‘Enormously exciting talent’: Postecoglou says Spurs have a superb youngster who’s only just getting started
Tottenham Hotspur have firmly established themselves as a club that nurtures and develops young talent, giving rising stars the platform to shine on the biggest stages.
Over the past few years, the North London side has introduced a host of promising youngsters into the first team, with players like Pape Matar Sarr, Destiny Udogie, Lucas Bergvall, and Archie Gray making significant impacts.
This commitment to youth has not only strengthened the squad but also created a pathway for emerging talents to flourish. Among these bright prospects is Wilson Odobert, whose recent performance against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League last-16 second leg has firmly announced his arrival as a player to watch.
Odobert, who joined Tottenham last summer, has faced challenges in his debut season, primarily due to injuries that limited his opportunities to showcase his abilities.
However, the 20-year-old French winger seized his moment on Thursday night, delivering a standout performance that played a pivotal role in Spurs’ victory. His display was a testament to his hard work, resilience, and undeniable talent, earning praise from manager Ange Postecoglou and teammates alike.
Postecoglou expressed his delight at Odobert’s performance, highlighting the youngster’s dedication and potential. Speaking to reporters after the match, the Tottenham boss described Odobert as a player with exceptional technical ability and a knack for taking on defenders.
“I’m super pleased for him because he’s worked awfully hard,” Postecoglou said. “He’s one of these players who has the ability to take players on, find space, and is a great technician. To see him get his goals tonight was fantastic. He’s been working hard behind the scenes, and this is just the starting point for him.”
The manager also emphasized that Odobert’s journey is only beginning, noting that the young winger is still regaining full fitness after his injury setbacks. Postecoglou’s excitement about Odobert’s potential is shared by his teammates, with James Maddison describing the Frenchman’s performance as “absolutely fantastic” and deserving of a “big pat on the back.”
Odobert’s impact on the match was undeniable. He opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a clinical finish after a well-timed cutback from Dominic Solanke. The winger then played a key role in the build-up to James Maddison’s goal early in the second half, which extended Tottenham’s lead.
Although Odobert experienced a moment of misfortune, inadvertently setting up AZ’s goal, he quickly redeemed himself by scoring again in the 74th minute. This decisive goal, another tap-in from a Solanke assist, secured Tottenham’s 3-2 aggregate victory and booked their place in the Europa League quarter-finals.
Below is a detailed breakdown of Odobert’s impressive performance against AZ Alkmaar:
| Statistic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 78′ |
| Goals Scored | 2 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 1.03 |
| Shots on Target | 2 |
| Shots off Target | 1 |
| Dribble Attempts (Successful) | 4 (3) |
| Touches | 50 |
| Accurate Passes | 26/31 (84%) |
| Crosses (Accurate) | 2 (1) |
| Ground Duels (Won) | 8 (5) |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Total Tackles | 2 |
Odobert’s performance was a masterclass in attacking play, combining technical skill, intelligent movement, and composure in front of goal. His ability to influence the game at critical moments underscored his potential to become a key figure for Tottenham in the years to come.
Alongside fellow young talents like Bergvall and Gray, Odobert represents the next generation of Spurs stars, offering a glimpse into a bright future for the club.
Tottenham’s victory over AZ Alkmaar not only kept their European campaign alive but also highlighted the depth of talent within the squad. The emergence of players like Odobert is a testament to the club’s commitment to developing young talent and integrating them into the first team.
As Spurs prepare for their Europa League quarter-final clash against Eintracht Frankfurt, the contributions of their young stars will be crucial in their pursuit of silverware.
For Odobert, this performance marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey. With his talent, work ethic, and the guidance of Postecoglou, the young winger has the potential to become a cornerstone of Tottenham’s attack.
As the season progresses, fans can look forward to seeing more of Odobert’s flair and determination, knowing that the best is yet to come for this rising star.