Stuttgart’s Argentine on Spurs’ radar

Tottenham Hotspur are credited with an interest in VfB Stuttgart’s 22-year-old forward Nicolas Gonzalez. The youngster was attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund and Leeds United last summer, but he remained with the Neckarstadion club. It’s proven a right decision for the Argentine who established himself as one of Bundesliga’s most dangerous young goalscorers. He’s got six goals in 11 matches this term for the club along with his first two strikes for his country.

Nicolas Gonzalez has had an eventful career despite still being only 22 years old. A native of Buenos Aires, he spent his entire youth with the legendary Argentinos Juniors’ academy. Growing up at the same club as Diego Maradona, Lucas Biglia, Juan Pablo Sorin and Lucas Barrios was influential in shaping him as a player. Bundesliga outfit VfB Stuttgart signed him for just over $9 million in July 2018 after some eye-catching displays for his home club.

However, his big move to Germany didn’t go according to plan as 2007 Bundesliga champions struggled with form and were unexpectedly demoted from top flight. Gonzalez stuck with the club during the turmoil and helped the side return to the top flight with 14 goals.

National team head coach Lionel Scaloni’s decision to call up then-second-tier club’s player for the Albiceleste raised a few eyebrows in Argentina. Still, the young tactician was convinced that Gonzalez was a worthy inclusion for the team. And he wasn’t wrong.

“Nicolas has all the attributes needed to make the team. He’s got an eye for a goal, and he is good at crossing the ball. He is an exciting player who could make a good impression. We all hope he does well for his country.”

This season he’s enjoying his football at the big stage, especially with his good performances and goals for Argentina. He attracted interest from around Europe, with Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho reportedly keen on the left-footed attacker.

Nicolas’ current market value has been estimated somewhere between $15m and $20m after his strong performances. And at 22, his best years are still ahead of him.

BUNDESLIGA, Matchday 19

Friday

22.30: (1.85) Stuttgart (3.60) Mainz (4.30)

Saturday

17.30: (3.10) Union Berlin (3.35) Monchengladbach (2.30)

17.30: (1.28) Dortmund (6.00) Augsburg (9.50)

17.30: (1.98) Werder (3.45) Schalke (3.90)

17.30: (1.25) Bayern (6.50) Hoffenheim (10.0)

17.30: (1.83) Eintracht Frankfurt (3.60) Hertha (4.40)

20.30: (2.00) RB Leipzig (3.45) Leverkusen (3.80)

Sunday

17.30: (2.40) Koln (3.10) Bielefeld (3.20)

20.00: (1.90) Wolfsburg (3.50) Freiburg (4.10)

*** odds are subject to change