Why Tottenham should make a move for Luiz Felipe in the summer
Back in April 2019, Daily Mail had claimed that Tottenham were interested in signing Lazio defender Luiz Felipe. However, no deal materialized before the start of the season and the defender has since stayed put at Lazio.
Luiz Felipe, 22, has enjoyed a solid season with I Biancocelesti so far, racking up 21 appearances across all formats. He has been a regular presence at the back under Simone Inzaghi as Lazio are currently third in the Serie A table.
With the Brazilian centre-back enjoying an impressive campaign in the Italian top-tier, Tottenham must rekindle their interest in him during the summer transfer window.
Spurs have struggled defensively this season, conceding 32 goals in 25 games. They have an ageing backline that hasn’t lived up to their usual standards and Jose Mourinho should plan on transforming that position in the summer.
With Jan Vertonghen, 32, out of contract in the summer and Toby Alderweireld, despite signing a new contract until 2023, turning 31 next month, Tottenham must pump in young blood in defence before the next season commences. And someone in the mould of Luiz Felipe would be a smart addition to Spurs’ defensive ranks.
As per WhoScored, Felipe has averaged 1.5 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 2.4 clearances and 0.8 blocks in 17 Serie A appearances. He has scored a goal and contributed with an assist so far this season.
Tottenham’s Vertonghen, meanwhile, has averaged 2.2 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 3.2 clearances and 0.6 blocks in 16 Premier League appearances. Going forward, the Belgian has contributed with a goal and an assist. [Courtesy: WhoScored]
Vertonghen is an experienced, proven Premier League defender and it isn’t surprising to see his numbers are better than Felipe almost in every area. However, he has been usually sloppy at the back this season and was substituted in the second half of Spurs’ 3-2 victory over Southampton in the FA Cup last week.
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On the other hand, Felipe has been a decent performer for Lazio, who are third in the Serie A table and only a point behind league leaders Inter Milan. Although not an instant upgrade on Vertonghen (in terms of statistics), the Brazilian would be a good option to add strength to Spurs’ defensive ranks.
Verdict
With Vertonghen ageing and out of contract in June, he is not a long-term solution to Tottenham’s problems at the back. On the contrary, Felipe is just 22 and can develop his game under one of the best managers in Jose Mourinho. All in all, the north London club must do everything possible to sign the centre-back from Lazio in the summer.
