Tottenham Targeting Move for Bryan Ruiz

Interesting piece of business brewing out of Holland for Tottenham Hotspur. It's being widely reported in the Dutch press (but not mentioned in the UK at all) that Harry Redknapp will be in attendance for today's Eredivisie season opener between NAC Breda and FC Twente. According to these rumors, the reason for Redknapp's trip is to get a firsthand look at FC Twente winger Bryan Ruiz.

If Tottenham is planning a move for Ruiz, it would seem to follow a pattern of targeting attacking wingers after the failed bid for Juan Mata. Ruiz, 25, has had two consecutive exceptional seasons with Twente in addition to becoming the main cog in the Costa Rican national team. Reports have Ruiz valued at €15 million, a fairly reasonable price considering Mata was being valued at an additional 10 million.

Ruiz is an interesting player, a left footed inside-out right winger. A forward attacking player, Ruiz would signal a far departure from the orthodox wingers that do much defensive work in Redknapp's system. Ruiz is a different kind of winger, happier to cut in on his favored foot and attack the goal rather than hold the wide spaces.

Never noted for his defensive work rate, it's tough to imagine Ruiz fitting in to Rednapp's favored 4-4-1-1 or 4-4-2 systems. It would take a move to a 4-2-3-1 system or 4-3-3 system that has him playing wide right (and decreasing his defensive responsibilities) for Ruiz to be comfortable. Ruiz is a fantastic player, but it would be interesting if Redknapp would make a radical change to fit the Costa Rican into the system.