‘A few people have said’; Journalist shares what he’s been told about Kevin Danso after he signed for Spurs
Kevin Danso has the potential to be a standout signing for Tottenham during the January transfer window. While Mathys Tel captured much of the attention on deadline day with his dramatic change of heart before joining Spurs, Danso also arrived from RC Lens, offering much-needed defensive reinforcement.
Unlike Tel, who brings attacking flair, Danso’s arrival addresses a key issue in Tottenham’s backline, which has been plagued by injuries this season.
Tottenham fans might not have been overly enthusiastic about Danso’s signing, especially given his previous stint in the Premier League with Southampton, where he struggled to make an impact.
However, Ange Postecoglou sees immense potential in the Austrian defender, and many within football believe this could turn out to be an astute signing.
According to journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke, those familiar with Danso’s game view him as a perfect fit for Postecoglou’s tactical system, particularly due to his physical attributes. His ability to play in a high defensive line aligns with the demands of Spurs’ aggressive, possession-based approach.
Pitt-Brooke highlighted that Tottenham needed a defender who could step in immediately, bringing experience, athleticism, and reliability. With injuries to key defenders, Danso might play a crucial role in the second half of the season, and his adaptation to the Premier League will be closely watched.
Given Tottenham’s struggles with defensive depth, his arrival comes at a critical moment, and if he adjusts quickly, he could become a key figure in the squad.
A major asset in Danso’s game is his pace, a crucial requirement for defenders operating in a high defensive line. Many top defenders excel in this area, and speed plays a significant role in recovering from counterattacks and handling fast attackers.
According to official UEFA statistics from Euro 2024, Danso ranks among some of the quickest defenders and even surpasses several high-profile players known for their speed.
Kevin Danso’s Speed Compared to Euro 2024 Stars
| Player | Top Speed (km/h) |
|---|---|
| Kevin Danso | 33.3 |
| Lamine Yamal | 33.3 |
| Marc Cucurella | 33.2 |
| William Saliba | 32.8 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 32.7 |
Micky van de Ven, widely regarded as one of the fastest defenders in the Premier League, previously praised William Saliba for his pace. However, based on the available data, Danso edges out the Frenchman, which speaks volumes about his athletic ability.
His speed, combined with his defensive awareness, makes him a valuable addition to Spurs’ squad, particularly in a system that demands quick transitions and proactive defending.
With Tottenham facing a challenging period due to defensive injuries, Danso’s presence could prove invaluable. If he adapts well to Postecoglou’s system, he has the potential to cement his place as a reliable centre-back for Spurs.
His physicality, speed, and experience could help stabilize the defense and provide the team with much-needed solidity in the coming months. Given his rapid pace and suitability for a high defensive line, Spurs might have found a hidden gem to help them navigate the remainder of the season.