Spurs eye the perfect Højbjerg upgrade in “technically brilliant” £25m brick wall
Ange Postecoglou’s debut season at Tottenham Hotspur showcased his managerial acumen despite the team narrowly missing out on the Champions League.
Tottenham’s board, led by Daniel Levy, must bolster the squad this summer to climb the Premier League table.
One potential addition could be AS Monaco’s star midfielder, Youssouf Fofana, who is seen as an ideal replacement for Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.
Ange Postecoglou managed to guide Tottenham Hotspur to a Europa League spot despite numerous injuries and a competitive Premier League.
Although the team fell short of securing a Champions League position, Postecoglou’s tactical prowess was evident.
Tottenham’s board recognizes the need to support him in the transfer market to build a stronger team for the upcoming season.
Recent reports suggest that Tottenham Hotspur is keen on acquiring Youssouf Fofana from AS Monaco.
According to Corriere Torino, Tottenham faces competition from West Ham United, AC Milan, and Juventus for the talented French midfielder.
With Fofana’s contract expiring next year, a transfer fee between €20m and €30m (£17m to £25m) could secure his services, making this a financially viable move for Tottenham.
Fofana and Højbjerg both excel in defensive midfield roles, but how do their performances stack up? Despite Højbjerg’s experience and strengths, Fofana’s statistics reveal a more dynamic and impactful player.
Fofana, dubbed a “brick wall” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, contributed four goals and four assists last season, averaging a goal involvement every 4.37 games.
In contrast, Højbjerg did not register a goal or assist in 39 appearances, highlighting Fofana’s superior offensive contributions.
| Fofana vs Højbjerg | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats per 90 | Fofana | Højbjerg |
| Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists | 0.28 | 0.13 |
| Non-Penalty Goals + Assists | 0.24 | 0.00 |
| Progressive Carries | 1.77 | 1.16 |
| Progressive Passes | 8.30 | 9.18 |
| Progressive Passes Received | 2.87 | 1.99 |
| Shots | 1.62 | 1.23 |
| Shots on Target | 0.42 | 0.35 |
| Passing Accuracy | 81.2% | 87.2% |
| Shot-Creating Actions | 3.34 | 2.68 |
| Goal-Creating Actions | 0.33 | 0.14 |
| Tackles | 2.03 | 2.19 |
| Blocks | 1.17 | 1.44 |
| Clearances | 1.03 | 2.05 |
| Errors Leading to a Shot | 0.03 | 0.21 |
| Successful Take-Ons | 1.30 | 0.82 |
| Ball Recoveries | 7.67 | 8.29 |
| Aerial Duels Won | 0.57 | 0.55 |
| All Stats via FBref for 23/24 | ||
Fofana’s technical brilliance and defensive solidity make him an attractive prospect for Tottenham. His ability to contribute offensively while maintaining defensive responsibilities could provide the balance Postecoglou seeks in midfield.
Whether Højbjerg stays or departs, Fofana’s inclusion would undoubtedly enhance Tottenham’s midfield options.
Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in Youssouf Fofana signals a strategic approach to strengthening the squad. Fofana’s attributes align well with the demands of Premier League football, and his potential transfer fee represents a sound investment.
As Tottenham aims to return to the top echelons of the Premier League, acquiring a player of Fofana’s caliber could be pivotal.
Daniel Levy and the Tottenham board must act decisively in the transfer market to support Ange Postecoglou’s vision. Bringing Youssouf Fofana to N17 could be the key move that propels Tottenham back into Champions League contention and solidifies their midfield for years to come.
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