Ange Postecoglou’s managerial role at Tottenham Hotspur has not been without its trials. Throughout the preceding season, he grappled with the absence of several key players, which severely hindered his ability to field his strongest lineup. This situation necessitated frequent adjustments and reliance on players who were not initially part of his core tactical framework.
During the previous campaign, Postecoglou often had to make do with fringe players who were not ideally suited to his tactical approach. For instance, Ben Davies was compelled to start 13 league games and appeared in a total of 23 matches. On several occasions, he was deployed as a center-back alongside Emerson Royal, who himself featured in 22 matches, with 11 of those being from the start. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, despite not being the quintessential Postecoglou midfielder, played in all but two of the 38 league fixtures. Additionally, Giovani Lo Celso was frequently called upon, underscoring the lack of depth and consistency in the squad.
In January, Tottenham made some strategic moves to address these issues. Although the mid-season transfer window is typically less active, Spurs managed to strengthen their squad by making pivotal changes. The departures of Oliver Skipp, Emerson Royal, Lo Celso, Ivan Perisic, and Eric Dier were significant. Additionally, Tanguy Ndombele, Japhet Tanganga, Ryan Sessegnon, and Hojbjerg (on loan) also left the club, reflecting a broader restructuring effort.
Related Posts:
This summer saw further adjustments as Tottenham emphasized investing in youth and speed. The acquisition of Archie Gray, Dominic Solanke, and Wilson Odobert, alongside the winter arrival of Lucas Bergvall, signaled a shift towards a squad more aligned with Postecoglou’s vision.
The early weeks of the Premier League season have been a mixed bag for Postecoglou and Tottenham. A standout performance against Leicester City showcased the potential of the new squad setup, but this was followed by a less convincing second half that highlighted ongoing issues. The inconsistency in performance underscores the transitional phase the team is undergoing, especially given the significant turnover and integration of new players.
Postecoglou’s belief in the long-term potential of this squad is evident, though immediate results have been uneven. The challenge of integrating new players, such as Dominic Solanke, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury, and adjusting to the tactical demands of Postecoglou’s system, remains a key concern. Solanke’s absence from the match against Newcastle, coupled with his injury setbacks, has been a point of frustration. However, his anticipated return for the North London Derby against Arsenal offers a glimmer of hope.
a recurring issue for Tottenham, affecting key players such as Micky van de Ven and Richarlison. Van de Ven missed the game against Newcastle due to a knee injury but has had time to recover. His return would be a considerable boost for the team. Richarlison, who has struggled with injuries over the past year, is also expected to be available soon. His presence could significantly impact Tottenham’s attacking options.
The ongoing injury concerns and the integration of new players mean that Postecoglou has yet to finalize his strongest XI or matchday squad. The return of key players, alongside the gradual assimilation of new signings like Gray, Odobert, and Bergvall, is anticipated to fortify the squad and enhance performance.
As Tottenham continues to navigate this transitional period, the potential strongest 20-man matchday squad under Postecoglou’s leadership could include the following:
Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
Defenders: Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie
Midfielders: Pape Matar Sarr, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski
Forwards: Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, Son Heung-min
Substitutes:
Goalkeeper: Fraser Forster
Defenders: Radu Dragusin
Midfielders: Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur
Forwards: Timo Werner, Richarlison, Wilson Odobert
Notably, Dejan Kulusevski is positioned in midfield alongside Maddison, reflecting Postecoglou’s tactical preferences which have yielded positive results so far this season.
