As Tottenham scour the market for a potential Jan Vertonghen replacement, Hellas Verona defender Marash Kumbulla potentially presents himself as a viable target for Jose Mourinho – with the €30 million-rated centre-back also admired by Italian giants Inter Milan.
Kumbulla, who has started 18 games for the Serie A club this season, has been reportedly attracting our club’s interest as we search for Vertonghen’s potential heir – as explained in a past La Gazzetta dello Sport paper edition via Sport Witness.
Indeed, as our 33-year-old Belgian defender approaches the twilight phase of his career, Kumbulla presents himself as a worthy target to succeed him – especially when taking into account his statistics.
Could Kumbulla succeed Vertonghen?
Yes, get it done
No, extend Vertonghen's deal
According to WhoScored, Kumbulla has averaged more tackles this campaign than Spurs defensive assets Toby Alderweireld, Ben Davies and Eric Dier – all the while managing an 84.2% pass success rate out from the back.
Bar Davinson Sanchez, Kumbulla has averaged the most successful passes out of any other Tottenham defender – potentially drawing attention to his ball-playing ability and proving himself a viable option when it comes to retaining possession.
At just 20-years-old, his pass success rate may hint at a mature head on young shoulders, but that aspect of his game isn’t the only plus point Spurs may benefit from.
Kumbulla has also managed the same amount of clearances in the league as Vertonghen this season, with the Belgium international’s potential heir seemingly possessing strengths which could help towards Spurs’ Champions League qualification ambitions next campaign.
Whether or not we do opt to sign the player, judging by these numbers and his current age, it could be a smart move.