Danish standout rumoured to be preferred Tottenham target

Southampton’s Jannik Vestergaard, who excelled in Denmark’s run to the Euro 2020 semifinal, is high on Tottenham’s summer hit list. 

The 28-year-old enjoyed a terrific tournament as Denmark’s left sided centre back. Akin to Nuno’s preference, Denmark deployed a back three for most of their Euro 2020 campaign.

The towering centre back, who stands at 6′5″, dominates aerially but isn’t a slouch on the ground. There is no question that Raheem Sterling at times enjoyed the better of Vestergaard in the semifinal. But the defensive stalwart held his own for most of the match. Sterling got the better of Vestergaard on occasion, but the Dane battled for every ball like his life depended on it.

He is capable of playing on the left side of a back four but is definitely more accustomed, and is better suited, on the left side of a back three. He also fits in nicely as the left-sided centre back in a customary back four.

What he lacks in pace, he makes up for in his ability to read the game. Vestergaard also utilizes his giant frame wisely, making it almost impossible for attackers to get the better of him.

There are a lot of rumours swirling around Hotspur Way about the uncertainty of Toby Alderweireld‘s future. The Belgian veteran could be on his way out of Tottenham this summer, leaving the door open for somebody like Vestergaard, who would offer Tottenham a commanding presence they so desperately require.

The Dane is also a danger from set pieces and seldom, unlike other members of Tottenham’s rearguard, commits grave personal blunders. He is solid and reliable, offering a beacon of stability the north London side are in search of.

It’s been a long time since Tottenham had a centre back who offers a goal-scoring threat. He scored three goals in 30 top flight appearances for Southampton last season, two more goals than all of Tottenham’s centre backs combined.

Toby, who scored once in 25 appearances last season, was the only centre back to score for Spurs during the 2020-2021 campaign. He has a dominant left foot but is comfortable on either side. We know how desperately Tottenham have needed a left-footed centre back since a certain Jan Vertonghen left the club.

Southampton paid £18 million for Vestergaard three years ago, but Tottenham should expect to pay about £20 million if they want to complete this signing.

While Vestergaard isn’t the star centre back Tottenham desire, he is the kind of stable, consistent defender who would fit reliably into Nuno’s back three.