0:52 Take a look at Reguilon’s 19/20 season stats during his loan spell at Sevilla
Though the focus on modern-day full-backs may sway towards attack over defence, Reguilon may be required to perform both tasks in equal measure under Jose Mourinho.
But there is little doubt Reguilon impressed most in the opposition’s half last season. An energetic, almost frantic full-back, Reguilon’s trademark is to gallop into the area from deep, rather than cross early.
He is not afraid to take on defenders, and registered 1.6 successful dribbles per game last season, the fourth-highest of all La Liga defender playing over 10 games.
Reguilon also registered 1.3 key passes per game, the fifth-highest of all La Liga defenders, and had five assists in all competitions, plus an assist on his Spain debut against Ukraine this month.
But his fearlessness in an attacking sense brings its concerns – only four defenders in La Liga lost possession more often than Reguilon – but with under 50 top-flight games under his belt, there is coaching potential.
The end of Spurs’ lop-sided defence?
The arrival of Reugilon – whose strength lies in attack before defence – may spell an end to Mourinho’s lop-sided defence, which had up to now focused on loading the wide right area.
Matt Doherty’s debut on the right of Spurs’ four-man defence on Super Sunday against Everton showed promise in an attacking sense, but the former Wolves man left gaps behind him for Toby Alderweireld to cover.
If Reguilon joins, Spurs could attack with symmetry in the full-backs, or could move to a five-man defence to cover the attacking wide men.
A five-man defence is something Mourinho has employed on just seven occasions for Spurs, winning once, drawing three times and losing three times. Those defeats came against RB Leipzig away, Chelsea away and Wolves at home last season.
What they’ve said
“Reguilon has grown at a barbaric rate. He’s a much more complete player than when he first joined. Hopefully he can continue with us.” – Julen Lopetegui, Sevilla manager, August 2020
“When he arrived we laughed at him because he seemed like a bit of a simpleton. Now he sends us boots and tickets, after displacing the best left-back of the last decade.” – Anonymous former team-mate at UD Logrones, via Marca, 2019
“People in Real Madrid love me quite a lot and that’s something I value. It was a bit sad [leaving on loan to Sevilla] but I know that one day I will be able to succeed there. It’s a lot tougher because there’s a lot of competition. It’s not usual that a player from the academy gets to play for the first team and it’s even tougher for them to stay for the long term. I hope to be there some day.” – Reguilon, July 2019
Sourse: skysports.com
