Five left-sided center backs ready made for Tottenham in summer window

Three Other Backs to Consider

We know Tottenham is not exactly in a position to break the bank given the club is on the hook to pay down the loans on a 1.2 Billion £ stadium. Without fans in attendance and the revenue that comes with that, the club is looking to be smart in the market This means looking at players that are either a bit cheaper – who may have some holes. Alternatively, players near the end of their contracts might be a good option, and here are three.

Bringing the concentration – Joakim Nilsson

Swedish international Joakim Nilsson is currently playing at Aminia in the Bundesliga. At 27, he is the oldest of the give players we have identified but is also the most defensive of the bunch. What Nilsson lacks in offensive contribution and range outside the defensive third he makes up for in spades with his defense.

Nilsson is an all-around strong defender who is equally comfortable defending a corner in the air or challenging a player off the dribble. Concentration is one of the areas where Nilsson excels and he would bring a different mentality to the defense than currently exists. Limited in his range and ability on the ball, but a solid medium-length passer. At less than £2m with a contract up in 2022, Nilsson is very much available.

Everything but maybe the passing – Marc-Oliver Kempf

Stuttgart’s Marc-Oliver Kempf is likely not a household name to most in the Premier League. However, when it comes to all-around defenders in the Bundesliga few do more than Kempf does. Marc-Oliver is simply a good all-around footballer.

Solid but not overwhelming in the air and outstanding in the tackle and on the ball. Kempf likes to dribble and carry the ball forward and contributes more than most on the offensive end for a center-back. The one area of concern would be his passing, which at less than 82% is low for the position. Kempf does fine with the short and medium passes but struggles with the longer stuff. That said he does play a LOT of long balls in the Stuttgart system.

At less than £5m with a contract up in 2022, Kempf should certainly get a look from Spurs at 26 he is still young enough to play several years at a high level.

Expensive but potentially available for less – Alessio Romagnoli

Alessio does not dominate in any category defensively but is known for his concentration defensively and has few – if any – holes. Romagnoli is an excellent mid-range passer, excelling in those 15-25 yard balls that aim at the striker’s feet. Great anticipation as a defender who can and will contribute on the offensive end.

Is possibly the least defensive of the defenders on this list but outside of Kimpembe none can pass the rock the way the Italian does. Alessio Romagnoli, currently of AC Milan, maybe belongs on the previous slide as he is priced near £24m. However, with a contract currently set to be up in 2022, it is possible that the Italian could be had for less.

Tottenham Need to be Looking

Ultimately, Tottenham may never be linked with any of these players, however, they should be and at minimum, the Spurs need to be looking for players in this position, and starting with players who can walk into the team is a good place to start.