Spurs in contact to sign £42m freak technician, he’d finally send Dragusin packing
Tottenham Hotspur secured a vital win in the Europa League recently, but hopes of building momentum were dashed by a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Leicester City in the Premier League. This latest setback has intensified fears that the club could be drawn into a relegation battle.
Ange Postecoglou’s side has struggled for form, with injuries forcing the manager to rely on an improvised backline that includes Archie Gray, Ben Davies, and Radu Dragusin, who has proven to be below the standard required for a club of Tottenham’s ambitions.
Recent reports suggest Tottenham is actively exploring options to strengthen their defense, with David Hancko of Feyenoord emerging as a prime target. Alongside Spurs, Chelsea, Juventus, and Atlético Madrid have also expressed interest in the Slovakian defender.
However, Feyenoord remains firm in their stance not to sell Hancko during this transfer window, valuing him at around €50 million (£42 million) for a potential summer move. Despite the potential challenges of completing such a deal, Hancko’s impressive performances make him a worthy target.
When fit, Tottenham’s starting center-back pairing of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven forms a formidable partnership, combining Romero’s leadership and Van de Ven’s athleticism.
However, both players have been prone to injuries, highlighting the need for a reliable backup who can maintain a high standard of play. Dragusin has been unable to fill that role effectively, which is why securing a player like Hancko would be a game-changer for Spurs.
A comparison of Hancko and Dragusin’s underlying statistics reveals the significant gap in quality between the two players. The table below provides a detailed breakdown of their performances in key metrics:
| Statistics per 90 Minutes | David Hancko | Radu Dragusin |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists | 0.20 | 0.03 |
| Actual Non-Penalty Goals + Assists | 0.19 | 0.03 |
| Progressive Passes | 5.71 | 2.53 |
| Progressive Carries | 1.71 | 0.37 |
| Passing Accuracy | 86.9% | 85.8% |
| Key Passes | 0.57 | 0.21 |
| Passes into the Penalty Area | 0.43 | 0.16 |
| Passes into the Final Third | 4.14 | 3.26 |
| Shot-Creating Actions | 1.43 | 0.53 |
| Goal-Creating Actions | 0.14 | 0.05 |
| Tackles Won | 0.94 | 0.41 |
| Interceptions | 1.06 | 1.01 |
| Clearances | 5.14 | 4.16 |
| Blocks | 1.43 | 1.79 |
| Errors Leading to a Shot | 0.00 | 0.32 |
| Successful Take-Ons | 0.57 | 0.05 |
| Ball Recoveries | 2.71 | 3.47 |
| Aerial Duels Won | 0.71 | 2.21 |
Hancko dominates in nearly every category, from passing and progressive carries to shot-creating actions and defensive contributions like tackles and clearances.
His superior technical ability and composure on the ball make him an ideal fit for Postecoglou’s system, which emphasizes ball progression and defensive solidity.
Hancko’s versatility has also been on display in high-profile matches. At Euro 2024, he effectively shut down England’s Bukayo Saka while playing as a left-back, showcasing his adaptability. More recently, he delivered a commanding performance in Feyenoord’s 3-0 victory over Bayern Munich, limiting Harry Kane to the fewest touches among all outfield players who completed 90 minutes.
Described as a “freak technician,” Hancko excels at carrying the ball from deep, interchanging with midfielders, and even driving into the box, according to analyst Ben Mattinson.
His leadership qualities are evident as he has worn the captain’s armband for Feyenoord and has earned 48 senior caps for Slovakia. These attributes make him not only a reliable defender but also a potential leader on and off the pitch.
While Dragusin has delivered occasional solid performances, they have been inconsistent. If Tottenham aims to progress and challenge for honors, stronger options in defense are essential. Hancko represents a significant investment, but his quality and potential to seamlessly integrate into Postecoglou’s system justify the cost.
Securing Hancko would bolster Tottenham’s defensive depth and provide much-needed reliability in the backline. As the club continues to navigate a challenging season, adding a player of Hancko’s caliber could prove pivotal in ensuring long-term success and stability.