Target Joachim Andersen represents familiar problem for Tottenham

Fears of Toby Alderweireld leaving Tottenham this summer has sparked renewed interest in Sampdoria’s Dane Joachim Andersen.    

It’s not the first time Andersen has been linked with Spurs, as the Danish international’s name was associated with the club during January’s winter transfer season.

While Alderweireld recently iterated at his desire to stay in North London next season, Tottenham want to cover their bases in case another club swoops in and convinces the Belgium to leave. Alderweireld has a £25 million release clause embedded in his current contract, a prerequisite payment for any interested club.

Andersen’s profile

Andersen is seen by some as a future Alderwerield replacement. The keyword in that sentence, though, is future.

The 23 year old’s slick ball-moving ability closely mirrors the Belgium’s. Andersen effortlessly sweeps the ball from left to right or vice versa, changing the point of attack, and putting the opposing defence firmly on the back foot in an instant. Like Alderweireld, the Dane makes knocking precise long balls with either foot from anywhere on the pitch look like child’s play.

A silky smooth ball-moving centre-back, Andersen also reads the game well, often breaking up play by anticipating and predicting an attacker’s next pass.

Making his senior international breakthrough in March, the young centre-back watched from the bench as his compatriots took on Kosovo and Switzerland. He made 32 Serie A appearances with Sampdoria in 2018-19 and can play from both the left and right side of central defence.

Similar to Eric Dier, Andersen is also comfortable situated in front of the back four as a central defensive midfielder.  His 6 foot 3 inch frame also makes him a formidable threat in the air.

WhoScored’s evaluation of the centre-back is devoid of any notable deficiencies. However, Andersen’s top speed leaves a bit to be desired. Otherwise the young Dane looks like he will be the full article, and has every chance of one day reaching Alderweireld’s level.

According to Transfermarkt.com, Andersen’s current valuation stands at about £25 million.

Defenders usually take more time to mature and reach full potential, which creates a familiar quandary for Spurs, who would need a replacement ready to immediately impact first-team proceedings.

Davinson Sánchez and Jan Vertonghen can take the bulk of the load but reinforcements are still required for a season that could encompass over 60 matches. While incredibly promising, Andersen is still about three years away from potentially being a like-for-like Alderweireld replacement.