Tottenham Hotspur secured an important win in the Europa League against AZ Alkmaar, although the performance was not as dominant as some fans had hoped. Under manager Ange Postecoglou, Spurs showed promise, particularly with the emergence of young talent Mikey Moore. His impressive display, especially in the second half, highlighted his potential to earn more playing time in the future.
Moore, who started his second game of the season, impressed by switching from the right to the left wing. Though he didn’t score or assist, he was the standout player, consistently engaging the crowd and making impactful plays. His performance drew praise from teammates and commentators alike. James Maddison even likened him to “Neymar on the left wing,” and he received an 8/10 rating for his electric display.
In stark contrast, Timo Werner struggled significantly in his starting role. The German winger had a disappointing first half, which prompted Postecoglou to substitute him at halftime. Werner’s statistics from the match were telling: he managed only one shot on target, lost possession 11 times, and failed to successfully complete any of his dribbles. His passing accuracy was a mere 68%, and he misfired on 50% of his crosses and long balls.
Werner’s poor performance raises questions about his future in the starting lineup. With Moore showing such promise, it may be time for Spurs to consider shifting their focus to younger talents who can deliver on the pitch. The competition for places is fierce, and if Werner struggles in the Europa League, it may be difficult for him to regain his spot in the Premier League.
Overall, while the win against AZ Alkmaar was crucial, the contrasting performances of Moore and Werner could significantly impact Postecoglou’s selection for upcoming matches. The young Englishman has certainly made a strong case for more game time, while Werner’s form needs to improve if he hopes to remain a key player for entire Spurs. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Postecoglou balances experience with youth in his squad
