Spurs target £25.5m dream upgrade for Bissoum

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou he does not lack options in midfield. Despite injuries having a huge impact on his squad this term, he still has plenty of options in the middle of the park.

The more attacking of those players includes youngster Lucas Bergvall, who has made a great impression of late. James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevkis bring experience in attacking midfield for Postecoglou.

Slightly deeper in the midfield, the Australian can choose between Pope Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma. Young Archie Gray is very versatile and can play at right back, but is a midfielder by trade.

With all this in mind, it is an exciting prospect for Lilywhites fans that the club are looking for another midfield reinforcement.

Spurs are targeting a new midfielder

This is about American defensive midfielder Johnny Cardos. The Real Betis star has really impressed for the Spanish club this season and could now make a move in the January transfer window.

According to an exclusive report from GiveMeSportthe north London side ‘could make a move’ for the American star this winter. They are believed to be ‘seriously interested’ in signing him and there is thought to be a ‘high chance’ he could leave La Liga this window.

There are also believed to be other sides from La Liga and the Premier League interested in signing Cardoso. However, the Spurs have the upper hand in any potential deal. While loaning Giovani Lo Celso to the Spanish club this season, the Lilywhites agreed a £25.5m contract clause for Cardoso, which they can trigger if they want to sign him.

Why Cardoso could be a good signing

The 23-year-old American star has been brilliant in midfield for Betis this season. He has played 20 times in all competitions, sitting at the bottom of his midfield like a metronome, keeping things moving and protecting the defence.

The midfielder, who was born in Denville, New Jersey, has been described as a “poised, deep-lying playmaker”. football analyst Ben Mattinson.

He certainly likes to pull the strings from a deeper position, and the assist against Celta Vigo is a great example of that.

Not only would the 23-year-old add to excellent midfield depth, he could be a huge upgrade on Bissoumi.

This term there was a lot of criticism for the Malian midfielder, who played 24 times in all competitions. Earlier in the season, Stephen Warnock said he thought Bissouma “had no desire” to run into midfield.

If there’s one thing Cardoso could bring to the Spurs midfield that Bissouma doesn’t, it’s a huge amount of defensive action. This is reflected in statistics on FBrefand there is a clear gap in the number of defensive actions between the pair.

This season in La Liga, the Betis star is averaging 6.39 rebounds and 4.82 tackles and interceptions per game. By comparison, Bissouma averages 5.15 rebounds and 4.27 tackles and interceptions per game.

On the ball, Cardoso is still a fantastic player from deep, averaging 3.61 progressive passes, although this is less than Bissouma’s 6.21 progressive passes per 90 minutes. This may be because he plays for a team with a lower average possession than Spurs, according to FBref.

Not only would Cardoso be an upgrade on Bissouma, but he could also be the perfect long-term partner for Bergvall. The Swede has made waves recently and he has played 22 times this season. He scored his first goal for the Lilywhites against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.

With Cardos’ defensive prowess and progressive nature, he is the perfect stop for someone like Bergvall who can get forward and make an impact in the final third without worrying about the defense being left open.

For just £25.5m, Cardoso could be a great addition for Spurs. Not only would he improve their midfield, but he would also be a long-term partner for Bergvall who could bring out the best in the youngster.