Ange sends big Tottenham number 10 hint for Europa League final

Ange Postecoglou has shed light on his impressions of Wilson Odobert’s performance in the number ten role during Tottenham’s recent clash with Aston Villa, offering a subtle but meaningful clue about the young Frenchman’s potential inclusion in the starting eleven for the upcoming Europa League final.

With injuries ravaging the creative core of the squad, Odobert has been thrust into the spotlight at a critical juncture of the season, and his response on the pitch may have come at just the right time.

The 20-year-old was initially moved into the central attacking midfield position during the match against Crystal Palace, a tactical adjustment made necessary after Dejan Kulusevski was forced off with injury.

That substitution opened the door for Odobert to showcase his abilities in an unfamiliar role, and while expectations were modest, his effort and composure in tight areas didn’t go unnoticed.

The situation soon grew more urgent as it was confirmed that Kulusevski would miss the remainder of the season, joining James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall on the injury list. With the team’s creative depth depleted, the spotlight turned toward those on the fringes who could step up and fill the void.

Ahead of the match against Aston Villa, Postecoglou toyed with the idea of using Pedro Porro in a central attacking role, but ultimately decided to stick with Odobert.

It proved to be a show of confidence in the youngster, and he responded with a performance that, while not flawless, demonstrated his intelligence, vision, and growing composure in the final third.

His involvement in the first half included several clever combinations with Mathys Tel and Heung-min Son, culminating in a dangerous effort on goal that required a sharp save from Villa’s goalkeeper, Emi Martinez.

Though the finish didn’t find the back of the net, the move underscored his ability to read the game and find space under pressure—traits that are essential for anyone occupying the number ten role.

After the match, Postecoglou acknowledged Odobert’s contributions, pointing to both the promise and the areas still in development.

He expressed that while the young midfielder is clearly lacking in match sharpness due to missing a significant portion of the season, his football intelligence and willingness to engage in tight spaces offer something valuable to the team at this stage.

Postecoglou’s assessment was frank but encouraging. He emphasized that Odobert’s minutes against Villa were vital and even suggested that, given the squad’s injury situation, the Frenchman might be someone Tottenham will need to depend on when they face Athletic Club in Bilbao.

Such a statement carries weight, especially coming from a manager who has never been shy about rewarding merit over reputation. It implies that Odobert has done enough not only to earn more playing time but potentially to start in one of the biggest fixtures of the season.

With few other options available, and with confidence slowly building in the young player’s ability to carry creative responsibilities, his inclusion could represent both a necessity and a calculated gamble by the manager.

Alongside Odobert, Heung-min Son also made his presence felt in the game, linking up well and offering moments of real danger in the final third.

Son’s fitness had previously been a concern, but based on his performance against Villa, he appears to be regaining the sharpness and dynamism that have made him such a vital asset for Spurs over the years.

As the team prepares for the Europa League final, Son’s readiness and experience will be indispensable, but equally critical will be the support he receives from players like Odobert who can unlock defenses and feed attacking runs.

For Tottenham, the challenge ahead is not just tactical—it’s also mental and emotional. With key playmakers out and a trophy on the line, the club will need both seasoned veterans and fearless youngsters to step up and deliver.

Odobert’s sudden emergence into a central role speaks to the unpredictability of football, where injuries can open doors, and moments of opportunity can define careers.

Whether he starts or not, the trust Postecoglou has placed in him suggests that the Frenchman could play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome in Bilbao.