Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur identify Benfica’s Alejandro Grimaldo as a top target as they search for a replacement for Danny Rose.
According to reports from Portuguese sports newspaper Record, Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for Alejandro Grimaldo. The Benfica left-back seems to have piqued Spurs’ interest after Danny Rose has been linked with a move away from the club this summer.
In fact, according to the newspaper, Spurs head coach Mauricio Pochettino has even identified the Spanish defender as a likely successor to Danny Rose, who is expected to depart London. The English international has been hugely linked with a move to Manchester United in recent months, leaving Tottenham a little shallow in the defensive department.
Tottenham have done a great job when it comes to replacing their fullbacks in recent years. Serge Aurier has proved to be a decent signing for the Lilywhites last summer. Ben Davies and Kieran Trippier have also steadily improved after moving to North London. But that being said, it might prove to be difficult for them to find a proper alternative for someone like Danny Rose.
Even though the England international hasn’t really been a regular fixture in the Tottenham starting eleven for the past 12 months or so, replacing him would be a big challenge for Spurs nonetheless.
However, the North Londoners might have found a more than able alternative in the shape of Alejandro Grimaldo.
A native of Valencia, Grimaldo has been a member of the Barcelona youth academy ever since he was a kid. After initially joining La Masia in 2008, the Spaniard spent almost eight years at Catalunia before moving to Benfica in 2016. He did, however, make a slow start to his career in Portugal, making only fourteen appearances in his debut season.
It was this season, however, where he made a massive breakthrough into the Benfica starting eleven; he ended up making 28 league appearances, helping the Eagles finish second in the final league standings.
Known for his extremely handy contributions from the left-hand side of the defence, Grimaldo is tailor-made for a club like Spurs. Composed and comfortable in possession, the 22-year-old has excellent passing range, which is suitable for Mauricio Pochettino’s tactical philosophy. His remarkable ability to create chances and circulate the play has even forced Benfica to deploy him in midfield, at times, where he’s equally impressive.
In addition, Grimaldo is an expert when it comes to set-pieces while his maturity is well beyond his years. He would be a stylistic fit under Pochettino.
Alejandro Grimaldo’s current contract with Benfica expires in 2021, meaning Spurs would likely have to shell out big money for the services of this highly talented fullback, who is more than ready to make the next step in his career.
