Tottenham Hotspur’s summer recruitment finally got underway with the signing of Ajax defender Davinson Sanchez for a reported club-record deal of £42 million.
The 21-year-old has signed a contract until 2023 and believes he can make a big contribution over the coming years:
“I’m strong in the tackle and I always try to play proper football. I think that those are my main characteristics. I think everybody knows what I can become and what I can bring to the club, such as my pace and my mental strength.”
And judging by the platitudes, his manager is also a huge admirer of the new boy’s abilities:
“From the beginning at Ajax, he showed his quality and personality. He was the best player at Ajax in his first season…he’s unbelievable. He speaks English very well and he is very comfortable with his new team-mates. He has all the characteristics for success here. He is so aggressive, so fast and he loves to play with risk at his back. It’s a massive opportunity because we believe he will be one of the best centre-backs in the world.”
The History
Sanchez began his youth career at America de Cali in his native Colombia, before he joined Atletico Nacional and made his professional debut in October 2013 at the age of 17.
It was only during 2016 that he started to establish himself in the first-team, and he was part of the side that won the Copa Libertadores.
Despite interest from Barcelona, Sanchez joined Ajax in June 2016.
He enjoyed a fantastic season, registering six goals and two assists in 32 league appearances, while he was part of the side that reached the final of the UEFA Europa League, only to lose 2-0 to Manchester United.
Sanchez was named the club’s Player of the Season and was again the subject of much interest before Spurs secured his signature.
After representing Colombia at U17, U20 and U23 levels, making 17 appearances in total, Sanchez was afforded his senior debut in a World Cup Qualifier against Argentina in November 2016.
The Prospects
In Sanchez, Spurs look to have brought in one of the most talented young central defenders in world football.
Blessed with pace, athleticism and aggression, he has the qualities to become a leading Premier League centre-half, though is versatile enough to also feature at right-back.
He is also comfortable in possession – he completed nearly 90% of his passes last season – and is adept at stepping out of defence and initiating attacks – traits that both Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld possess.
Sanchez was part of an Ajax side that liked to play with a high line and that pressed the ball quickly when losing possession, so he should have few problems settling in at Spurs, who have similar footballing philosophies.
With Spurs also signing another central defender – Juan Foyth from Estudiantes – yesterday, it appears Mauricio Pochettino could now finally settle on a three-man defence.
The Spurs boss already has fellow Ajax graduates in Vertonghen and Alderweireld, along with Eric Dier, to call upon. But he has allowed Kevin Wimmer to join Stoke City.
Alderweireld has also yet to extend his contract beyond 2019, so the signings of Sanchez and Foyth are likely to have been made with that in mind.
Sanchez made his debut as a late substitute in the 1-1 draw with Burnley, and looks set to challenge for a starting role immediately.
He appears most likely to join Vertonghen and Alderweireld in the three-man backline, and interestingly comes in at the same price (6.0) as the two Belgians in Fantasy Premier League (FPL).
Sanchez could be of far more interest in the Sky Sports game, though, where he is priced at just 7.9 – far cheaper than both Vertonghen and Alderweireld – although Ben Davies and Kieran Trippier are available at 8.2 and 8.1 respectively.
As his goal tally from last season suggests, Sanchez offers a strong set-piece threat.
The 6ft 2in tall centre-back averaged a shot every 83.76 minutes last season, superior to both Alderweireld (93) and Vertonghen (206.93).
Interestingly, Sanchez also has the ability to bring the ball out of defence and shoot from distance, again characteristics shared with his new centre-back team-mates.
In terms of the trio’s defensive numbers, Vertonghen led the way in terms of successful aerial duels, winning 76% last season – better than both Sanchez (60%) and Alderweireld (48%).
It was Vertonghen who also impressed in terms of Bonus Points System (BPS) potential, averaging a clearance, block or interception every 9.89 minutes, superior to Sanchez (11.76) and Alderweireld (12.46).
Should Sanchez command a regular starting berth, then, his goal threat could make him a viable Fantasy option.
Spurs’ upcoming fixtures (eve SWA wha hud BOU) certainly boost their clean sheet potential.
But there are concerns surrounding their defensive prospects as they have conceded in each of their two matches at Wembley this season.
Pochettino’s side rank around mid-table for shots conceded inside the box (23), although they have given up just three big chances.
Losing the advantage of White Hart Lane is a concern as opposition teams seem to be relishing the opportunity to play at the home of English football.
There’s little doubt that Spurs have a very talented player on their hands in Sanchez but he may be the man to miss out whenever Pochettino opts for a four-man defence, with Alderweireld and Vertonghen safer bets at centre-half.
For now, then, Davies is currently our favoured route into the Spurs backline. The Welshman leads all defenders for key passes (nine), has a share of corners and has already found the net in Gameweek 1.
But once Danny Rose returns to full fitness, and providing Spurs can secure a deal for Paris Saint-Germain right-back Serge Aurier, rotation is likely to be a concern in the wing-back/ full-back positions.
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