Ange could save his job by dropping “terrible” Spurs dud for his “future £100m” star
Tottenham Hotspur face a pivotal moment in their Europa League campaign as they prepare to overturn a 1-0 deficit against AZ Alkmaar in the second leg of their round of 16 tie.
After a dismal performance in the first leg in the Netherlands, where Spurs produced one of their worst displays of the season, Ange Postecoglou’s side must deliver a vastly improved performance to keep their European hopes alive.
The pressure is mounting, and the manager will need to make bold decisions to address the team’s recent struggles, particularly in defense.
One player under intense scrutiny is Pedro Porro, whose form has significantly declined this season. The Spanish right-back, who joined Tottenham in February 2023 with high expectations, has become a liability at the back despite his attacking contributions.
Porro initially impressed with his ability to contribute goals and assists, scoring three goals and providing three assists in just 15 Premier League appearances during his first half-season at the club. Last season, he continued to showcase his attacking prowess, registering four goals and seven assists in 37 games.
However, his defensive frailties began to surface, with costly mistakes in matches against Newcastle United and Fulham raising concerns.
This season, Porro’s struggles have become more pronounced. While he has managed nine goal involvements in 40 appearances, his defensive performances have been alarmingly poor.
Against Ipswich Town, his display was described as a “horror show” by journalist Mitch Fretton, while Spurs content creator Seb Martin labeled his performance against Arsenal as a “nightmare.”
Most recently, in the draw against Bournemouth, Porro lost possession a staggering 27 times, earning a dismal 3/10 match rating from Daily Express journalist Tom Parsons. These consistent lapses have made him a weak link in Tottenham’s backline, and in a must-win game like tonight’s, Postecoglou cannot afford to take risks with such a defensively unreliable player.
| Pedro Porro’s Tottenham Record | Stats |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 94 |
| Minutes Played | 7,788′ |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 17 |
| Goal Involvements per Match | 0.27 |
| Minutes per Goal Involvement | 299.53′ |
With Porro’s place in the starting lineup under threat, Postecoglou has two options to replace him at right-back: moving Djed Spence from the left or starting Archie Gray. The latter appears to be the more sensible choice for several reasons.
Firstly, keeping Spence on the left allows the manager to bench Destiny Udogie, who has also faced criticism for his defensive vulnerabilities this season. Secondly, Gray, despite being a natural midfielder, has proven his versatility and reliability in defensive roles.
The 18-year-old, dubbed a “future £100m player” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has already made seven appearances at right-back and five at left-back this season, showcasing his adaptability and composure.
Gray’s performances in the Europa League have been particularly impressive, as he has started every game in the competition and looked solid throughout, aside from the first leg against AZ.
According to FBref, Gray ranks in the top 1% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League, and the Europa League for medium passes completed and shots blocked.
He also sits in the top 2% for carries and the top 4% for progressive passing distance per 90 minutes. These statistics highlight his ability to contribute effectively in both defensive and attacking phases, even when playing out of position.
| Archie Gray’s Positional Versatility | Appearances |
|---|---|
| Centre-Back | 19 |
| Right-Back | 7 |
| Left-Back | 5 |
| Defensive Midfield | 2 |
Ultimately, Porro’s defensive shortcomings make him a risky choice for such a high-stakes match. Postecoglou must prioritize stability and reliability at the back, and starting Gray at right-back while keeping Spence on the left offers the best solution.
Gray’s composure, versatility, and impressive stats make him the ideal candidate to step into the role, providing the defensive solidity Tottenham need to overturn their deficit and progress in the Europa League.
As Spurs prepare for tonight’s crucial clash, the focus will be on delivering a performance that reflects their potential and ambition. With the right tactical adjustments and a more disciplined defensive approach, Tottenham can overcome AZ Alkmaar and keep their European dreams alive.
For Porro, this could be a turning point in his Spurs career, as the manager’s decision to bench him may signal a shift in priorities and a demand for greater consistency from his players.