As Tottenham Hotspur continues its aggressive pursuit of youthful defensive talent, three towering centre-backs emerge at the heart of the club’s long-term strategy: Luka Vušković, Ashley Phillips, and Kota Takai. All under the age of 21, all over 6ft 3in, and all boasting elite potential—yet stylistically and tactically, each offers something different.
With Thomas Frank favouring a high defensive line, aggressive pressing, and proactive ball progression from the back, the competition between this trio will shape Spurs’ defensive future. Here’s a breakdown of how they compare tactically, statistically, and in terms of suitability to the current system.
1. Luka Vušković – The Ball-Playing Giant
Age: 18
Height: 6’4” (193cm)
Club: Tottenham Hotspur (loan at Westerlo, 2024/25)
Preferred Foot: Right
Style: Deep-lying passer, composed under pressure, dominant in the air
Tactical Fit
Vušković has been dubbed a “generational” Croatian centre-back talent. He reads the game well beyond his years and excels in deeper blocks and transitional setups. At Westerlo in the Belgian Pro League, he displayed elite aerial presence and the ability to initiate build-up play from the back.
Key Stats (Westerlo, 2024/25)
- Minutes: 2,885 in 36 appearances
- Goals/Assists: 7 goals, 2 assists
- xG per 90: 0.14
- Passes Attempted: 50.3
- Pass Accuracy: 86.8%
- Progressive Passes: 4.2
- Aerial Duels Won: ~47%
- Clearances: 5.1
Strengths
- Elite in aerial duels and set-piece threat
- Calm and confident under pressing traps
- Long passing range to break lines
- Superb positioning for age
Weaknesses
- Still developing physically in 1v1 duels
- Acceleration over short distances can be exposed in a high line
Ceiling
Vušković has the highest upside in terms of raw talent but needs a careful development path, likely via continued loans.
2. Ashley Phillips – The Traditional English Defender with Modern Tweaks
Age: 19
Height: 6’4” (193cm)
Club: Tottenham Hotspur (loan at Stoke City, 2024/25)
Preferred Foot: Right
Style: Front-footed defender, aggressive, athletic, more comfortable in a back three
Tactical Fit
Phillips thrives in aggressive, man-oriented systems. At Stoke City, he played regularly in a high-engagement role, excelling in aerials.
Key Stats (Stoke City, 2024/25)
- Minutes: 3,082 in 39 appearances
- xG: ~0.89
- Shots: 12 total (0.3 per 90), 5 on target
- Aerial Duels Won: Est. 71.2%
- Tackles + Interceptions: ~4.4 per 90
Strengths
- Physically dominant and highly mobile
- Strong in duels, both aerially and on the ground
- Reads danger early and intercepts well
- Vocal leader despite his age
Weaknesses
- Limited ball progression under pressure
- Needs refinement in tight technical spaces
- Risk-prone in aggressive pressing traps
Ceiling
With improved composure, Phillips could evolve into a modern-day destroyer capable of handling high-line defensive demands.
3. Kota Takai – The Rising Samurai of North London
Age: 20
Height: 6’3” (190cm)
Club: Tottenham Hotspur (signed from Kawasaki Frontale, 2025)
Preferred Foot: Right (comfortable using left)
Style: Tactical sweeper, comfortable under pressure, versatile distributor
Tactical Fit
Takai is a rare right-footed centre-back who is comfortable using his left and operating in tight spaces under pressure. This versatility makes him ideal for Thomas Frank’s build-from-the-back approach. His time in the J-League and AFC Champions League showcased his intelligent positioning and progressive passing.
Key Stats (Kawasaki Frontale, 2024/25)
- Minutes: ~2,567 (J-League + AFC CL)
- Goals: 2
- xG: 0.99
- Pass Accuracy: 88.2%
- Aerial Win %: ~60%
- Interceptions: 1.11 per 90
- Recoveries: 5.33 per 90
Strengths
- Two-footed build-up play
- Composed and press-resistant
- Tactical intelligence and recoveries
- Clean distribution in tight spaces
Weaknesses
- Less dominant in aerial duels
- Still adapting to faster, more physical opposition
- Limited top-level experience outside Asia
Ceiling
If he adapts quickly to the Premier League’s pace, Takai could become Spurs’ go-to flexible centre-back option on either side.
Comparative Snapshot (2024/25 Season)
| Player | Min/Apps | G/A per 90 | Passes/90 (Acc%) | Aerial Win % | xG/90 | Defensive Actions* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vušković | 2,885/36 | 0.27 | 50.3 (86.8%) | ~47% | 0.14 | Clear: 5.1 |
| Phillips | 3,082/39 | ~0.12 | — | ~71% | 0.89 | Tkl+Int: ~4.4 |
| Takai | ~2,567 | 0.07 | — (88.2%) | ~60% | 0.99 | Int: 1.11, Rec: 5.3 |
*Defensive Actions = clearances, interceptions, recoveries as noted
Final Verdict
Tottenham’s trio represents three distinctly promising centre-back profiles:
- Vušković offers elite distribution and set-piece threat, with the highest ceiling.
- Phillips brings robustness, aerial dominance, and physical reliability.
- Takai provides tactical balance, two-footed build-up play, and positional discipline.
Each has the tools to fit into Thomas Frank’s high-line system, but in the short term, Takai may find the most immediate role as a backup to Van de Ven. Phillips could rotate in cup competitions, while Vušković’s development may benefit from another year on loan. Either way, Spurs look well-stocked with elite centre-back prospects for the years ahead.
