Hasenhuttl responds to reported Tottenham interest in Vestergaard

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl says reported transfer interest in Jannik Vestergaard is understandable because of how well the big defender has performed this season.

This week, the Express detailed that Tottenham were looking into the possibility of signing Vestergaard this summer to solidify their defence – but only if they fail to complete a swoop for Inter defender Milan Skriniar.

READ MORE: Tottenham loan star Bale having his best ever Premier League campaign statistically

Spurs manager Jose Mourinho has stepped up his pursuit of a new centre-back in recent weeks following a series of poor performances at the back, including against Newcastle last weekend when he witnessed his side concede in the dying minutes to draw 2-2, further denting their European hopes.

When asked about Tottenham’s interest in Vestergaard, Hasenhuttl said:

“It’s nothing new for our players that do a good job for us this season, that they are on the list for some bigger clubs.

“You can be sure that this player has a contract for Southampton and for as long as he has this he is our player. We will do everything to keep him here and to protect him for everything.”

How has Vestergaard performed this season?

Vestergaard has won the majority of his duels and aerial duels this season, though for aerial duels you would perhaps expect his numbers to be a bit higher for a player of his height.

On average this campaign he is involved in 5.4 aerial duels per game and wins 3.5.

His distribution remains a key factor of his game as he averages 73.4 touches per game and 60.7 passes completed which comes in at a success rate of 84%.

Vestergaard doesn’t tend to get involved in tackling too much as he is successful in 1.0/1.7 attempted tackles per 90 minutes.

He tends to be more proactive in his defending, as highlighted by his 5.2 ball recoveries per 90 and 1.6 interceptions.