‘Wow’: Radu Dragusin stats for Romania now show that Tottenham have a hidden gem
Radu Dragusin recently seized the opportunity to showcase his abilities on the international stage after being called up to the Romania national team.
His performance in Romania’s 3-0 victory over Cyprus in the UEFA Nations League demonstrated that he has much to offer, particularly when it comes to his defensive prowess.
This match not only highlighted his skillset but also raised questions about his limited playing time at Tottenham.
Dragusin played a key role in Romania’s victory, helping his team to maintain their impressive form in the competition.
Romania has now secured three consecutive wins, having also defeated Kosovo and Lithuania, which places them at the top of League C Group 2. Dragusin, who started the game and played for 82 minutes before being subbed off, was instrumental in both defense and attack.
His standout moment came when he scored his first international goal with a well-placed header from a corner, sealing Romania’s dominant performance.
Despite his goal grabbing the headlines, Dragusin’s contribution was far more comprehensive. He demonstrated excellent ball control, completing 52 touches and boasting an impressive 98 percent passing accuracy.
His distribution was equally effective, as he completed both of his attempted long balls and maintained composure under pressure, as Cyprus failed to dispossess him throughout the match.
Defensively, Dragusin was just as solid, winning 100 percent of his tackles and making several key interventions. His four defensive actions included two clearances, a headed clearance, and an interception, proving his reliability at the back.
In addition, he won three duels, recovered possession once, and was only dribbled past a single time during the match.
Dragusin’s consistent performances for Romania bring into focus his role at Tottenham. While he has thrived for his national team and previously impressed during his loan spell at Genoa, he has yet to find the same level of success in North London.
This contrast in form can be attributed to two main factors. First, Dragusin faces stiff competition for a starting spot at Spurs, particularly from established defenders like Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven, both of whom have been crucial to Tottenham’s defensive structure this season.
Second, the tactical setup under manager Ange Postecoglou may not be the best fit for Dragusin’s style of play. Tottenham often employ a high defensive line, which requires center-backs to be quick, proactive, and comfortable defending large spaces.
Dragusin, on the other hand, excels in a more traditional, deep-lying role where he can focus on protecting his own box and making last-ditch tackles.
This defensive approach suits Romania’s tactics, as well as those he experienced during his time at Genoa, but it contrasts with Tottenham’s more aggressive defensive philosophy.
Despite these challenges, Dragusin’s performance for Romania serves as a reminder of his potential. While he may not currently be a regular starter at Tottenham, his international displays suggest that, given the right tactical environment, he could become a valuable asset.
Whether Postecoglou finds a way to integrate him more effectively or if Dragusin seeks opportunities elsewhere, his talent is undeniable. For now, his efforts on the international stage continue to bolster his reputation as a reliable and talented defender.
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