3 options to replace Radu Dragusin in Tottenham XI vs Wolves
Tottenham Hotspur face a significant defensive challenge as injuries to key players leave the team struggling for stability ahead of their match against Wolves. With defensive options severely limited, manager Ange Postecoglou must make critical decisions to address the crisis.
The 2024/25 season has been marked by constant changes in Tottenham’s backline, with four different center-back pairings already deployed in the Premier League. This inconsistency has highlighted the importance of a reliable defense and the difficulties Spurs face in maintaining one.
The absence of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, two pillars of Tottenham’s defensive strategy, has been particularly damaging. Both players have struggled with injuries, missing large portions of the season.
Their unavailability has left a gaping hole in Tottenham’s defense, one that Postecoglou has yet to fill effectively. Adding to these woes are injuries to Djed Spence, Ben Davies, and Radu Dragusin, further shrinking the pool of available defenders.
With the January transfer window on the horizon, potential reinforcements may arrive soon, but for now, Postecoglou must rely on the players at his disposal to address the immediate threat posed by Wolves.
Young defender Alfie Dorrington has been considered as a potential option, but his lack of experience raises concerns. At 19, Dorrington has yet to start a Premier League match and has not featured in cup games either.
While his brief debut as a substitute against Southampton showed Postecoglou’s willingness to experiment, the high-pressure environment of a match against Wolves presents a much more daunting challenge. Trusting Dorrington in such a critical role seems risky, making his inclusion in the starting lineup unlikely.
Another young prospect, Malachi Hardy, is even less prepared to step into the role. At just 16 years old, Hardy has only made the bench for Tottenham this season and has not played a single minute of first-team football.
Pairing Hardy with another young defender, such as 18-year-old Archie Gray, would be a bold and unprecedented move. While Hardy’s potential is undeniable, the stakes of a Premier League match are too high for such an untested partnership.
Yves Bissouma appears to be the most viable stopgap solution. The experienced midfielder stepped in as a center-back when Radu Dragusin went off injured in Tottenham’s previous game, and he is likely to reprise this role against Wolves.
Although Bissouma has never played as a center-back in his career, his versatility makes him a logical choice. He has previously demonstrated adaptability, including brief stints as a right-back during his time at Lille.
While his defensive record in that position was not stellar, his composure on the ball and experience under pressure could provide the steadying influence Tottenham desperately need.
Ben Davies, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, initially offered a glimmer of hope for Tottenham’s defensive situation. Postecoglou had expressed optimism about Davies’ return, stating that the player was training again and could potentially be available for the weekend.
However, recent developments have ruled Davies out of contention for the Wolves match, dashing hopes of a more experienced defensive option returning to the lineup.
With limited choices, Postecoglou faces a difficult task in assembling a defensive pairing that can withstand Wolves’ attack. Whoever is chosen must be prepared to step up and deliver a strong performance for the team.
The situation underscores Tottenham’s need for defensive reinforcements in the January transfer window. While Bissouma may offer a temporary solution, it is clear that Spurs require more depth and stability in their backline to navigate the challenges of the season effectively.
Tottenham’s defensive struggles highlight the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in overcoming adversity. As the team prepares for their upcoming match, the focus will be on finding a way to secure a result despite the obstacles.
Whether through youthful experimentation or relying on experienced players in unconventional roles, Postecoglou must find a way to stabilize his defense and guide his team through this challenging period.