Tottenham Hotspur are now bracing themselves for the departure of Gareth Bale as gradually Villas Boas seems to snub questions about the Welshman. While replacing a player of Bale’s calibre is extremely difficult, if not impossible, it may not be that unwise to invest the money in building a squad.
Jan Vertonghen has been stupendous for the London club last season with both his leadership qualities at the back and defensive abilities, but this time around Tottenham must have a back up for him (or a player to add depth at the back). The one target that Villas Boas has in his mind is Tiago Ilori who currently plays for Portuguese club Sporting. Once a Liverpool target, right now it seems that Spurs are ahead in their pursuit of this centre back. And investing around £6m in this 20 year old defender might be a winning decision.
Tiago Ilori has impressed everyone with his performance U-20 World Cup held recently. At 6ft3in, he is a physical specimen, capable of making neat tackles. He has shown his ability on the ball and his long range of passing is impressive. Unlike most tall defenders, he has displayed tremendous speed with the most notable factor being his current record for the fastest academy time as he beat the likes of Ronaldo and Nani at the Sporting academy. With his height, a natural aerial ability comes to him, which makes him so vital in dead ball situations.
Ilori is not shy to move forward with the ball, which is an essential trait in today’s defenders and can also assist the team in the attack. He has shown an excellent temperament, which is remarkable for a boy of his age. His talent and versatility, coupled with his physical presence has made Ilori as an extremely coup for any team and Spurs should consider themselves fortunate if they land the player for such a meagre sum.
It is being discussed that if Ilori lives upto his true potential, then he would be a phenomenon in course of time. Ilori will certainly epitomise what the Spurs team stands for, discipline, stability and an exciting brand of football.
Watch his performance in the U-20 Worldcup here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZPoAlHNd-w
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