Tottenham linked right-back Nelson Semedo is ‘more powerful and faster’ than Barcelona legend Dani Alves, ex-Camp Nou prospect Javier Espinosa has told Mundo Deportivo.
While the pair of Portuguese speaking flyers share the same uber-attacking mentality and searing pace down the right-hand side, it is fair to say Semedo cannot hold a candle to Alves when it comes to success and silverware in the famous red and blue stripes.
Alongside Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi and co, Alves played a major role as Barcelona dominated the European game during the Pep Guardiola era. The Brazilian great lifted a staggering 23 trophies during his time at the Camp Nou, including three Champions League crowns.
Semedo, however, has not reached the final of Europe’s premiere club competition even once. A £25 million signing from Benfica three years ago, the Portugal international has also failed to secure a guaranteed place in the Barcelona starting XI.
Sharing his duties with midfielder-turned-full-back Sergi Roberto, Semedo has been included on the team-sheet just 16 times in La Liga this season.
That said, Espinosa still feels that Semedo has the edge on Alves in one or two departments, even if his Barca career has been something of a disappointment.
“(He is) very spectacular. More powerful and faster (than Alves),” says Espinosa, while pointing out that the Brazilian possesses grade A technique that his rival cannot match.
According to Sky Sports, Semedo has been offered to Tottenham alongside Samuel Umtiti as part of a deal that would see Tanguy Ndombele bring a premature end to his miserable Spurs career with a shock switch to the Camp Nou.
Given that right-back remains a problem position for Jose Mourinho, a player who is ‘more powerful’ than Dani Alves would be well received in North London.
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