Spurs struck gold on Conte masterclass signing now worth 366% more after Signed for £15M
Tottenham Hotspur’s start to the Premier League season has been a mixed bag, leaving fans longing for the consistency that could turn promising performances into points.
Under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, the team has displayed flashes of brilliance across their first three matches.
However, despite their attacking potential, they’ve struggled to capitalize on opportunities, resulting in a draw against Leicester City, a home victory over Everton, and a disappointing defeat at Newcastle United.
Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy has injected energy into Tottenham’s play, but the team’s lack of clinical finishing has been a glaring issue.
As the North London Derby approaches, the Australian manager will need his forwards to rediscover their scoring touch.
Meanwhile, the defense, which was porous last season, still holds quality. The current defensive lineup includes some of the club’s most valuable players, one of whom has seen his market value skyrocket over the past year.
Despite conceding 61 goals last season, which would typically indicate defensive frailties, Tottenham’s situation is more nuanced.
Goals conceded by the ‘big six’ in 23/24 | ||
---|---|---|
Place | Team | Goals Conceded |
1 | Arsenal | 29 |
2 | Manchester City | 34 |
3 | Liverpool | 41 |
4 | Manchester United | 58 |
5 | Chelsea | 63 |
6 | Tottenham Hotspur | 61 |
All Stats via the Premier League |
Fans recognize that the high number of goals conceded is largely due to Postecoglou’s ultra-attacking style and high defensive line, which leaves the back four exposed.
This approach, while risky, has made Tottenham one of the most exciting teams to watch in England.
To understand the strength of Tottenham’s defense, it’s essential to consider the value and contributions of their key defenders.
Pedro Porro, who joined Spurs in January 2023 for around £40 million, has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s top attacking fullbacks.
In his 57 appearances for the club, Porro has scored eight goals and provided ten assists, averaging a goal involvement every 3.16 games—a remarkable statistic for a fullback.
In central defense, the partnership of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero has become the foundation of Tottenham’s backline.
Van de Ven, signed for £43 million last summer, brings exceptional pace to the defense, which is crucial for Postecoglou’s aggressive tactics.
Although injuries have plagued his career, his speed and ability to cover ground make him an indispensable part of the team’s setup.
Cristian Romero, who joined Tottenham from Atalanta for £42 million in August 2021, complements Van de Ven with his leadership and defensive prowess.
As a World Cup winner, Romero’s experience and composure are vital to Tottenham’s defense. He is also the co-vice captain alongside James Maddison, further underlining his importance to the squad.
Lionel Messi’s praise, calling Romero the “best defender in the world,” highlights the Argentine’s status as a crucial component of Tottenham’s defense.
However, among these talented defenders, one player stands out not only for his contributions on the field but also for his astonishing rise in market value.
Destiny Udogie Signed from Udinese in the summer of 2022 for just £15 million plus add-ons, Udogie spent another season on loan in Serie A before joining Tottenham at the same time Postecoglou arrived in North London.
Despite being relatively unknown to English football fans at the time, Udogie quickly impressed Postecoglou with his fearless style of play and attacking capabilities.
The manager’s decision to make Udogie his first-choice left-back proved to be a masterstroke. In his debut season with Tottenham, Udogie made 30 appearances, scoring two goals and providing three assists.
His performances earned him a nomination for the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season Award, making him the first Tottenham player to achieve this recognition.
The rapid development of Udogie has led to a dramatic increase in his market value. According to the CIES Football Observatory, Udogie’s current valuation has soared to approximately £70 million (€83 million), representing a staggering 366% increase from the fee Tottenham paid for him just two years ago.
This meteoric rise underscores Udogie’s importance to the club and his potential to become one of the top fullbacks in the world.
Tottenham’s backline, while not without its challenges, boasts a collection of highly valuable and talented players.
The explosion in Udogie’s value is particularly noteworthy, reflecting his significant impact on the team.
As Tottenham continues to navigate the season, the development and performance of these defensive stars will be crucial to their success.
With a solid defense and the attacking flair promoted by Postecoglou, Tottenham has the tools to turn their season around and achieve the consistency needed to compete at the highest level.
Read Also: Ange could unleash his next Bentancur from Spurs academy teen who’s stepping up
Read Also: Tottenham have held close meetings with four huge names over £150M record breaking investment