Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Brazilian defender Rafael Toloi from Serie A overachievers Atalanta in the transfer window.
Whether Mauricio Pochettino wants to play a back three or a back four next season, Rafael Toloi would fit in perfectly.
Sport Mediaset have claimed recently that Atalanta’s Brazilian ace is the latest defender linked with a move to North London. And, while 27-year-old Toloi might not have the world-class potential of a Matthijs de Ligt or the proven Premier League talent of Jamaal Lascelles, he would be a very smart signing for Spurs.
Why? Because Toloi is a defender simply made for Pochettino’s Tottenham, who have reportedly gone as far as to make him an offer.
The one-time Roma loanee has shone since joining Atalanta in 2015, helping La Dea qualify for the Europa League in each of the last two seasons against all expectations. But his ability to step up and excel against the odds is not why Tottenham should sign him.
Toloi, who the Sun (9 May, Goals pull-out page 7) believes is valued at around £15 million, is an intelligent and versatile defender who would thrive at the centre of a back three, should Pochettino keep the same system that worked wonders last season.
A composed and cultured defender, Toloi acts as something of a sweeper at Atalanta, starting attacks from deep with his intelligent passing and marauding runs into midfield.
You can imagine that Pochettino would be a big fan of his rather rare skill-set, which could prove the perfect foil for Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez.
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