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Tottenham signing this £25m PL regular would instantly fix their defensive woes

Why Ben Godfrey could be the man to solidify Tottenham’s backline

According to Football Insider (h/t Daily Mail), Tottenham Hotspur are targeting Norwich City starlet Ben Godfrey, who could cost around £25m. Godfrey’s versatility at the back had attracted the North London club to pursue their interests in the 21-year old.

Since making his debut for York City in League Two, the Yorkshire-born lad has seen a rapid rise in his career after being bought by Norwich City in 2016. The very next year, Godfrey was sent on a season-long loan to League One outfit Shrewsbury Town in order to get more game time.

Ben Godfrey of Norwich City applauds fans following defeat in the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Norwich City at Selhurst Park.
Ben Godfrey of Norwich City applauds fans following defeat in the Premier League match between Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on September 28, 2019, in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

He established himself as a regular there, featuring in over 40 matches and soon made a return to his parent club in the summer of 2018.

Back in Norwich, the youngster played a crucial role under boss Daniel Farke and helped them gain promotion to the Premier League by emerging as the Championship winners last season. Since then, he has settled down at Carrow Road quite easily and is now one of the regulars in the squad.

Even though Norwich are currently languishing at the tail end of the table, ahead of last-placed Watford, the young Englishman has been pretty solid at the back with his consistent displays. He has featured in all 15 league games so far for the Canaries.

A calm and composed customer, Godfrey has been impressive in the English top-flight and Tottenham should definitely sign the young man.

Godfrey while playing for Shrewsbury Town.
Godfrey while playing for Shrewsbury Town. (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, it has not been a fruitful season for Tottenham, who sacked Mauricio Pochettino after a string of poor displays that saw them struggling in the bottom half of the table.

Pochettino was soon replaced by Jose Mourinho, who has impressed in his role as Spurs boss so far. However, it clearly does not hide Tottenham’s issues at the back, as they’ve conceded 23 goals already this season.

It has been a below-par performance from the last season’s Champions League finalists, who have looked sloppy at the back this season.

Veteran defender Jan Vertonghen is already 32 and has consistently been troubled by injuries in recent times, while Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez have been inconsistent till now.

en Godfrey of Norwich City is challenged by Adam Smith of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Norwich City at Vitality Stadium.
Ben Godfrey of Norwich City is challenged by Adam Smith of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Norwich City at Vitality Stadium on October 19, 2019, in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)

Moreover, Vertonghen and Alderweireld are free to leave by the end of this season as their contracts set to expire this summer. Meanwhile, Juan Foyth continues to be overlooked and lacks enough game experience.

With problems aplenty at the back, it would be really fruitful for Spurs if Mourinho could usher in the youngster, who has been valued for his good technical abilities.

An excellent passer of the ball, Godfrey is also good at initiating attacks from the back. His 91.6 % pass success rate lays even more claim to it (Source: Whoscored).  

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Norwich City defender Ben Godfrey. (Getty Images)

His speedy rise as a player at such a young age earned him an under-21 national call up and he made his debut for the England U-21 side earlier in September.

Verdict

In Godfrey, Tottenham would have a young star who has enough experience of playing top-flight football. He could also be a future replacement for old guard Vertonghen and has enough time to improve his game and grow into a top-class centre-back.