Would Eder Militao be a smart signing for Tottenham?

David Lynch

• Updated: 17 May 2021 20:27 BST
• 2 min read

Real Madrid are reportedly ready to allow Eder Militao to leave on loan before the January transfer window comes to a close.

The 22-year-old has made just three appearances for the Spanish champions so far this season, with two of those coming as starts.

And he looks unlikely to dislodge either Sergio Ramos or Raphael Varane from Zinedine Zidane’s preferred central defensive partnership before the end of the campaign.

A loan deal with an option to buy has consequently been mooted, with Tottenham billed as candidates for the Brazilian’s signature.

So, would he be a good signing for Jose Mourinho’s side?

Familiar problems

Spurs were let down by a familiar failing on Wednesday evening as they conceded a late equaliser to draw 1-1 with Fulham.

Mourinho’s side have dropped 10 points from winning positions so far this season, a figure only Brighton (12) and Sheffield United (11) can beat.

And the Portuguese is sure to be tearing his hair out over the manner in which his side threw away another clean sheet.

He opted for Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez as his starting defensive pairing against Fulham and it was the latter who was beaten in the air for Ivan Cavaleiro’s equaliser.

The numbers

Neither player has a particularly impressive record in aerial challenges this term, with Dier winning 3.1 out of an average 5.3 attempted per 90 (58%) and Sanchez winning 2.7/4.5 (60%).

This does not compare favourably to Militao, who won 1.5/2.0 (75%) aerial duels per 90 across 10 starts in La Liga last season.

The Real Madrid man also has a better record when it comes to defensive anticipation on the deck, averaging 1.7 interceptions P90 last season.

Dier has managed just 1 per game so far in this campaign, while Sanchez’s average comes out at just 0.7.

Toby Alderweireld, arguably Spurs’ best defender, is even further back with 0.3.

Another area of strength for Militao in comparison to Tottenham’s current defensive options is his passing.

The Brazil international completed 87% of his passes last season, a figure Sanchez (85%), Dier (82%) and Alderweireld (79%) are unable to match.

That his strengths contrast with the players currently at Mourinho’s disposal could mark him out as a shrewd January signing for Spurs.