Report: Tottenham Hotspur Eyeing Bargain Move to Sign La Liga Winner | OneFootball

Spurs Eye Bargain Signing of La Liga Winner

Tottenham’s Strategic Transfer Push

Tottenham Hotspur’s off-season strategy appears sharply focused on strengthening their defensive line-up, and their latest target, Spanish defender Mario Hermoso, is a testimony to this approach. Originally linked to a move to Italy, Hermoso’s potential shift to the Premier League could significantly boost Tottenham’s backline without burdening their financial resources.

Hermoso’s Rich Career and Tactical Flexibility

Mario Hermoso, a 29-year-old centre-half who doubles as a left-back, has had a commendable journey through Spain’s top clubs. Starting at Real Madrid’s academy, his professional path took him to Real Valladolid on loan before a permanent transfer to Espanyol and later, Atletico Madrid. His stint at Atletico was notably successful, amassing 174 appearances and contributing to their La Liga title triumph in the 2020-21 season. Hermoso has proven his worth with a well-rounded skill set, having “chipped in with 10 goals and six assists” during his time at Atletico Madrid.

Photo: IMAGO

Premier League Transfer Battle Heats Up

As Hermoso exits Atletico on a free transfer, his availability has sparked interest among several Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Aston Villa. However, Tottenham seem to be in a promising position to secure his signature. The club has been active in persuading Hermoso, leveraging their financial package and the persuasive skills of their manager, Ange Postecoglou. Tottenham’s proactive approach could see them outpace rivals, including Chelsea and Villa, in what could be termed a strategic coup in the transfer market.

What This Means for Tottenham

If Tottenham manages to seal the deal for Hermoso, it would represent not just a financial win but also a strategic addition to Postecoglou’s squad. Given Hermoso’s ability to initiate plays from the back and his experience at the highest levels of Spanish football, he could offer Tottenham the defensive solidity and versatility they need.

Statistical Analysis by EPL Index: Mario Hermoso’s Performance Data

Mario Hermoso’s Impact on the Pitch

A visual dive into Mario Hermoso’s recent performance, courtesy of Fbref, reveals a multifaceted player whose contributions extend well beyond traditional defending. In a comprehensive radial chart, Hermoso’s statistics are benchmarked against other centre-backs over the last 365 days, showcasing his capabilities in a variety of metrics.

Defensive and Possession Metrics

Hermoso excels in shot-creating actions, boasting a percentile rank of 93, a standout statistic that underscores his offensive mindset from a defensive position. His passing game is equally impressive, with a 94 percentile in progressive passes and an 88 percentile in successful take-ons, indicating his skill in transitioning from defence to attack. This ability to distribute the ball effectively is highlighted by his pass completion percentage being in the 98th percentile, making him a reliable figure in maintaining possession and building play from the back.

Attacking Contributions

While many defenders are judged primarily by their ability to nullify threats, Hermoso brings an additional layer to his game through his attacking contributions. He is in the 60th percentile for non-penalty expected goals (npxG), demonstrating a significant threat during set pieces or attacking phases. His assists and expected assists (xA) metrics further reflect his vision and ability to set up goals, which are critical for teams that value defenders with an offensive edge.

This detailed data visualisation not only encapsulates Hermoso’s defensive prowess but also his integral role in offensive plays, making him a dual-threat on the field. Such comprehensive performance stats are invaluable for clubs scouting for a versatile defender who can adapt to various tactical setups and contribute across the pitch. Mario Hermoso’s stats paint him as a robust and dynamic centre-back, capable of influencing the game at both ends of the field.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

The prospect of Mario Hermoso joining Spurs is nothing short of exhilarating. His experience with a top La Liga side and his part in overthrowing the usual dominance of Real Madrid and Barcelona speaks volumes about his capabilities. Moreover, his ability to play both centre-half and left-back could provide much-needed flexibility and depth to their defensive options.

Hermoso’s transition from what has been described as a “chaotic defender” to a seasoned professional under the rigorous coaching style of Diego Simeone could translate well into the Premier League’s fast-paced environment. His arrival could also foster a competitive spirit within the squad, pushing everyone to perform better.

The strategic nature of this potential signing, especially without a transfer fee, aligns perfectly with Tottenham’s broader ambitions of building a competitive team without extravagant spending. It also reflects well on the club’s scouting and negotiation capabilities, pointing to a maturing strategy in player acquisition.

While the excitement is palpable, as fans, we must remain cautiously optimistic. The Premier League is a different beast, and adaptation will be key. However, under the guidance of Postecoglou, known for his excellent man-management, Hermoso could become a cornerstone of Tottenham’s defence, propelling Spurs towards achieving greater successes, possibly ending our long wait for a trophy.