Tottenham have been fragile at the back under Thomas Frank.
Thomas Frank has been struggling to address Tottenham Hotspur’s problem of conceding goals. Known for his pragmatic approach, with emphasis on having a strong and disciplined defensive organisation, the Dane must be extremely frustrated by Spurs’ soft underbelly that has been exploited by teams in almost every game.
Injuries and suspensions have played a big part in that. Cristian Romero is showing why he is not an inspirational leader on the pitch when the going gets tough, and his recent antics against Manchester United was a glaring proof. Micky van de Ven, Romero’s centre-back partner, has held his own and delivered consistent performances in a season that doesn’t look like getting revived.
Beyond Romero and Van de Ven, Tottenham have Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin as centre-back options. Dragusin may look to leave the club in the summer after being blocked of a winter exit, but Danso appears content to operate as a back-up to Romero and Van de Ven. If Spurs do not qualify for the Champions League next season, the club bosses will find it difficult to persuade Romero and Van de Ven to stay put at N17.
Amid injury problems and chaos under Thomas Frank, Tottenham have been given a chance to sign an experienced defender.
Tottenham offered chance to sign Antonio Rudiger
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Tottenham have been informed that Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger could be keen on a return to London in the summer, with the Lilywhites holding exploratory talks via intermediaries.
Intermediaries representing Antonio Rudiger have approached multiple Premier League clubs, including Spurs, about potential moves when his Real Madrid contract expires at the end of the season. The German defender who has won the UCL with Real Madrid and Chelsea, hasn’t been offered fresh terms by the La Liga giants, despite re-establishing himself in their plans.
The report adds that the 32-year-old’s representatives have thus begun tentative discussions with the Premier League clubs to gauge interest levels for a sensational return to England after four years. Former club Chelsea were offered the chance to sign Rudiger too, but his age was the main obstacle for them, so a return to Stamford Bridge is unlikely.
Spurs must avoid signing Rudiger
Rudiger has overall performed very well for Real Madrid, winning all the trophies that are on offer. After returning from injury in November, the Germany international has been a mainstay in the Madrid side, producing some strong displays.
A leader, motivator and an experienced figure with a winning pedigree, Rudiger’s traits on and off the pitch cannot be debated. However, he is set to turn 33 next month, and while the central defender could provide a couple of quality years, there would potentially be no resale value. With Romero having reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Madrid, signing the ex-Chelsea star as the Argentine’s potential replacement would make absolutely no sense.
Plus, by signing the German defender, Spurs cannot block the pathway of Luka Vuskovic, who is enjoying a sensational spell on loan with Bundesliga side SV Hamburger. Keeping all these factors in mind, Tottenham must avoid signing Rudiger as a potential free agent in the summer.