Why Tottenham should go all out to sign Nathan Ake in January
Back in June, the Sun had claimed that Tottenham were interested in signing Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake. However, no deal materialised during the summer transfer window.
Bournemouth swooped to land Nathan Ake, 24, permanently in 2017, having impressed on loan from Chelsea, and he’s continued to shine on the South Coast. The 24-year-old has started all 12 league games for Eddie Howe’s men this season, impressing with his ball-playing abilities and leadership qualities.
With the Netherlands international continuing to impress for the Cherries, Tottenham must reignite their interest in the defender when the transfer window reopens.
Tottenham are in a dire need of reinforcements after a woeful start to the season which sees them placed 14th in the table, 11 points behind fourth-placed Manchester City.
Mourinho certainly needs to use the January window to give everyone at the club a lift. He must prioritise strengthening the defence over other positions as Tottenham have conceded 17 goals in 12 games.
With Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen out of contract at the end of the season, Davinson Sanchez out of form and Juan Foyth yet to convince the manager, Spurs must target Nathan Ake in January.
Ake fits the bill perfectly for Spurs as he could come in as a replacement for the left-footed Vertonghen, with the Belgian set to turn 33 in April and out of contract at the end of the season. Ake is a versatile defender capable of performing in a back-four, a back-three and also at left-back when needed.
Comfortable on the ball and strong in the air, the former Chelsea man has averaged 1.7 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, 4.3 clearances and 0.8 blocks in the Premier League this season. [Courtesy: WhoScored.com] At the age of 24, Ake has the potential and the required attributes to take his game to a very high level under Jose Mourinho.
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Not forgetting that he is an excellent reader of the game and a threat from set-pieces (having scored six goals combined in the last two campaigns), the Dutchman could be a huge hit at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Verdict
Not only can Ake solve Tottenham’s defensive problems but he’ll be a perfect long-term successor for Vertonghen. He has solid Premier League experience as well, so Spurs should jump at the chance to add him to their ranks when January arrives.