Paratici in full effect as Tottenham pursue a centre-half or two
By Aaron Coe
New names connected with Spurs’ left side
Admittedly, Botman and Torres are carryover targets, and Lenglet was more of a Barcelona wish than anything Paratici was orchestrating. However, three new names have been associated with a move to Spurs that look and feel like Paratici.
Iyenoma Destiny Udogie – Udinese
The youngest of all the linked defenders, 19-year-old Italian defender Udogie is the type of player Conte loves. Long, lean, and aggressive pushing up the left side, Udogie could fit in as a left wing-back as easily – possibly even better – than he would as a centre-half. Udogie is an all-action player who never saw a tackle he did not like, and even fewer, he did not win. He was a ball recovery machine for Udinese last season. Udogie may have the most versatility going forward and would likely make Sergio Reguilon expendable rather than Ben Davies.
Piero Hincapie – Bayer Leverkusen
A new name linked with Spurs, Hinkcapie, a 20-year-old from Ecuador, is doing his business in Germany for Leverkusen. Not as physically stout as some other defenders, Hincapie possesses the same tactical awareness as more experienced players like Botman and Torres. Averaging almost the interceptions per 90 minutes played, according to fbref.com. Hincapie is strong in the air and a dangerous man on set-pieces in the box.
Obite Evan NDicka – Entracht Frankfurt
Of all the new names associated with Tottenham at left centre-half, Obite Ndicka may be the most interesting after Bastoni. Defensively, Ndicka does everything well. He tackles, he pressures, and he recovers the ball. Although not as adept as he is likely to become with long balls, Ndicka is an excellent short to medium-range passer who Is not afraid to carry the ball up the pitch.
Story continues…