As new Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou prepared to walk through the door last month, speculations circulated that the 47-year-old was orchestrating a major exodus at N17 ahead of next season.
Only a few weeks into the Greek-Aussie’s tenure, it appears that prophecy is coming true, with recent reports indicating that the ex-Celtic manager is willing to let Pierre-Emile Hojberg leave, despite the experienced Dane missing only a handful of Premier League games over the last three seasons.
Such brutality could see Ivan Perisic go for greener pastures in the near future, while long-serving goalkeeper Hugo Lloris also appears to be on his way out, especially after the purchase of Empoli’s Guglielmo Vicario.
Wales international Ben Davies is another player Postecoglou could consider selling, with reports prior to the new manager’s arrival suggesting that the north Londoners were open to offers for the 30-year-old.
The former Swansea City defender was part of a defense that conceded 63 league goals last season, and pundit Gabby Agbonlahor believes the versatile defender has been “struggling to put in top performances” of late, with Spurs in need of a “real shuffle” in the backline.
The £80k-per-week man’s departure could be hastened if the Premier League club is to land long-term target Piero Hincapie, with reports in Portugal naming Tottenham as one of the clubs interested in the Bayer Leverkusen man, with a fee of around €40m (£34m) being mooted.
Such brutality could see Ivan Perisic go for greener pastures in the near future, while long-serving goalkeeper Hugo Lloris also appears to be on his way out, especially after the purchase of Empoli’s Guglielmo Vicario.
Wales international Ben Davies is another player Postecoglou could consider selling, with reports prior to the new manager’s arrival suggesting that the north Londoners were open to offers for the 30-year-old.
The former Swansea City defender was part of a defense that conceded 63 league goals last season, and pundit Gabby Agbonlahor believes the versatile defender has been “struggling to put in top performances” of late, with Spurs in need of a “real shuffle” in the backline.
The £80k-per-week man’s departure could be hastened if the Premier League club is to land long-term target Piero Hincapie, with reports in Portugal naming Tottenham as one of the clubs interested in the Bayer Leverkusen man, with a fee of around €40m (£34m) being mooted.
Hincapie, described by talent scout Jacek Kulig as “elegant,” “complete,” and “dominant,” had a solid season in the Bundesliga last time out, showcasing his defensive strength after averaging 2.7 tackles and interceptions per game from his 30 league outings, a far better record than the current Spurs man achieved from his 31 league outings (1.5 tackles and interceptions per game).
That ball-winning brilliance is further demonstrated by the fact that Hincapie ranks in the top 10% of his position for tackles made in Europe’s top five leagues, whereas Davies ranks in the bottom 26% for the same metric, according to FBref.
In comparison to other European centre-backs, the duo are similar due to their ability to bring the ball out from the back, with the Leverkusen ace just about edging it as he rates in the top 3% for progressive carries, while Davies is in the top 6%.
Similarly, while Hincapie has made over 100 senior matches to far, he is still a relatively youthful possibility, assuring he might represent Scotland.
With Davies already having spent nine years in north London, perhaps it is time for the aging asset to depart in order to make room for a player with truly exciting potential.
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