Why Andrea Conti would be a smart signing for Tottenham
Back in 2017, Sky Sports had claimed Tottenham were looking at then Atalanta star Andrea Conti as a replacement for Kyle Walker. But a move didn’t materialise and the Italian, instead, went on to join AC Milan in the summer of 2017.
Andrea Conti, 25, has struggled to nail down his place at AC Milan since recovering from his knee injury last year. He has been and out of the team this season as well, although the 25-year-old started in their games against Juventus and Napoli.
AC Milan have struggled throughout this season and are currently 12th in the table, 11 points behind fourth-placed Cagliari. The appointment of Stefano Pioli as Marco Giampaolo’s replacement hasn’t done any favours yet, with the Rossoneri winning just once under the new manager.
Given the turmoil Milan are in, Tottenham should take advantage of their situation to sign Conti in January.
Tottenham dominated the football headlines last week after long-serving head coach Mauricio Pochettino was sacked and less than 12 hours later, Jose Mourinho was appointed as the club’s new manager.
So far, the Mourinho-era has started off well with victories over West Ham, Bournemouth and Olympiacos. Although the wins haven’t been straightforward, the Portuguese tactician should be pleased with three victories on board.
However, Spurs have conceded four goals in the last two games and the defence appears to be an area Mourinho must improve by spending in January.
A central defender should be a priority given the likes of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen are out of contract at the end of the season. In addition to a centre-back, the newly-appointed Spurs boss must also sign a new right-back.
Serge Aurier was one of the worst performances during the late stages of Pochettino’s reign. But he has started both of Mourinho’s first three games in charge of Spurs and netted the crucial third goal in the 4-2 comeback Champions League victory over Olympiacos.
Even though the Ivorian has made an instant improvement under Mourinho, the lack of cover and competition at right-back should be addressed in January.
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That’s why the signing of Andrea Conti would make sense for the North Londoners. Conti is an attacking right-back with good technique, interception and tackling skills.
As per WhoScored, the Italian has averaged 1.3 tackles, 2.3 interceptions and 1.7 clearances, whilst achieving a 77.1% pass success rate so far in the 2019/20 Serie A season.
Verdict
His versatility to operate as a wing-back would make Conti a solid signing for Tottenham. He’ll improve Spurs defensively, whilst bringing competition for Aurier at right-back.