Barcelona keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen might just head for pastures new in the winter as Tottenham circle
Credit where its due, Thomas Frank has certainly improved the defensive issues at Tottenham ever since he took charge of the club in the summer. The Lilywhites look far more compact at the back, conceding less chances and quickly closing out the spaces to not give an inch to the opposition players.
The improvements have been clear to see. Spurs kept five clean sheets in their opening seven matches across all competitions this season – a significant step forward compared to the defensive frailties that plagued them last season. However, recent weeks have seen some of those old habits resurface, leaving the Danish tactician with a few pressing issues to address if he wants to sustain his team’s early-season momentum.
One of the main concerns lies between the posts. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has endured a mixed spell of form, with moments of brilliance often followed by costly lapses in concentration. The 28-year-old’s latest error came in the Premier League clash against Leeds United, when he failed to properly parry a long-range effort, allowing Noah Okafor to pounce and equalise in the first half. It was another reminder of the fine line between composure and calamity for the former Empoli keeper.
Tottenham keen to sign Barcelona stalwart Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Vicario remains something of an enigma – capable of pulling off spectacular stops one moment and gifting the opposition an easy goal the next. His unpredictability has left Tottenham vulnerable at crucial moments, and it is no surprise that the club is reportedly exploring options to strengthen their goalkeeping department in the upcoming transfer window.
According to Sport, Spurs are keeping close tabs on Barcelona veteran Marc-André ter Stegen, who is nearing full fitness after a lengthy injury layoff. The German international has reportedly fallen down the pecking order under Hansi Flick, prompting Tottenham to enquire about his availability ahead of January.
However, Spurs are not alone in their pursuit. The report adds that Manchester United and Newcastle United are also monitoring the situation and could rival Tottenham for the 33-year-old’s signature if he becomes available. Despite the growing interest, Ter Stegen is said to prefer staying at Camp Nou for the remainder of the season, with his focus on reclaiming his starting spot.
With the World Cup on the horizon next year, though, that stance could change. Ter Stegen will need regular playing time to secure his place in Germany’s squad, something that might prove difficult given the competition at Barcelona.
That said, signing Ter Stegen may not be the wisest move for Tottenham. At 33, the German is arguably past his peak and has dealt with recurring injury issues in recent seasons. Moreover, his weaknesses, including questionable shot-stopping from close range and a tendency to hesitate when coming off his line, could be exposed in the fast-paced, physical environment of the Premier League.
