Monday 3 October 2016 17:04, UK
We take a look at Hoffenheim defender Niklas Sule, who turned down Chelsea and has been linked to both Liverpool and Tottenham.
The towering German centre-back has been steadily enhancing his reputation in the Bundesliga for a few seasons and recently made his debut for the senior national team. A whole host of top English clubs are monitoring his progress, with Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino particularly interested.
But who is he, what is his playing style and would he be suited to life in the Premier League? Here's everything you need to know about the young defender…
FACTFILE
Age: 21
Position: Centre-back
Club: 1899 Hoffenheim
Nationality: German
International caps: 1 (10 for U21s)
BACKGROUND
Born in Frankfurt, Sule began his career with nearby Rot-Weiß Walldorf before moves to the youth ranks of Eintracht Frankfurt, SV Darmstadt 98 and eventually 1899 Hoffenheim where he has been since the age of 14.
He quickly progressed through Hoffenheim's age groups and was also making a name for himself on the international stage as a cornerstone of the Germany U17 team that finished as runners-up of the 2012 European U17 Championship. Sule started all 10 games for in a German defence that conceded only twice before losing to The Netherlands in the final.
2012/13 would prove to be Sule's breakthrough year as he carried his international form through to club level, progressing from Hoffenheim U19s to the reserves before being fast-tracked into the first team. Aged 17, Sule made his senior debut at the tail end of the season in a 4-1 loss to Hamburg as Die Kraichgauer narrowly retained their Bundesliga status.
The following season Sule began to establish himself as a first team regular under Markus Gisdol, making 25 appearances in a team featuring Roberto Firmino. As well as solid defensive performances, Sule also proved to be a goal threat, scoring four times.
A ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee against hometown club Eintract Frankfurt in December 2014 was a first major setback, but he made a full recovery to start 33 games for Hoffenheim during the 2015/16 campaign, while also regularly featuring for the Germany U21s.
Once again, Sule just missed out on international glory this summer, this time as part of the German Olympic team that had to settle for silver after losing to hosts Brazil on penalties.
Nevertheless, his impressive performances for club and country saw a whole host of clubs attempt to sign him over the summer. According to his agent Karlheinz Forster, Sule turned down a £25m move to Chelsea in order to continue his development at Hoffenheim
"Yes, there was interest," said Forster, speaking to German newspaper Bild. "The English have made it clear they'll still be interested next year."
STYLE
Standing at 1.94m, Sule's imposing physical presence is what first catches the eye. Powerful in the air and also a threat at set-pieces, he has inevitably drawn comparisons with Per Mertesacker, albeit a less sluggish version.
His impressive reading of the game, combined with his stature, means he is able to utilise his long limbs to make interceptions - another hallmark of his game - and his tackling is well-timed and solid, as shown by the relatively few fouls he gives away. Last season he picked up just four yellow cards which is a further indicator of his clean tackling ability and defensive intelligence.
Despite a no-nonsense appearance, Sule is very comfortable on the ball and his pass completion last season averaged 85 per cent. All in all, for a defender who has only just turned 21, Sule's game is remarkably well-rounded and, having eschewed a big money move in favour of his continued development, seems to have a wise head on young shoulders.
How would he fit in?
Given his colossal stature and technical attributes, Sule would seem tailor-made for Premier League football. His height and aerial presence should bode well with his ability to deal with the physical nature of English football, although his lack of pace could be a vulnerability.
Bearing in mind the interest of Liverpool and Tottenham, the fact that Sule is a good passer means he would be a good fit for either of the ball-playing sides.
However, given Tottenham's settled partnership of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld, and Sule's prioritisation of first team football, would the young German be prepared to sit on the bench at White Hart Lane?
Therefore, Liverpool might seem the more likely destination, especially when you factor in the draw of compatriot Klopp and a reunion with former team-mate Firmino.
For the time being he has committed his future to Hoffenheim but a move to the Premier League next summer remains a distinct possibility.
