Ange Postecoglou tells Spurs hierarchy which position to prioritise in January
Tottenham Hotspur’s injury woes have taken a toll on the team’s performance this season, forcing manager Ange Postecoglou to re-evaluate his squad and determine where reinforcements are most urgently needed.
With key players like Micky van de Ven, Wilson Odobert, Timo Werner, Mikey Moore, and Richarlison all sidelined, Spurs are struggling to maintain their momentum.
While some of these injuries are expected to be short-term, and most players could be back after the international break, the ongoing crisis has exposed significant gaps in Tottenham’s roster, leaving Postecoglou with tough decisions to make as the January transfer window approaches.
The good news for Spurs fans is that despite the injuries, Postecoglou remains optimistic, knowing that some players will soon return to full fitness. However, with a squad stretched thin, especially at the back and in attack, the Spurs hierarchy is acutely aware that reinforcements will be necessary to maintain any hope of a top-four finish this season.
According to football journalist Graeme Bailey, Postecoglou has already made it clear to the Tottenham board which position he is most eager to strengthen come January: the left-sided central defender role.
Bailey shared insights into Postecoglou’s transfer priorities, stating that the injury to Van de Ven, combined with a general lack of depth in the central defensive positions, has made bolstering the backline a pressing issue.
With Van de Ven’s fitness record proving unreliable, Tottenham’s manager is reportedly keen on acquiring a left-footed centre-back to provide additional depth and cover.
Bailey further emphasized that this is a position Postecoglou believes needs urgent attention, as another injury to the centre-back pairing could leave the team dangerously exposed.
The focus on strengthening the left-sided centre-back position makes sense, given the current makeup of Tottenham’s defense.
While Ben Davies has proven to be a reliable option in the backline, his experience suggests that he is better suited as a fourth-choice centre-back rather than as the first choice. This makes the case for a more experienced and solid presence on the left side of the defense even more urgent.
While there has been much debate regarding whether the priority should be placed on reinforcing the defence or bolstering the left-back position, the general consensus seems to be that the team should focus on securing a left-sided central defender first.
Given that Postecoglou is operating with limited options at the back, and with Davies only able to fill in as a short-term solution, bringing in a new central defender would offer both depth and versatility to the squad.
The need for a solid central defensive addition seems especially pressing as Spurs cannot afford another injury crisis at the back.
On the flip side, there are also whispers around a possible move for a backup to left-back Destiny Udogie. The 20-year-old Patrick Dorgu of Lecce has been widely reported as a potential target for Spurs, with The Mirror suggesting that the North London club is actively pursuing his signature.
Dorgu could provide much-needed competition for Udogie, ensuring that Spurs are well-covered in the event of an injury to their young left-back. Still, the priority seems to lie in solidifying the heart of the defense before looking to add depth to the left-back position.
Postecoglou’s focus on the defensive unit is reflective of the current gaps in Tottenham’s squad. While there is no shortage of attacking talent at the club, with players like Son Heung-min and Brennan Johnson leading the charge, the defensive fragility has been the team’s Achilles’ heel this season.
With Van de Ven and others struggling with injuries, a new left-sided centre-back could be the solution to Tottenham’s defensive problems and ensure that they remain competitive throughout the busy winter months.
As the January transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Tottenham and Postecoglou to see if they can successfully address their defensive weaknesses.
A left-footed central defender would not only provide necessary depth but could also allow Postecoglou to implement his tactics with more consistency and security at the back.
With Spurs’ ambitions still alive this season, strengthening the defense will be key to their success in the second half of the campaign.
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