Postecoglou may have found Spurs’ new Serge Aurier in error-prone “horror show”

Tottenham Hotspur has seen its share of exceptional talents over the years, but the club has also endured a fair number of underwhelming signings. Players like Vincent Janssen, Roberto Soldado, and Tanguy Ndombele arrived at N17 amid much fanfare but failed to meet expectations.

Among recent disappointments, Serge Aurier stands out as one of the most polarizing figures in the club’s history.

Aurier joined Tottenham in the summer of 2017 after the sale of Kyle Walker to Manchester City. Spurs turned to Paris Saint-Germain and paid £23 million to secure the Ivorian defender’s services.

On paper, the move seemed promising. Aurier had registered five assists in 32 appearances during the previous campaign, which translated to an impressive return for a full-back.

However, any hopes that Tottenham had struck gold were quickly dashed. Aurier’s Premier League debut ended with a red card, a sign of the erratic behavior that would define his time in North London.

Although it would take two years for Aurier to see red again, his first two seasons were riddled with mistakes. Former Tottenham star Teddy Sheringham famously labeled him “erratic,” and that reputation stuck.

His penchant for errors became a recurring theme, culminating in the 2021 EFL Cup final when he conceded a free-kick that led to Manchester City’s decisive goal. That summer, Spurs decided to terminate his contract by mutual consent. Before his departure, pundit Jamie Carragher offered a scathing assessment, calling Aurier “one of the biggest liabilities in Premier League football.”

Despite his undeniable talent, Aurier’s inability to avoid costly mistakes ensured his time at Tottenham was ultimately deemed a failure. His legacy as a frustrating figure at the club serves as a cautionary tale, and now there are concerns that Ange Postecoglou may have signed a player in a similar mold.

Since taking charge of Spurs, Postecoglou has overseen several signings, but Romanian center-back Radu Dragusin is raising alarm bells. While Dragusin’s challenges differ from Aurier’s, parallels are emerging, particularly in his tendency to make costly mistakes. His off-field behavior and attitude on the pitch are not in question, but his performances have sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.

Dragusin’s short stint at Tottenham has already been marked by notable errors. In a home game against Qarabağ, he was sent off within 15 minutes, leaving his teammates to salvage the match.

Against Galatasaray, a misjudged touch gifted Victor Osimhen a goal. Another lapse occurred in the Bournemouth match when his error led to Evanilson’s strike. These instances, among others, have fueled criticism and made him a scapegoat for the team’s struggles.

Despite these lapses, Dragusin has shown flashes of potential, stepping up at key moments and attempting to hold his own in a team that has struggled collectively. Yet the criticism persists.

Former professional Nigel Reo-Coker suggested on the BBC’s Football Daily podcast that “the Premier League is a bit too much for him,” while journalist Mitch Fretton described his performance in the Ipswich Town loss as a “horror show.”

Statistically, Dragusin’s Tottenham career paints a mixed picture. He has made 23 appearances, starting 16 of those matches and playing a total of 1,505 minutes. He has received two yellow cards and one red, averaging 501.6 minutes per card.

His points-per-game average stands at 1.74, which reflects the team’s broader inconsistency this season. While the numbers are not disastrous, they do little to dispel the narrative of a player struggling to adapt to the Premier League’s demands.

The scrutiny surrounding Dragusin is a stark reminder of how quickly a player’s reputation can spiral. Like Aurier, his talent is evident, but his mistakes threaten to overshadow his contributions.

If Dragusin cannot iron out these issues, the comparisons to Aurier will only grow louder, and his future at Tottenham may hang in the balance.

For Postecoglou, managing Dragusin’s development will be critical. The young defender has time on his side, and with proper guidance, he could yet fulfill his potential. However, the clock is ticking, and both Dragusin and Tottenham will need to work diligently to prevent another tale of unfulfilled promise from unfolding in North London.