Tottenham favourites for Clement Lenglet: Frenchman to fill left-footed gap?

Various media outlets have reported on Tottenham’s interest in Clement Lenglet of Barcelona for a transfer or a loan deal with some even suggesting they have set an impending deadline for the move.

While the latter is likely media speculation, any such deadline set is actually likelier to be from FC Barcelona’s end as its in their financial interest for outgoings to happen before June 30th, the end of the ‘year’ for their financials.

Tottenham target Clement Lenglet’s style of play

Clement Lenglet is a left-footed, 27-year old center-back. His comfort on the ball and left footedness mean’s he is automatically a tactical boost for managers.

His strongest attribute is his ability to carry the ball out of defence and start attacks as a left centre-half and open up several passing lanes and options to launch attacks as a left-footer.

This is reflected in his progressive-passes per 90 of 6.86 and progressive carries per 90 of 10.03, both values ranking in the 99th percentile for centre-backs in Europe across the last year, as per Fbref data.

He also notches 99th and 92nd percentiles for passes attempted and completed. His pro-activity as a defender is reflected in 11.98 pressures per 90 that ranks as 85th percentile for center-backs.

Why do Tottenham want Barcelona’s Clement Lenglet?

Antonio Conte has an effective and established way of setting his teams up and this allows good understanding of where certain new signings will slot in.

The designated spot that Lenglet is being signed for is going to be the left-sided center-back in the back 3. His pro-active defending stepping out to stop attacks and his strong ball progression all shine even more so in a 3 man defensive set up where there is onus on center-backs to start attacks.

Plus, his mobile and engaging defensive style allow him to cover the left side of defence when the left wing-back is out of place and also to stop attacks in transition by engaging the ball high up the pitch knowing that there’s security of two centre-backs behind him.

Antonio Conte’s current options at centre-back

Cristian Romero is an aggressive and quality defender that has secured the spot on the right side of that back 3. Eric Dier has shown maturity and composure that’s made him integral as central defender in that system.

Thus far, Ben Davies had done a quietly tidy job in that role on the left of the back 3 but his lack of aerial prowess and instincts as a left-back are likely reasons Antonio Conte has looked for an established central defender to plug that position.

The left-footed defender is a valuable commodity in today’s game and such defenders with a good modern profile are hard to find available. As things stand, Spurs’ need a defender of this profile and Lenglet just might be available.