As bad as Dragusin: 3/10 Spurs star just showed he doesn’t deserve his £100M price tag

Tottenham Hotspur suffered their fourth home Premier League defeat of the season, falling 6-3 to league leaders Liverpool in a match that exposed their ongoing struggles.

The result leaves Spurs in 11th place, with just one win in their last five league outings, adding further pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou. Liverpool’s dominance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium showcased the gulf in quality, underlining Tottenham’s recent issues, from injuries to a noticeable drop in work ethic and consistency.

The injury crisis has undoubtedly played a role in Spurs’ poor form, particularly in defense, where the lack of key players has forced Postecoglou to rely on a makeshift backline.

However, the deeper concern lies in the team’s alarming loss of cohesion and quality, which was evident in their inability to contain Liverpool’s relentless attack. Despite some individual efforts, the defensive unit faltered under pressure, allowing the Reds to exploit weaknesses throughout the match.

Djed Spence, deployed in an unnatural left-back role, stood out as one of the few positives in an otherwise forgettable defensive display. Tasked with marking Mohamed Salah, one of the world’s most dangerous forwards, Spence managed to hold his ground.

He completed 93% of his passes, made five tackles, and won seven duels, emerging as a rare bright spot in a defense that struggled to cope. However, his contributions were not enough to compensate for the broader defensive issues.

At the heart of the defense, Radu Dragusin was the only fit senior option, partnered with the inexperienced Archie Gray. Dragusin’s performance highlighted the lack of depth and experience in the squad.

His wastefulness in possession, completing just one of 11 attempted long balls, and positioning errors, such as being caught out for Dominik Szoboszlai’s goal, contributed to Liverpool’s dominance. The defensive frailties exposed the urgent need for reinforcements, a reality Tottenham must address in the January transfer window.

In attack, the performance of Heung-min Son raised further concerns. Once the team’s go-to player for creativity and goals following Harry Kane’s departure, Son has struggled to replicate his form from the previous season, where he scored 17 goals across all competitions. Despite managing six league goals this season, his influence has waned, and the clash against Liverpool was a testament to his recent struggles.

Son’s inability to deliver in critical moments was evident against Liverpool. He failed to complete either of his two crosses, managed just one successful dribble from two attempts, and frequently lost possession.

His 36 touches and 21 completed passes reflected a lack of involvement, while his three offsides further highlighted his ineffectiveness. As a result, he received a low 3/10 match rating from critics, encapsulating a performance that fell far short of expectations.

The decline in Son’s form comes at a time when Tottenham needed him to step up. Reports of Saudi Arabian interest in the South Korean star over the past summers suggested a potential £100m valuation, but his recent performances have raised doubts about whether the club can command such a fee. At 32, Son’s value is likely to decline further, and his diminishing output suggests the need for fresh attacking options.

Tottenham’s struggles reflect deeper issues within the squad, beyond injuries. The reliance on makeshift solutions in defense and a frontline lacking consistent output highlights a lack of depth and planning. While players like Spence and Dragusin have shown glimpses of potential, the team’s shortcomings emphasize the urgent need for reinforcements to compete at a higher level.

As the January transfer window approaches, the pressure mounts on Postecoglou and the club’s management to address these problems. Strengthening the backline and injecting fresh creativity into the attack must be priorities if Tottenham hopes to salvage their season.

The defeat to Liverpool may serve as a wake-up call, highlighting the areas requiring immediate attention. For now, Spurs must regroup and focus on building a team capable of delivering consistent performances, both defensively and offensively. Without significant changes, their struggles may continue, leaving fans and critics questioning the direction of the club.