Alongside Odobert: Ange must axe “future £100m” star from the Spurs lineup
As Tottenham Hotspur prepare for their Europa League semi-final second leg against Bodo/Glimt, the North London club stands at a crossroads between redemption and disaster.
While their dismal 16th-place Premier League position represents their worst domestic campaign in recent memory, European glory offers salvation – but only if Ange Postecoglou makes the tough selection calls required to navigate this Arctic challenge.
The 3-1 first-leg advantage provides breathing room, yet history warns against complacency. Bodo/Glimt’s artificial pitch and compact 8,500-seat Aspmyra Stadion have become a graveyard for continental ambitions, with Lazio and Roma among recent casualties.
To avoid joining this list of humbled giants, Postecoglou must recalibrate his starting XI, prioritizing proven performers over promising prospects for this specific encounter.
The Case for Brennan Johnson Over Wilson Odobert
While 19-year-old Odobert showed flashes of quality against West Ham, his inclusion would represent a gamble Tottenham cannot afford. The French winger’s injury-disrupted season has yielded just three goals in 18 appearances – two of which came in a single Europa Conference League outing. In a match where clinical finishing could prove decisive, Johnson’s superior output demands selection:
| Brennan Johnson’s 2024/25 Season | |
|———————————|-|
| Appearances | 47 |
| Minutes Played | 3,077′ |
| Goals | 17 |
| Assists | 7 |
| Goal Involvements per Game | 0.51 |
| Minutes per Goal Involvement | 128.2′ |
The Welsh international’s Europa League opener in the first leg demonstrated his big-game temperament, while his partnership with Pedro Porro down the right has become one of Tottenham’s most productive attacking channels. Johnson’s movement and finishing ability will be crucial against a Bodo side likely to defend deep and counterattack.
Pedro Porro’s Return – A Tactical Imperative
The decision to rest Porro against West Ham was understandable given his workload, but his return tonight is non-negotiable. The Spanish full-back’s first-leg performance (rated 9/10 by Alasdair Gold) showcased why he’s become indispensable:
- Created 5 chances (most on pitch)
- 89% pass accuracy in final third
- Delivered the assist for Maddison’s crucial second goal
- Completed 3/4 successful dribbles
While Archie Gray’s long-term potential is undeniable – with analysts predicting £100m midfielder potential – the 18-year-old’s competent but unspectacular 6/10 showing at right-back highlighted why this isn’t the occasion for developmental minutes. Porro’s experience, crossing ability, and understanding with Johnson offer Tottenham their best chance of killing the tie early.
Bodo’s unique environment demands specific adjustments:
- Artificial Surface Adaptation: The ball moves 15-20% faster on synthetic turf, favoring players with quick decision-making like Porro and Johnson
- Weather Factors: 5°C temperatures with potential coastal winds require maximum physical output – Johnson’s 11.2km average running distance per 90 minutes outstrips Odobert’s 9.8km
- Set-Piece Importance: 38% of goals on artificial pitches come from dead balls – Porro’s delivery could prove decisive
Postecoglou faces a delicate balancing act between protecting their aggregate lead and pursuing the away goals that would virtually guarantee progression. Starting his most potent attacking combination – Johnson and Porro down the right – offers the perfect blend of defensive solidity and counterattacking threat needed to navigate this challenge.
Tonight’s selection decisions carry implications beyond this single match. For Postecoglou, choosing experience over potential represents an acknowledgment that Tottenham’s season now hinges entirely on European success.
For the players, it’s an opportunity to rewrite the narrative of a disappointing campaign and secure the club’s first European final since 2019.
As the teams take the field under Norway’s midnight sun, Tottenham’s fate may well be decided by these two critical selection calls.
In Johnson and Porro, they have the proven performers capable of transforming a precarious advantage into triumphant progression. The alternative – gambling on potential over production – risks joining Bodo/Glimt’s growing list of shocked European giants.