Table-topping Tottenham ‘monster’ Radu Dragusin can hit the ground running v Manchester United
Tottenham have been busy in the early stages of the January transfer window, with Ange Postecoglou clearly keen on strengthening his squad.
As per the official Tottenham website (11 January), central defender Radu Dragusin has joined from Serie A club Genoa, following the on-loan signing of striker Timo Werner.
The Romania international has signed with the North London outfit until 2030, and will wear the number six shirt under Postecoglou.
The injury crisis at Tottenham was undoubtedly a major reason behind the signature, but Dragusin’s efforts lately cannot be overlooked.
From his 19 starts in the current Serie A season, which ranks him as first in the competition, the centre-back completed 87 clearances, the second-most in the division [official Premier League website, 11 January].
Moreover, as per LiveScore (12 January), the new arrival lost just one challenge in those 19 league games for Bologna. Furthermore, the 21-year-old ranks third for both aerial duels won (59) and headed clearances (45), with his shots from headers (12) ninth in the list.
As per Squawka (11 January), the “monster in the air” has a 70.2 per cent win rate from those aerial duels, with only Virgil van Dijk, Ethan Pinnock and James Tarkowski boasting more from centre-backs in the current Premier League campaign.
The Romanian can, therefore, improve Tottenham at both ends of the pitch, although it will be in defence where Postecoglou will be relying on his new signing most.
At 6ft 3in tall, his aerial superiority is perhaps unsurprising, but it is an asset that Postecoglou will look to exploit in both boxes in the months and years to come.
Dragusin will, however, also be expected to play out from the back efficiently, much like summer signing Micky van de Ven has done when fit.
As per WhoScored (12 January), the central defender has the best pass success rate (94.6%) of any player in the Premier League this season (700+ passes).
Dragusin was denied a clean sheet on his farewell appearance for Genoa against Bologna on Friday (5 January), with Lorenzo De Silvestri netting a 95th-minute equaliser for the hosts.
But visiting central defender Dragusin was as impressive as ever, with the player winning both of his duels, completing 92% of his passes and making a match-high 12 defensive actions [Sofascore].
Included in that heroic display were five clearances, three interceptions and four blocked shots, well ahead of any other player on the pitch.
With 22 appearances in all competitions this season, Dragusin should be ready to hit the ground running in North London.
And there is no reason why he cannot impress from the very first whistle if handed a debut against Manchester United on Sunday (14 December).
As per the official Premier League website, only Sheffield United (15) and Burnley (20) have scored fewer goals than the Red Devils (22) this season, so it shouldn’t exactly be the busiest of tests for the Tottenham backline.
In other Tottenham news, there is great news as one 99% star is in line to return next week, he could play against Manchester City.