Tottenham reviving interest in their talented 23-year-old summer target would be ideal

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Rohan Sengupta

Why Tottenham should make a move for Freiburg defender Robin Koch

Back in May 2019, Daily Mail had claimed that Tottenham were interested in signing Freiburg defender Robin Koch. However, no deal materialized last summer and he stayed put.

Robin Koch, 23, has been one of the mainstays of the Freiburg defence this season, notching up 19 appearances so far in the Bundesliga. In fact, he made his Germany debut back in October.

With the German defender enjoying an impressive season in the Bundesliga, should Tottenham reignite their interest in Koch this month?

Freiburg defender Robin Koch in action. (Getty Images)
Freiburg defender Robin Koch in action. (Getty Images)

Tottenham have been poor defensively this season, conceding 32 goals in 24 games. They have won just once in their last five league games and are currently six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea. Having signed Gedson Fernandes on an 18-month loan deal from Benfica, Jose Mourinho should shift his focus towards strengthening his defence.

Toby Alderweireld has committed his future to Spurs by signing a new deal earlier this season. But Jan Vertonghen will be out of contract at the end of the term and the performances of Juan Foyth and Davinson Sanchez haven’t been great under Mourinho. Keeping that in mind, the Spurs boss should make a move for Robin Koch.

As per WhoScored, Koch has averaged 1.1 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 3.9 clearances and 0.8 blocks. He has also won 3.8 aerial duels per game, registered 0.3 key passes and 4.8 long balls.

Vertonghen, Tottenham’s senior centre-back, has averaged 2.2 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 3.2 clearances and 0.6 blocks. The Belgian has also averaged 2.9 aerial duels, registering 0.2 key passes and 2 long balls. [Courtesy: WhoScored]

Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen in action. (Getty Images)
Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen in action. (Getty Images)

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When compared, Koch would be an upgrade over the ageing Vertonghen in certain aspects while being capable of slotting into Mourinho’s squad which has lacked a young and powerful presence in the heart of the defence.

Verdict

Considering Tottenham’s long-standing defensive problems this season, Mourinho should definitely sign a new centre-back this month. And a talented player in the mould of Koch would represent a smart long-term investment at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.