Three reasons why Djene Dakonam is the defender Tottenham are missing

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Tottenham’s transfer window continues to be a quiet one but that could be about to change with rumours of a potential signing coming in the form of Getafe defender Djene Dakonam.

FootMercato say that Spurs are considering a move for the 26-year-old, who is not well known outside of Spain after a breakthrough season in La Liga, yet could demand as much as his £31 million release clause.

Despite such a high fee and a lack of a reputation across the continent, Dakonam may be just what Tottenham need…

He gets stuck in

On average, he made 2.4 tackles per game in La Liga last season, compared to 1.8 for Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez, 1.7 for Jan Vertonghen and 1.3 for Toby Alderweireld. Such bite at the back could be just what is needed after Tottenham were accused of lacking such a player at times last season.

With the coaching of a former defender himself in Pochettino, it will be key to ensure that Dakonam is not diving in too often, though a three man defensive system does provide more scope for cover than Dakonam has become accustomed to in a back four at Getafe.

“I’m hopeful my work can take me to a bigger club.”

He expressed his desire to play at a higher level in February.

He’s strong in the air

Only Jan Vertonghen of the current squad won more of his aerial battles than Dakonam did for Getafe in 2017/18 and it was clear that it was one of the strongest parts of his game right from the off when he moves to the Estadio Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

Whilst this was not one of Tottenham’s major concerns, it is often an area where players moving from Spain to the Premier League can come and stuck and his strength in the air and physical nature will certainly help him to settle quickly.

He adapts quickly

A Togolese international, he has been in Europe since 2014 and has always settled very quickly, having only been at Getafe for a year after a year in Belgium, in both of which he has excelled. That is a good sign ahead of another potential switch to the Premier League as he clearly doesn’t take long to adapt to a new kind of football.

Spurs do have options at the back, but if such a fee is spent on Dakonam immediate results will be expected. If he can deliver that then it will ease the pressure on Mauricio Pochettino greatly.