Daniel Levy must axe Spurs “horror show” who Postecoglou “really wanted” to sign

Tottenham Hotspur appointed Ange Postecoglou as their permanent manager about a year and a half ago, ushering in a new era of optimism. Under his leadership, the team has regained its entertainment factor, which had been lacking in previous seasons.

However, consistency issues continue to hinder their progress. Despite this, Postecoglou has shown notable success in the transfer market, bringing in players like Micky van de Ven, Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, and James Maddison, all of whom have contributed positively to the squad. Yet, not all transfers have been successful, and some decisions now warrant reconsideration.

One of the more questionable additions was Timo Werner. The former Chelsea forward joined Tottenham on a surprise six-month loan deal, with hopes that Postecoglou’s attacking system could rejuvenate his career.

While his initial performances showed promise, Werner struggled to deliver consistently. By the end of his first stint, he had managed only two goals and three assists in 14 appearances—a return deemed underwhelming for a club of Tottenham’s ambitions.

Despite these numbers, Spurs re-signed him on a season-long loan with an option to buy. This decision has proven unwise, as Werner’s performances this season have declined further.

Werner’s Performance Stats at Spurs

Despite these poor returns, the one consolation for Tottenham is that Werner’s second stint did not involve a transfer fee. However, the decision to persist with him has added little value to the team.

Another transfer that has drawn criticism is Radu Dragusin. Signed for £26.7 million from Genoa in January after being personally sought by Postecoglou, the Romanian defender has struggled to live up to expectations. While he has occasionally stepped up in the absence of injured teammates, his performances have been marred by mistakes and inconsistencies.

Dragusin’s shortcomings have been particularly evident in European competitions. He received a red card against Qarabağ, gifted a goal to Victor Osimhen in a clash against Galatasaray, and appeared out of his depth against Rangers.

His struggles have also extended to the Premier League, where his displays in defeats against Bournemouth, Chelsea, and Ipswich Town have been heavily criticized. Following the Ipswich game, journalist Mitch Fretton described his performance as an “absolute horror show.”

Although Dragusin has shown flashes of competence, his errors and inability to perform consistently suggest he may not be the right fit for Tottenham’s long-term ambitions.

Summary of Key Issues with Radu Dragusin

To his credit, Dragusin has had moments where he has filled in capably for injured teammates, but those moments have been overshadowed by his frequent lapses. While he may possess the skills to remain in the Premier League, it is evident that he lacks the consistency and quality required to be a key player for Tottenham.

Looking ahead, Tottenham must evaluate their squad carefully to continue progressing under Postecoglou. Selling Dragusin in the summer would provide an opportunity to reinvest in a more reliable defensive option, addressing the squad’s vulnerabilities and enabling the team to build on its successes.

While Postecoglou has achieved much in a relatively short time, refining the roster will be essential for the club to reach the next level.