We are just over a month out from the end of the winter transfer window, and while Tottenham Hotspur made what looked like some brilliant signings at the time, it would be fair to say the jury is still out for all three additions.
Antonín Kinský, for example, wowed fans and pundits alike on his debut against Liverpool, but in the weeks that followed, mistakes started to creep in, and by the time Guglielmo Vicario was fit again, there was no doubt over who should be number one.
Likewise, there was plenty of hype and excitement when the club announced the signing of Mathys Tel, but since then, the Frenchman has scored a single consolation goal in six appearances and is struggling to make a case for his inclusion from the get-go.
Finally, Kevin Danso joined the club to help cover for the defensive injury crisis, and while he put in some solid early performances, it would be fair to say he has started to receive some valid criticism in recent games, which could spell trouble as the club might already have a player ready to take his place next season.
Danso's middling Spurs form
So, before the pitchforks come out, it should be said that we are relatively early on in Danso’s Spurs career, and with just over two months of the season to go, he could establish himself as an undroppable star.
However, as things stand, it would be hard to say he’s been anything more than useful for the Lilyhwhites so far.
For example, while he looked good in some of his early games, like away to Liverpool and at home to Manchester United, performances the Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick awarded him 7/10 and 8/10 match ratings for, respectively, he has struggled of late.
On Thursday night, for example, the Austrian international, like many of his teammates, looked out of his depth and, as Kilpatrick argued, looked ‘erratic’ at the back, which was enough to warrant a 5/10 match rating.
Then, at the weekend, while he was nowhere near Spurs’ worst player, he got his movement wrong and jumped too early for Bournemouth’s opener, and generally looked a little lost at times, losing the ball eight times and giving away two fouls.
In all, it’s far too early to brand Danso a flop, but should he want to cement himself as a regular starter or one of the first names off the bench, he’ll need to do more over the coming weeks, especially as the club already have a tremendously exciting youngster who could replace him next season.
The Spurs gem who could replace Danso
So, while Spurs have several incredibly exciting youngsters in and around the team already, the majority, such as Mikey Moore and Lucas Bergvall, play across the forward line or in midfield.
However, in Luka Vušković, the North Londoners look like they could have a defensive superstar in the making.
The Lilywhites signed the Croatian wonderkid in September 2023, but as he was 16 then, post-Brexit rules around registering foreign players under 18 mean he cannot officially join the team until this summer.
So, after spending the latter half of the 23/24 campaign in Poland, the “freak talent,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, moved to Belgian side KVC Westerloo at the start of this season, where he has excelled.
For example, despite playing exclusively at centre-back, the 18-year-old monster has scored seven goals and provided two assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every three games.
Appearances
20
Goals
6
Assists
1
Goal Involvements per Match
0.35
On top of that, the 6 foot 5 titan is also a brick wall at the back.
According to FOTmob, he wins 76.2% of his tackles, 66% of his duels, 72.2% of his aerial duels and makes 5.74 recoveries, all per 90.
For context, William Saliba has won 60.4% of his tackles, 63.2% of his duels, 60% of his aerial duels and makes 4.51 recoveries, also all per 90.
So, on top of being a serious goal threat from the back, the young Croatian also shares some statistical similarities with one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs.
Ultimately, Danso looks like he could be a useful player for Spurs, but he’s not cemented himself in the squad just yet, and if he’s not careful, he could be replaced by Vušković next season.
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