Russell Martin told Tottenham Hotspur that Southampton star Tyler Dibling is a better prospect than Harry Kane and James Maddison. The former Southampton boss compared Dibling with the young version of Maddison and Kane before claiming Dibling’s superior overall potential.
The Lilywhites’ attacking department has struggled in many games due to inconsistencies despite their good goalscoring record this season. Spurs have struggled with balance under Ange Postecoglou which has hurt both the defensive and offensive phases of their game.
Captain Son Heung-min has regressed a lot with age while Brennan Johnson remains inconsistent in producing regular goals and assists. Meanwhile, other attacking players have also struggled with inconsistencies and regular fitness issues throughout the current competition, hindering their rhythm.
Spurs are currently 14th in the Premier League, well below their stature and expectations for this season. With the Europa League as their only route to salvage something out of the season, partial focus shifts to summer.
Speaking to The Rest is Football Podcast, Martin highlighted where Southampton star Dibling is a better prospect than Tottenham star Maddison and their iconic forward Kane. He said:
“So I worked with James Maddison at that age at Norwich. He was outstanding. And Tyler [Dibling] has every capability to go and play for England and at a top level for a very long time, because he’s powerful, he’s really quick. Both feet can shoot, no bang bang. I worked with Harry Kane at 21 when he came to Norwich on loan as well. Physically, the stuff I’ve seen him do at 18 in the Premier League, people just bouncing off him and being put on the floor when he dribbles with a ball. He has something I’ve not seen in a British player for a long time.”
The Saints have put more than £100 million valuation on Dibling amid interest from several top clubs including Spurs. Manchester City, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig have also scouted the 19-year-old attacker.
Dibling has the versatility to play as a right-winger and also as a central attacking midfielder, depending on tactical requirements. According to Fotmob, the 19-year-old has 42 successful dribblers in the Premier League this season at the 86th percentile compared to players playing in a similar position.
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Furthermore, his successful dribble rate is 53.8% in the Premier League at the 74.4th percentile. Dibling has also won 45 fouls and two penalties, showcasing his trickery and ability to handle the Premier League’s physicality.
