Erik Ten Hag suggests he wants to keep Tottenham-linked Nouassir Mazraoui

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Erik Ten Hag has been quoted by Tribal Football as suggesting that he is desperate to keep Nouassir Mazraoui at Ajax, amid reported interest from Champions League finalists Tottenham Hotspur ahead of January.

Mazraoui, 21, was a crucial part of Ajax’s run to the Champions League semi-finals last season. He played in both games against Tottenham, coming on as a substitute in midfield in the first leg before playing the 90 as a right-back in the return fixture.

He starred as Ajax won the League and Cup double, making 48 appearances in all competitions for Ajax. In that time, he scored four goals, laid on five assists and also helped Ajax keep 21 clean sheets across the board.

Tottenham need a right-back with Serge Aurier struggling and Kieran Trippier being sold to Atletico Madrid. Italian outlet AS Roma Live have claimed Spurs want the Moroccan, but Ten Hag has suggested that he is desperate to keep Mazraoui.

“He has developed well and has a lot of potential,” Ten Hag said. “Noussair is a defender in the typical Ajax style. He has proven himself last season and has even become an international of Morocco. This season he started less, although he has been going in recent weeks better again. I’m happy with that, because we need a strong squad.”

TBR’s view – Tottenham have simply got to sign Mazraoui

Given his style of play and the fact that Tottenham have had so much success with ex-Ajax players – Christian Eriksen, Davinson Sanchez, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld – Mazraoui would be the ideal addition to sold Spurs’ right-back woes.

Serge Aurier is too much of a liability, while Kyle Walker-Peters cannot be trusted yet. Eric Dier and Juan Foyth are better elsewhere, meaning Mazraoui would certainly be first choice – should Spurs look to sign him in January.