Tottenham linked Ben Gibson compares well to even Toby Alderweireld.
Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino has Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson in his sights as he looks to strengthen their defence.
The Mirror report £25 million rated Gibson is on Tottenham’s summer wish list, and he could be worth every penny.
Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson – wearing 6 – celebrates scoring their first goal
Gibson has figured in Gareth Southgate’s England squads, and the fee is about on par for a talented young defender who has starred in the Premier League, as seen with big money moves for Michael Keane and Harry Maguire.
In Gibson’s case, statistics suggest he could be a superb addition for Tottenham as they look for further options and consider playing more often with three central defenders.
In comparison to Tottenham’s Belgian powerhouses Jan Veronghen and Toby Alderweireld, Gibson more than holds his own.
| Team | Passing Accuracy | Tackles per game | Interceptions per game | Ball Recoveries per game | Aerial Duels per game | Shots Blocked per game | Effective Clearances per game | Appearances | Mins Played | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan Vertonghen | Tottenham | 85% | 1.03 | 1.27 | 5.7 | 3.21 | 0.64 | 6.39 | 33 | 2,897 |
| Ben Gibson | Middlesbrough | 85% | 0.58 | 1.5 | 3.55 | 1.61 | 0.82 | 6.05 | 38 | 3,420 |
| Toby Alderweireld | Tottenham | 83% | 1.17 | 0.87 | 4.33 | 1.4 | 0.7 | 5.23 | 30 | 2,604 |
What does it all show?
While not as prolific in terms of winning tackles as the Belgian pair, Gibson made more interceptions per game than both Alderweireld and Vertonghen last season.
He also won more aerial duels per game than Alderweireld, and blocked an average of more shots per game than the Spurs pair.
The Tottenham duo were better at winning the ball back, but Gibson made more clearances per game than Alderweireld, and had a marginally better passing accuracy rate.
Tottenham’s Victor Wanyama in action with Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson
There are little differences between the trio, yet it is also clear that Gibson can hold his head up against his potential teammates and be proud of his contribution last season.
It is also notable that he played all 38 games for a relegated side, a show of commitment and reliability that teams spending big amounts of money on a player crave.
Gibson is just 24 and could be worth a lot more than the money Spurs would pay for him this summer if he has a successful season in North London and goes onto star for England at the World Cup.
Young, motivated, tested at Premier League level and full of ability, Gibson would be a coup for whoever signs him.
There is almost a month until the season starts and Tottenham shouldn’t leave it late until deadline day again to bring players in. Gibson could be among their best options.
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