Hey there, fellow Tottenham fans! Today, we’re diving into the exciting transfer rumors surrounding our club. Specifically, we’ll be comparing the two centre-backs who have been linked with Tottenham Hotspur: Edmond Tapsoba and Micky van de Ven. While Spurs are reportedly in talks with Wolfsburg for van de Ven, Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen is also on our radar. In this blog post, we’ll analyze and compare the data metrics of these two defenders to determine who would be the better fit for our team. Let’s get started!
Analyzing the Data: To evaluate the performance of Tapsoba and van de Ven, we’ll be using data metrics from FBref. These metrics provide insights into various aspects of their playing styles. Let’s take a look at the pie charts comparing their metrics.
Defensive Metrics: In terms of defensive contributions, Tapsoba excels across several categories, including tackles, interceptions, blocks, and clearances. He consistently ranks higher than van de Ven in these areas, indicating his proactive approach to defending. However, it’s worth noting that van de Ven performs well in aerial duels, despite his low percentile ranking. This suggests that he may not contest enough aerial battles rather than lacking ability in this aspect.
Ball Possession Metrics: Both players showcase similar abilities when it comes to carrying the ball forward and completing progressive passes. Van de Ven’s passing accuracy is slightly higher, but Tapsoba attempts more passes overall. They both display good ball-carrying skills and contribute positively to the team’s possession play.
Attacking Metrics: In terms of attacking metrics, there isn’t a significant difference between the two players. Their shot-creating actions and expected assists are comparable, suggesting they can contribute offensively as well.
Comparing Specific Metrics: To delve deeper, let’s focus on specific metrics such as passes, defensive actions, aerial duels, and progressive carries. Here, Tapsoba consistently outperforms van de Ven in most categories. However, van de Ven’s left-footedness and his ability to complement Romero’s style of play could be advantageous.
Decision Time: Considering all the metrics and their current ages, Tapsoba appears to be the more well-rounded and mature player. He demonstrates superior defensive skills and contributes more consistently across various metrics. While van de Ven shows promise and may catch up to Tapsoba’s level in the future, if we are looking for an immediate impact, Tapsoba seems to be the better choice.
Conclusion: While there may be arguments in favor of van de Ven’s potential and his compatibility with Romero, the overall consensus leans toward Tapsoba as the preferred option. His defensive prowess, passing ability, and experience make him a strong candidate to strengthen our backline. However, it remains to be seen whether Tottenham will acquire both center-backs or only one. Regardless, signing either of these talented defenders would be a significant improvement for our squad.
Let’s hope Tottenham’s decision-makers consider all the aspects and make the right move to bolster our defense. Exciting times lie ahead, and we can’t wait to see our new center-back pairing in action! COYS!
