The 4th Official
·17 December 2023
The 4th Official
·17 December 2023
In a recent report, O Jogo (via Sport Witness) stated that Tottenham Hotspur are keeping tabs on Benfica defender Morato. It has been claimed that Spurs are eyeing a move to secure the services of the Brazilian centre-back.
Morato has been a decent performer for the Portuguese club on the defensive end of the field as he has put in a run of impressive displays at the heart of their backline. The Brazilian sensation has failed to find the back of the net but has picked up one assist in 15 matches for Benfica this season across multiple competitions.
The 22-year-old has been a rock at the back based on his average of 2.6 tackles, 0.6 interceptions and 1.4 clearances per 90 minutes in Liga Portugal. He has even been accurate when distributing possession from inside his half after making 83.9% of his attempted passes in the Portuguese first division (stats via whoscored).
His current contract will run out in the summer of 2027 which would make it difficult for Tottenham to sign him on the cheap next year.
FARO, PORTUGAL – JULY 21: Morato of SL Benfica in action during the Pre-Season Friendly match between SL Benfica and RC Celta de Vigo at Estadio Algarve on July 21, 2023 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Morato is a tough-tackling defender who can time his challenges well to secure the ball back for his side inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the front foot and excels at playing his way out from the back.
Standing at 1.92m, the Brazilian talent can use his robust frame to win some 50-50 aerial duels for his team on the defensive end of the field. However, there are some concerns over whether he can cope with the high intensity of English football if Tottenham manage to get him on board in 2024.
We can expect Morato to enhance the quality of Spurs boss Angelos Postecoglu’s defensive department. He has what it takes to challenge for a regular starting spot at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
At 22, Morato has the potential to become a future star in England which makes him a great, long-term option for the North London club to consider this winter or at the end of this campaign. However, it remains to be seen whether he can make a smooth transition to life in the Premier League.