Playing for 90
Fansided

Tottenham may target Luke Shaw as Jan Vertonghen replacement

By Rucker Haringey

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Luke Shaw of Manchester United in action during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Burton Albion at Old Trafford on September 20, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Luke Shaw of Manchester United in action during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Burton Albion at Old Trafford on September 20, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Tottenham see Shaw differently than Manchester United

It’s no secret that Mauricio Pochettino has an interest in bringing Luke Shaw to Tottenham. What is curious is that Spurs don’t see the talented Englishman purely as a left back. Instead, they see him as a possible replacement for Jan Vertonghen.

Most pundits casually like Shaw with Spurs only in the context of a Danny Rose to Manchester United rumour. While Jose Mourinho certainly has interest in signing Rose, the two moves do not hinge on one another. It’s entirely possible that Pochettino could swoop for Shaw while keeping Rose at the club.

At first glance, that seems like too many left backs for one senior squad. Assuming Rose returns to full fitness, Spurs are blessed with an embarrassment of riches at the position. Rose was arguably the best left back in England last season and Ben Davies has started this season on an absolute tear. If Shaw is only capable of playing left back then Tottenham isn’t the right destination for him.

Instead, it’s more prudent to think of Shaw as another version of Spurs stalwart Jan Vertonghen. While his diminished pace infuriates Jose Mourinho at United, it could shift him further inside under Pochettino. Shaw would go from having below average pace for a fullback to being one of the quicker centre backs in England. It’s an important distinction that could give him a real lifeline at Tottenham.

More from Tottenham Hotspur

Vertonghen thrives as the left-sided centre back in Pochettino’s back three, but he currently doesn’t have an understudy at the club. If he were to suffer a long-term injury it’s likely that Davies would be forced inside to accommodate the Belgian’s absence. Remember, Davies plays for Wales as a left-sided centre back in the country’s back three.

Shaw could arrive at Spurs and provide cover at both spots just like Davies. Whether his arrival forces the Welshman inside full-time or Shaw plays there himself, it would give Pochettino quality depth at all of his defensive positions. That currently isn’t the case.

You have to remember that Pochettino has an extremely close relationship with Shaw. Former Southampton teammate Jose Fonte said that the Spurs gaffer views Shaw “like a son.” He’s personally invested in rescuing him from his hell at Manchester United.

Next: Tottenham will take on Real Madrid without key starter

If you think of Shaw as just a reclamation project at left back, he doesn’t make much sense for Tottenham. If, however, you see him as a long-term replacement for Jan Vertonghen, he seems like a really wise investment for a Premier League team clearly on the rise.

Home/Tottenham Hotspur