Why Thomas Meunier could stabilise a struggling Tottenham defence
According to 90min (h/t Sky Sports), Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing PSG right-back Thomas Meunier.
The Belgian’s four-year deal at the French outfit comes to an end this summer and he is not expected to pen down fresh terms with them ahead of next season. Full-back Meunier had joined PSG in the summer of 2016 from Belgian outfit Clube Brugge and has been a consistent performer ever since. The 28-year-old has featured 128 times for the Parisians across all competitions.
Despite being a defender, Meunier’s attacking abilities have seen him contribute to the side with 13 goals and 21 assists till now. Despite the side being filled with plenty of talents, Meunier’s consistency has seen him hold onto his spot.
Over the last few years, he has been a part of a back-four that has dominated French football, helping them to two league titles, two French Cup and many others.
He was also a part of the Club Brugge side that emerged winners of the Belgian top-flight league, which saw him eventually earn a move to France.
The mere number of trophies he has won with the Parisians gives a clear idea of his significance in the side. Except in his debut season, PSG have always held onto the first spot. This season too, they are on top after conceding just 24 goals from 27 league games.
His standout displays at PSG made him a first-choice right back at his national side Belgium, making 40 appearances and netting seven goals so far. He was a regular in the Belgian side that finished third in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Meanwhile, Spurs boss Jose Mourinho has found him as a potential replacement for Serge Aurier. The Portuguese boss is not yet happy with the right-back, who has a habit of making mistakes despite his occasional moments of brilliance.
He has been a part of a Spurs defence that has conceded 40 goals this season. No other side apart from Burnley have conceded as many as the North London side.
However, a lack of depth in that spot since the departure of former right-back Kieran Trippier to Atletico Madrid had forced them to stick with Aurier. Spurs had another option in youngster Kyle Walker-Peters. However, he hardly impressed Mourinho, which saw him move to Southampton in January.
Having proved his mettle both at club and international level, Meunier, thus, seems like a perfect fit for the North London side. Moreover, his consistency at the highest level is exactly what a struggling defence like Spurs need at the moment.
Read more
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- Why Tottenham should sign Vedat Muriqi to bolster their attacking unit
Verdict
Tottenham’s dearth of established right-backs is a real cause of concern if they wish to improve their displays next season. The arrival of experienced campaigner such as Meunier will be a real boost to a backline that seems to have lost confidence. Given his consistency, he could also bring some stability into the side.
