Tottenham Hotspur reportedly want to sign Fabian Schar from Premier League rivals Newcastle United.
There are not many defenders out there who can be compared to Toby Alderweireld.
The Belgian international is one of the best, most impressive all-round centre-backs anywhere in world football. Not only is he a terrific defender, blessed with strength, speed and superb positional sense, he is also a magnificent technician.
Alderweireld has the passing range of an established play-maker, with his raking diagonals a major part of Spurs’ game plan. So, with the former Southampton ace facing an uncertain future, thanks to a £25 million release clause in his contact (Independent), finding a successor could be easier said than done.
Or maybe not.
According to the Mirror, Tottenham want to sign Fabian Schar from Newcastle United 12 months after he arrived at St James’ Park from Deportivo La Coruna.
While Schar does not have the same reputation as Alderweireld, there are undoubted similarities. The Swiss international is a real fan favourite on Tyneside and not just for his impressive defensive displays.
Like Spurs’ number four, Schar is a defender blessed with a glorious range of passing and a hammer of a right foot. His Premier League Goal of the Month – thumped in off the bar from 25 yards against Burnley – will not be forgotten in a hurry.
It seems Tottenham might have found one of the few defenders genuinely capable of succeeding Alderweireld in north London.
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