It’s fair to say that Ange Postecoglou‘s already a household name in North London despite being only 4 months into the job at Tottenham Hotspur.
Their season started with a renewed energy that was perhaps lost amongst the supporters and the players themselves over the past season and it didn’t take long for them to be associated as early title contenders. That all came to a stop after a thumping defeat to Chelsea that saw a series of injuries come by and perhaps saw Ange face his first real test as a Spurs coach.
So, what will these injuries mean tactically for Ange and is it possible to see an adaptation of sorts from Ange? More Importantly, how will the Spurs Management respond to it in the market to fuel a best possible finish in years for Spurs?
The Injured List and Their tactical roles
With as many as 7 injuries to the first team players complemented by suspensions to Romero and Udogie, it was always a daunting task to keep Spurs competitive and while it’s hard to debate on whether Ange’s decision to stick to his brand of football without tweaking or foregoing his principles for the sake of points on table, what’s certain is Ange would have to make Spurs show some resilience on the pitch after run of back to back defeats.
Given players like Maddsion, Van de ven make the crucial players that kept Spurs ticking, it’s hard to imagine alternatives that could replicate similar roles with same efficiency. Maddison by far has been the most influential player for Spurs, able to progress the ball from deep and also pull strings in the final 3rd as we see in Pic 2. Van de Ven’s influence as the LCB, providing security high on the line and aligning seamlessly with Ange’s game philosophy, especially given his Bundesliga experience, is what can make or break the efficiency of the Spurs defense.
Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven completed 236 passes between them tonight.
Crystal Palace only completed 147.
Controlling the play. pic.twitter.com/sjNuUuekMd
— The Spurs Watch (@TheSpursWatch) October 27, 2023
Van De Ven and Romero’s partnership that blossomed under Ange in the initial 3 months of the season is sorely missed, and even with Romero returning from suspension, Spurs face a significant challenge as they lack credible left-sided CBs to complement him. Their absence disrupts the team’s ability to play from the back and maintain effective ball circulation, elements that were pivotal to their success earlier in the season.
A Dive in to Market In January: Who are the best options can they potentially Sign?
Marc Guehi
Irrespective of just this a temporary resolve off this injury crisis, Guehi would make a phenomenal option under Ange – should Spurs seriously make a move for the 23 year old. His traits as a proper LCB is one that has a high ball-retention rate as we seen Pic 3. He loves carrying the ball high up the pitch when needed and ability to roam wide also offers another facet to Spurs and ranks high in passes played into final 3rd for a CB. His is a signing that will ensure to offer competition to Van de ven and also provide much-needed credible depth in defense.
Guehi being a English International would make much more sense for Spurs to build a credible core of English players that could be important for club and country under Ange’s leadership.
Santiago Gimenez
Gimenez has already emerged as one of the most consistent strikers across the Top 6 leagues in Europe, establishing himself as a well-known name in top-tier European competitions. Spurs boast a formidable attacking lineup, and the departure of a proven Premier League goalscoring phenomenon like Harry Kane hasn’t significantly weakened their goal-scoring potential. However, Gimenez has the potential to be the player who completes the side, serving as the ideal striker for Ange’s system. Envisioning him alongside Son, Maddison, and Kulusveski creates a potent attack. With 13 goals and 3 assists to his name, and priced reasonably at 45M for a player of his caliber, Gimenez is undoubtedly one to watch.
Conclusions
It’s Ange’s first season at Spurs. He’s already done everything that fans expected to make sure the Spurs Project took off on the right note. Any Sporting Project will require nourishing it at various stages to make it successful and no 2 clubs can have their processes turn out in similar way. The injuries concern can be an important roadblock in realizing the many gaps this Spurs team still has and perhaps an eye opener for Spurs hierarchy that despite the phenomenal start and growing reputation, at it’s heart it’s still a project that’s taking it’s baby steps and a squad that needs to be strengthened.
Therefore, it’s important to be contextual in any criticism on Ange while also keeping in mind that Ange’s not immune from it either. And this also goes to the Spurs hierarchy who have had their important share in troubles the team has gone through over past few years but also instrumental in laying groundwork for potentially something special which they have to ensure turns into an actual reality.