Ange must brutally drop Sarr to unleash “sensational” Spurs talent in an different role

Tottenham Hotspur make the trip to Anfield this afternoon, aiming to derail Liverpool’s bid for the Premier League crown. Arne Slot’s side needs only a single point to clinch the title, but Ange Postecoglou’s men will look to spoil the celebrations while building some much-needed momentum ahead of their Europa League semi-final first leg against Bodo Glimt on Thursday.

With Spurs’ underwhelming domestic campaign in 2024/25, the club’s main focus now rests firmly on European competition.

Securing a trophy remains a realistic goal, and success in the Europa League would not only provide silverware but also offer Postecoglou a stronger case to remain in charge amid increasing scrutiny over his future.

However, if Tottenham are to pull off an upset today, the manager must make a crucial decision regarding his starting lineup, particularly after the lackluster performance against Nottingham Forest earlier this week.

Pape Matar Sarr returned to the starting eleven against Forest but missed the opportunity to impress. The Senegalese midfielder lasted 81 minutes before being substituted by Lucas Bergvall, a change that reflected Sarr’s struggles on the pitch.

Sarr’s contributions in the match were far from convincing. He attempted three crosses but failed to complete a single one. Moreover, he did not win any of the tackles he engaged in, offering little protection or support on either side of the ball.

Compounding his disappointing display, Sarr also lost every aerial duel he contested, allowing Forest to take full control and claim all three points at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Given this performance, Postecoglou must strongly consider leaving Sarr out of today’s starting lineup. Instead, he should provide a platform for a young player who has shown promise throughout the season, despite often playing out of his natural position.

Archie Gray, an emerging talent at just 19 years old, deserves the opportunity to operate in his preferred midfield role.

Gray has spent much of the campaign filling in defensively, especially during periods when injuries sidelined key figures like Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. His adaptability has been commendable, but now presents the perfect chance for him to showcase his abilities in the heart of midfield.

Analysts have described Gray’s performances as “sensational,” and his league statistics underline his potential to thrive. Despite his youth and the positional adjustments he has had to make, Gray has excelled, maintaining a 91% pass completion rate while averaging 59 passes per 90 minutes.

Here’s a breakdown of Archie Gray’s contributions for Spurs in the 2024/25 Premier League season:

Gray’s proficiency extends beyond passing. He has completed 50% of his dribbles and won half of his tackles, making him an ideal box-to-box candidate for Postecoglou’s tactical setup.

Giving him the nod today would not only help Spurs stay competitive against Liverpool but also keep him sharp and confident ahead of the critical European clash that could define the club’s season.

While today’s Premier League fixture holds little weight for Tottenham’s league aspirations, it remains a vital opportunity to build rhythm and belief within the squad. A spirited performance at Anfield could provide the lift needed before they tackle their European challenge, and giving Archie Gray the starting role might just be the spark that ignites the team’s late-season push.

If Tottenham want any chance of heading into their Europa League battle with confidence, they must trust in youth, energy, and potential today.