to show the fans they weren’t a selling club. Reports of unrest in the club have emerged through the public murmurings of Danny Rose; the left-back felt the club wasn’t showing signs of intent in the transfer window. Well, the board have now responded emphatically by signing one of Europe’s most sought after defenders.
Here’s what Davinson Sanchez will bring to Tottenham.
Build-up play from the back
Davinson Sanchez is already moulded to the fine-tunings of Mauricio Pochettino. The centre-back maintained an 89% pass completion rate in the Eredivisie last season, a stat not bettered by many of Europe’s best defenders. He can orchestrate the tempo of the game all the way from the back as he has an eye for line-splitting passes through the middle.
In a system that has a back three, one of the three CBs is often tasked with coming out with the ball and pushing into the midfield to establish numerical superiority. Sanchez has proved at Ajax that he’s not afraid to run with the ball and take on opposing attackers. Such a style of play opens up space in the midfield, which would allow Tottenham to dominate possession.
Assuredness
The 21-year old is already an accomplished 1v1 defender for his age because of his exceptional physical traits. Sanchez is very strong and quick; his 6’1 178lb frame makes him hard to dribble around and beat in the air. In a foot race, not many footballers in world football are beating Sanchez for speed or aerial reach.
Such competence will suit Tottenham’s 3-4-3 system perfectly. In a high-pressing system, defenders are often isolated forcing them to defend in individual situations regularly as teams try to overload them. For Sanchez that won’t be a problem as he has the traits to deal with the physicality and pace of the Premier League.
Versatility
Because of his excellent abilities, Davinson Sanchez can be deployed in multiple positions on the pitch. As a youngster, he has played as a CB, FB and a CDM. This means if Pochettino seeks a change of formation in the middle of a game, he has the option of deploying Sanchez anywhere in the backline.
Versatility is a crucial trait to have in the modern game, and assets like Sanchez can be the difference between winning titles and finishing in the top four. In an ever-evolving footballing world, it’s imperative that players are versatile and adept at mastering numerous roles on the pitch.
Overall, Davinson Sanchez is a real coup for Tottenham; he’s a defender that significantly strengthens their squad depth just in time for a Champions League year.
Well, I just hope this one proves his actual worth as our record signing.
We don’t seem to have had much luck with ‘record signings’ in the PL years, however.
Think Sissoko ..Soldado/Lamela .. Rebrov, and so on.
Once upon a time, a record signing for Spurs meant something eg. Jimmy Greaves
and Martin Chivers ..but now a club record signing doesn’t mean a ‘big’ name at all.
Or the promise of a ‘great return’ on our investment.