Tottenham must invest in defensive reinforcements says former Spurs midfielder Paul Stewart, in an exclusive interview with GIVEMESPORT.
What has Paul Stewart said about Tottenham's defence?
Tottenham Hotspur have endured a turbulent season this year and whilst sacking Jose Mourinho commences the start of a new era, the defensive frailties of the side is Stewart's biggest concern with the current crop of players.
"They probably need a whole new back four or back five if I'm honest. They're going to have to spend big to shore up that back four because for me that's been the weakest part of Spurs all season. Nobody convinces me at the back," said Stewart. "I don't feel like there's a recognised centre-half."
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Investing the money correctly is key for Spurs and Stewart suggested that the North London club should take a leaf from Manchester City's book after the impact Ruben Dias has had on his side.
He said, "Manchester City bought Dias and he's certainly come in and revolutionised their defence. I believe Spurs need to look at that part of the squad and really invest.
"I'm not overly concerned about the midfield at this present time, I'd rather sure up the defence, then look at what we may need in midfield," he added.
Do Spurs need a defensive overhaul this summer?
Tottenham had conceded 38 goals in 34 games in the Premier League prior to this weekend, in a season where they have experimented with the youth of Joe Roden at the heart of defence and an arguably out of position Eric Dier, besides the more established options of Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez.
Whilst Alderweireld has statistically been the best defender at the club according to WhoScored with a rating of 6.91, the figures in comparison to Manchester City's new signing suggest that the Belgian could be slowing down and his replacements within the club may not be good enough.
For example, Alderweireld makes 0.3 interceptions per game, compared to 1.1 for Dias. Tottenham's two other senior centre-back options in Dier and Sanchez rate at 0.8 interceptions each, whilst both have lower overall ratings than their Belgian teammate.
Playing out from the back is also a key component of the modern game and Spurs' current roster of centre-halves struggle in this department too. Dias has completed 93.4% of his passes this season - in contrast, the best passer in Tottenham's senior defensive ranks has been Sanchez with an 84.4% success rate.
*all stats correct prior to this weekend's Premier League action
Which defenders could Tottenham sign this summer?
Spurs have been linked with Fulham defender Joachim Anderson according to Football.London.
The Fulham centre-half is currently on loan from Lyon and a deal for Anderson would not be easy considering the notoriously tough negotiation process with owner Jean-Michel Aulas, although Levy has managed to work his magic previously with the signing of Tanguy Ndombele.
The report also suggested Brighton's Lewis Dunk has admirers at Tottenham, however his age and the fact that he recently signed a long term deal to stay at the club makes a transfer less likely.
There had also been links to Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar according to Football Insider, however it appeared this move would be spearheaded by the no longer present Mourinho, who has recently been appointed at AS Roma.