Juan Foyth is growing increasingly discontent with his lack of playing time and is considering leaving the club in January, but there is a way to prolong his Tottenham career.
Foyth’s preferred position, the one he consistently employs with Argentina, is at right back. He’s shown the pedigree – albeit sparingly – at the top level and looks every bit a bona fide right back, at the international level anyway.
Jose Mourinho, however, is unconvinced. Deciding to rest Davinson Sánchez midweek, Mourinho opted for the young Argentinian as his replacement. Every time Foyth slides into the heart of Spurs defence, something feels slightly askew. There is no doubting Foyth’s footballing intelligence. He’s got the wherewithal a centre back needs. He is also deceivingly quick and is comfortable with the ball at his feet, oftentimes too comfortable.
Foyth, on a couple of occasions against Bayern, tried to dribble out of defence as the last man, the Cardinal Sin centre backs, especially against a team as savvy and dangerous as Bayern. By the skin of his teeth, Foyth got away with his risky business.
His hazardous, brazen play got me thinking. And Paul Lawrence, an avid HQ reader, reinforced the idea. What about employing Foyth as a defensive central midfielder?
He’s blessed with poise and is confident way beyond his age. Foyth isn’t the most impressive physical specimen but has the off-the-mark quickness of N’Golo Kanté.
And, maybe most importantly, he has the mind of a defender. Whether you refer to him as a right back or a central defender, Foyth knows the lofty responsiblity those positions embody. Protecting the back four will allow him to advance slightly further up the field while enabling him to show his passing quality. He will also thrive in a position where physical ruggedness isn’t, like it is for centre backs, a prerequisite.
So if you’re reading Jose, next time you are afforded a chance to experiment, give Dier a rest so we can see how Foyth adapts to a new position. Because if you don’t appease the 21-year-old soon, he’ll most certainly be off for to discover pastures anew.