Here we take a look at the players Fabio Paratici should be watching at the World Cup as he looks to improve the Tottenham squad
Son Heung-Min will be hoping to feature for South Korea today
The first round of fixtures within the World Cup group stages concludes today, and there remains plenty of interest for Tottenham Hotspur fans to dig their teeth.
As we’ve become accustomed to in recent days, four games are scheduled to take place today as Group G and Group H kick off their campaigns. Switzerland take on Cameroon to begin with before Son Heung-min’s South Korea play Uruguay. Portugal then face Ghana in Doha ahead of the game’s final game that sees favourites Brazil take on Serbia.
Several Spurs players have been in action in the tournament already, with a number of transfer targets also in action. That trend is set to continue today too.
With that in mind, takes a look at the names you need to keep an eye on at the World Cup today.
Rodrigo Bentancur (Uruguay)
Midfielder Bentancur is the first Spurs player in action today as Uruguay look to get their World Cup campaign off to the perfect start. Bentancur is a pivotal member of Diego Alonso’s side, missing only two games due to suspension in their qualification campaign.
The 25-year-old has made five World Cup appearances in the past, helping his nation reach the 2018 quarter-finals – grabbing an assist in the 2-1 win over Portugal.
Son Heung-min (South Korea)
The fact that Son is in contention to start for South Korea so soon after fracturing his eye socket earlier this month will boost the nation’s chances of reaching the tournament’s knockout stages for the first time in 12 years.
Son comes into today’s game against Uruguay on the back of a mixed start to the season in north London. The 30-year-old has managed to bag only five goals in all competitions after struggling to hit the same heights as previous seasons.
Richarlison (Brazil)
One game that many will have their eyes on to see how well Brazil play is A Selecao‘s opener against Serbia this evening. Tite’s men are the bookmakers favourite to lift their sixth World Cup in December, and Richarlison could play a key role in doing so.
It’s unlikely that he will start due to the array of quality in the attacking areas, however, after scoring six goals in eight qualifying games and featuring in all six of their previous games, the Spurs forward could play a key role off the bench.
Manuel Ugarte (Uruguay)
Uruguayan midfielder Ugarte was linked with a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last month when Portuguese outlet A Bola (via Sport Witness) claimed that Spurs would be watching his performances in Qatar.
Ugarte currently plays for Sporting Lisbon, featuring twice against Antonio Conte’s men this season in the Champions League, but has been linked with a move away following his impressive performances in defensive midfield. Should Alonso line Ugarte and Bentancur up together, it’ll give Conte the perfect opportunity to see how he fares.
Kim Min-Jae (South Korea)
Another international that could line-up with a Spurs star is Napoli’s Kim Man-Jae. The defender has been a key member of Napoli’s run to the top of Serie A and has put some of Europe’s biggest clubs on red alert ahead of the January window.
There’s hiding behind the fact that Conte wants a new defender to sure up his defence. Reports in Italy have claimed that Spurs are the most interested party, but they would have to activate the £43 million release clause in his contract.
Diogo Costa (Portugal)
Spurs skipper Hugo Lloris turns 36 on Boxing Day, meaning it’s only right that the recruitment team in north London begin the process of replacing him in the future. FC Porto goalkeeper Costa has been one player that Spurs have tracked the progress of recently, but they face competition from Manchester United.
With Rui Patricio and Jose Sa alongside him in the goalkeeper union with Portugal, it remains unclear which one is selected from the off by Fernando Santos. The 23-year-old has played four of his nation’s previous six games, which could be an indication we could see him in action.
Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)
Ajax ace Kudus has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time after his impressive performances in the Netherlands. Everton saw a £15 million bid rejected in the summer, and the Ghanian has added more value to his price tag with 10 goals in 21 appearances this season.
According to Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Spurs have joined Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and AC Milan in the race to sign the attacking midfielder. Today presents an opportunity to see him in action against one of Europe’s best defenders in Ruben Dias.
