Paul Robinson: Edmond Tapsoba would fit very well at Tottenham after pre-season style change
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
Tottenham-linked centre-back Edmond Tapsoba would be a huge hit under Ange Postecoglou and Spurs’ pre-season style shift is proof of why, according to Paul Robinson.
The Bayer Leverkusen centre-back would cost Spurs up to £42million [Kicker], but after showing his exceptional ball-playing and progressive play in the Bundesliga last season it is clear why Postecoglou would be keen to bring him to north London.
Meanwhile, Spurs have shown good patterns of play in pre-season and that has given fans a taste of Postecoglou’s style and perhaps a hunger for silverware after they lifted the Tiger Cup in Singapore.
After seeing Postecoglou’s Tottenham in action, Robinson has backed Tapsoba to fit the new system, but the club’s history with transfers may leave fans waiting.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Robinson said: “I’ve been really excited watching Tottenham in pre-season, looking at the way that he sets up, looking at the way they press high, they play out from the back.
“They’re a team that are going to want a centre-half like Tabsoba, that’s able to accept the ball that is able to play.
“But also there’s a fine line, there’s a mix. You have to have a defender who can defend first of all but also has the ball-playing ability and it’s very difficult to find.
“That’s the modern way of football now. On the European market, there are scouts everywhere and everybody’s looking for those types of players.
“A defender of his quality that has both attributes is something that would fit very well into the way that they’re setting up in pre-season.
“I’ve really enjoyed watching them. Tiger Cup winners, finally a bit of silverware!
“But, you know it’s a work in progress with Tottenham. I think with Spurs they do their business very late on in transfer windows or historically, other than (James) Maddison this year.
“I don’t think this year is going to be any different, especially until the Harry Kane saga is sorted out.”
In other Tottenham news, a forgotten Spurs full-back may feel like a new signing under Postecoglou.