The stakes could not have been higher for Tottenham Hotspur as they welcomed Borussia Dortmund to London for a critical Champions League showdown. Manager Thomas Frank knew his team didn’t just need a win to stay alive in the competition; they needed a performance that would restore the faith of a skeptical fanbase.
While the team took its foot off the gas slightly in the second half, the opening forty-five minutes provided one of the most electric displays seen at the stadium this year.
With goals from Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke, Spurs managed to secure a 2-0 victory, firmly putting themselves in the driver’s seat for a spot in the last sixteen and avoiding the headache of an extra knockout round.
This result was more than just three points; it was an antidote to the negativity that has hovered over the club for weeks. In a season where the squad’s leading figures have often looked dejected, Tuesday night served as a loud reminder that there is an abundance of world-class talent within this roster.
The question has always been whether that talent could be harnessed correctly, and against the German giants, the answer was a resounding yes.
While many expected the headlines to be dominated by the £52 million man, Xavi Simons, it was a different young star who truly stole the spotlight. Simons was indeed spectacular, operating from a central playmaking role and pulling the strings of the attack despite clearly playing through some physical discomfort.
His vision and technical brilliance showed exactly why the club invested so heavily to bring him in from RB Leipzig. However, as the search for a true successor to the legendary Son Heung-min continues, it was Wilson Odobert who looked the most like a future icon in the making.
Following Son’s departure last summer, a massive void was left on the wings. Fans have been desperate for a player who possesses that rare blend of blistering pace, directness, and clinical delivery that the South Korean superstar provided for a decade.
While the club has been linked with several high-profile forwards in the January transfer window, Odobert’s performance against Dortmund suggested that the solution might already be in the building. Playing on the right flank, the young Frenchman was a constant nightmare for the Dortmund defense, eventually racking up two crucial assists.
Odobert’s statistics from the match tell the story of a player who was involved in every phase of the game. He wasn’t just a threat going forward; he worked tirelessly to recover the ball and win his individual battles.
Journalist Henry Winter described him as “unstoppable,” and it was hard to argue with that assessment as he repeatedly skipped past defenders to create high-quality chances for Dominic Solanke. At just 21 years old, Odobert displayed a level of maturity and technical flair that very few players his age can boast.
| Wilson Odobert vs Borussia Dortmund | Match Statistics |
| Minutes Played | 90 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Passing Accuracy | 97% (28/29) |
| Chances Created | 4 |
| Successful Dribbles | 4 |
| Ball Recoveries | 7 |
| Ground Duels Won | 7 |
| Shots on Target | 1 |
Of course, emulating a player like Son Heung-min is a monumental task. Son’s legacy at Tottenham is built on over 170 goals and a decade of unwavering loyalty. However, Odobert seems to possess the same “ferocious” energy that the Spurs faithful adore.
He plays with a directness that forces defenders onto their back feet, and his 97% passing accuracy against elite European opposition shows he has the composure to match his speed. If he can maintain this level of consistency, he could easily become the talismanic figure around which Thomas Frank builds his long-term project.
Spurs fans have seen false dawns before most notably the victory over Manchester City and the spirited display in the Super Cup. The challenge now is to translate this European magic into Premier League consistency.
The team travels to face Burnley next, and all eyes will be on Odobert to see if he can replicate his Champions League heroics against domestic opposition. If he and Xavi Simons can continue to develop their partnership, Tottenham might finally be ready to turn the corner and reclaim their status as one of the most exciting teams in Europe.
While Simons may be the conductor of the orchestra, Odobert is looking more and more like the virtuoso soloist the fans have been waiting for.
