Spurs submit bid to sign “ball-carrying machine”

Below the administration of Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham Hotspur have develop into, unquestionably, one of the entertaining groups to look at in European soccer.

The Australian’s philosophy and strategies be certain that, whether or not at dwelling or away, there will likely be a bucketload of objectives when Spurs play.

Nonetheless, to get absolutely the most out of this model of soccer, the crew wants a ground-covering monster in the course of the park, somebody able to crunch into tackles after which progress the ball quickly up the pitch, somebody like Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo.

Happily, whereas they can not exit and signal the Ecuadorian, the membership have not too long ago been linked to a different thrilling defensive midfielder who’s been in comparison with him.

Tottenham chase midfield monster

Based on a recent report from Caught Offside, Tottenham are one among a number of groups concerned with signing Palmeiras star Richard Rios this month.

In reality, the report has revealed that the North Londoners have already seen a suggestion rejected by the Brazilian outfit however are nonetheless eager to convey him to N17, whereas the likes of Nottingham Forest and Everton are additionally pushing to land the Colombian worldwide.

The report has revealed that the 24-year-old midfielder has a €100m launch clause in his present contract, however it’s way more seemingly {that a} decrease supply will ultimately be accepted.

It might find yourself being a expensive and complex switch to recover from the road this month, however contemplating Rios’ potential, it is one value pursuing, particularly as he is been in comparison with the sensible Caicedo.

How Rios compares to Caicedo

So, Spurs followers may not like him all that a lot – he’s a Chelsea star, in any case – however Rios being a primarily defensive midfielder and being in comparison with Caicedo is a tremendously encouraging signal, however the place has this comparability come from?

Effectively, it primarily stems from FBref, which in contrast gamers in comparable positions eventually 12 months’s Copa América, then created a listing of the ten most comparable gamers for each, and, on this occasion, concluded that the Ecuadorian was probably the most comparable midfielder to the Colombian on the event.

We are able to higher perceive how this conclusion was reached by wanting on the underlying metrics through which the pair rank intently, together with, however not restricted to, progressive passes obtained, non-penalty anticipated objectives, passing accuracy, passes into the penalty space, blocks, aerial duels gained and extra, all per 90.

Nonetheless, it isn’t only a comparability to the Blues’ midfield common that makes the Vegachí-born star such an interesting prospect, as his common underlying numbers from the final twelve months have additionally been sensible.

For instance, FBref has positioned the “ball-carrying machine,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, within the prime 2% of midfielders within the subsequent finest 14 competitions for tackles within the remaining third, the highest 7% for dribblers challenged and take-ons tried, the highest 8% for whole pictures, prime 10% for passes blocked, the highest 11% for objectives plus assists and extra, all per 90.

On prime of that, Mattinson additionally describes the dynamic ace as a “press-resistant” monster with an “engine which permits him to rise up and down the pitch all sport,” which makes him sound like the proper addition to Postecoglou’s all-action facet.

Finally, there are dangers to signing a participant from exterior of Europe, however Rios seems to be like the actual deal, and with comparisons to a star like Caicedo, Spurs ought to ensure they signal him earlier than another person will get there first.

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Spurs can’t promote the unimaginable expertise this month.