Tottenham have been linked with a move for Montpellier defender Mukiele.
Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for Montpellier centre-back Nordi Mukiele with doubts surrounding the future of Toby Alderweireld, but if the young Frenchman good enough to place a player of Alderweireld’s calibre?
French outlet Le10Sport claim Tottenham are interested in the 20-year-old defender, who has impressed in France’s top tier this season as Montpellier continue to play above expectations in sixth place.
Mukiele boasts speed in abundance at the back, a rare trait among centre-backs but certainly a characteristic that Mauricio Pochettino looks for his defenders. Davinson Sanchez is rapid, while Jan Vertonghen and Juan Foyth are no slouches.
Comfortable on the ball and an impressive leap when it comes to heading the ball, two-time France Under-21 international Mukiele has a huge future ahead of him with 81 senior appearances in French football already.
But is he really showing the kind of promise that will replace the quality of Alderweireld at the back? The Belgian is expected to leave Spurs this summer with clubs circling, as only a year remains on his current deal.
Mauricio Pochettino is overlooking the former Atletico Madrid defender at the moment, with Sanchez and Vertonghen and preferred but the eventual loss of Alderweireld – which looks more and more inevitable – must be replaced.
Though Mukiele has the potential, and the start to go far in his career, it is difficult to say someone will definitely reach the standard of Alderweireld who has shown in his time in north London that he is one of the best defenders in the world.
So, Mukiele would be an excellent signing and certainly one for the future. He would already add decent cover for the likes of Sanchez and Vertonghen, but he should not be viewed as Alderweireld’s immediate replacement.
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