Alasdair Gold support Tottenham fringe player to play most UEL games, made just one outing last term

Tottenham Hotspur is set to return to European competition this season after a disappointing 2023/24 campaign. The previous season saw Spurs narrowly miss out on advancing further in the Champions League, losing to AC Milan in the Round of 16.

However, their eighth-place finish in the Premier League meant they were absent from European competitions the following year.

Now, with a stronger finish in fifth place last season, Tottenham has earned a spot in the Europa League, offering them a fresh opportunity on the continental stage.

The Europa League presents Spurs with a valuable platform to provide competitive game time to some of their fringe players and promising academy talents.

This tournament is not only a chance for Tottenham to chase silverware but also to develop their squad depth, ensuring that key players remain fresh for the Premier League while allowing younger and less experienced players to gain crucial match experience.

Alasdair Gold, a prominent journalist at Football.London and an expert on Tottenham, recently discussed which players could play significant roles in the Europa League.

During a fan Q&A session, Gold shared his insights on how manager Ange Postecoglou might approach squad rotation in the competition.

Given the demanding schedule, with games occurring every three days, Postecoglou is likely to rotate his squad extensively. This strategy is essential to prevent player fatigue and injuries, keeping the team competitive on all fronts.

One of the players expected to feature prominently in the Europa League is goalkeeper Fraser Forster. Gold believes Forster will be the first choice for most of the Europa League fixtures.

Including Forster in the squad, instead of Djed Spence, who was controversially left out, is a strategic move. Forster’s experience and reliability make him a strong candidate for these matches, allowing Tottenham’s primary goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario, to rest and focus on the Premier League.

Radu Dragusin, a promising young defender, is also likely to get significant minutes in the competition. Although Ben Davies may be needed at left-back in some matches, Dragusin’s inclusion in the Europa League squad suggests that he will be given ample opportunity to prove his worth.

The competition also offers a chance for young talents like Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray to gain valuable experience. Postecoglou might even experiment with Gray at right-back, further highlighting the manager’s willingness to use the Europa League as a testing ground for versatile players.

Additionally, the Europa League could serve as a platform for Richarlison to regain his sharpness and confidence after his return from injury.

The Brazilian forward, who struggled with injuries and inconsistent form last season, could use the competition to rediscover his goal-scoring touch and build momentum for the rest of the season.

Fans will also be eager to see exciting young prospects like Mikey Moore and Will Lankshear make their mark in the competition.

The decision to include Fraser Forster in the Europa League squad, while leaving out Djed Spence, sparked some controversy. However, it’s a move that makes sense for Tottenham’s overall strategy.

Forster is not only an experienced goalkeeper but also a respected figure in the dressing room. Despite making only one appearance for Spurs last season, in the League Cup, Forster’s inclusion in the Europa League squad provides him with a well-deserved opportunity to play more regularly.

His presence between the posts will ensure that Tottenham maintains a strong defensive foundation in the competition.

Moreover, having Forster as the primary goalkeeper in the Europa League allows Guglielmo Vicario to stay fresh and focused on Tottenham’s Premier League campaign.

Vicario’s performances will be crucial for Spurs in the domestic league, and giving him rest during European fixtures will help manage his workload effectively.

In conclusion, The Europa League offers Spurs not only a chance to compete for a trophy but also an opportunity to develop their squad and provide valuable game time to key players and emerging talents.

With a well-thought-out rotation strategy, manager Ange Postecoglou can navigate the demands of multiple competitions while keeping his squad fresh and competitive.

As the season progresses, the Europa League could prove to be a vital component of Tottenham’s success, both in Europe and the Premier League.

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