Why Marash Kumbulla can bolster the Tottenham defence
As per Calciomercato (h/t Football.london), Tottenham have been closely tracking Hellas Verna defender Marash Kumbulla ahead of the summer transfer window.
Kumbulla, 20, came through the ranks of Hellas Verona’s youth system. After impressing with the club’s youth system, he was promoted to the senior set-up in the summer of 2018. However, he struggled for game time last season when the club were in Serie B.
But since the start of this campaign, Kumbulla has been in terrific form and has helped his side to 8th place in the league table. He has been impressive throughout the campaign and his performances have also attracted the attention of Everton, as per the report.
Tottenham, meanwhile, have endured a disappointing campaign so far. Their earlier performance saw Mauricio Pochettino get sacked. The Lilywhites have also been dumped out of all the other cup competitions. Jose Mourinho’s era got off to a good start but the results didn’t last long.
The absence of Harry Kane, Heung Min-Son and January signing Steven Bergwijn due to injuries has made their attacking unit look blunt in the past few months. And their midfield has also not been up to the mark. The Lilywhites have failed collectively as a team and there have not been any standout players so far.
Thus, it is clear that Mourinho should bring in reinforcements to the squad if they are to do better next campaign. While the attacking unit needs to be reinforced, Spurs should also bring in changes to their backline.
Kumbulla – A future replacement for Jan Vertonghen in Tottenham’s defence
Tottenham’s defensive unit has been abysmal throughout the campaign. They have already conceded 40 goals so far and it doesn’t sound good for a top-level team.
Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez have been sloppy on several occasions. They have failed to form a strong partnership. Youngster Juan Foyth has also not convinced the manager so far. Academy graduate Japhet Tanganga has shown promising signs but he is too young and is still in his learning curve.
Belgian international Jan Vertonghen has been left out of the team on several occasions due to a lack of consistency and below-par performances. The former Ajax man has entered the final month of his contract with the club and could be on his way out at the end of the season.
In that regard, signing Kumbulla would be a good choice by the club. The youngster has already made a huge breakthrough this season and is one of the best players for his side. He has featured in 18 games so far and has contributed with 1 assist.
The Italian-born Albania international has helped his side keep 9 clean sheets and is considered to be on of the best young defenders in Serie A. He has been excellent in the past few years and his growth has been a rather swift one.
Kumbulla has the ability to succeed at a higher level and could be a valuable addition to Tottenham’s squad. His inclusion would also bring in a healthy competition within Mourinho’s squad and given his performance, he could be their leader at the back in the future.
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Verdict
With Vertonghen set to leave in the summer and limited quality in their backline, Tottenham are in dire need of central defenders. And Kumbulla could provide them with the much-needed depth. He could be a crucial player for the team under Mourinho’s guidance. Thus, they should make a move for the 20-year-old at the earliest.
