Fewer touches than Werner: Ange must brutally sell 3/10 Spurs flop who lost every duel

Ange Postecoglou was visibly frustrated after Tottenham Hotspur’s latest Premier League defeat against Newcastle United, marking their fifth loss in seven matches.

This continued slump leaves Spurs entrenched in the lower half of the table, a situation exacerbated by a relentless injury crisis. While the lack of squad depth hampers consistency, the team’s recurring errors and questionable tactical decisions remain significant concerns.

Postecoglou’s decision to start Timo Werner on the left flank drew criticism after the German delivered another lackluster performance. Despite his pace, Werner struggled to make any meaningful impact, a stark contrast to Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, who dominated on the opposite side of the pitch.

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle: Timo Werner vs. Anthony Gordon

Stats via Sofascore

Werner’s poor display included zero shots on target and limited involvement, with only 22 touches and no key contributions in attack. Meanwhile, Gordon was a constant threat, scoring Newcastle’s second goal and creating opportunities for his teammates.

This disparity highlighted Tottenham’s missteps in squad decisions, particularly the decision to sign Richarlison instead of Gordon in 2022.

Werner’s struggles culminated in his substitution for Heung-min Son, who brought some energy and creativity in his brief time on the field. Son’s contributions included a completed dribble, a key pass, and a strong duel success rate, emphasizing the gap in quality between the two players.

While Werner’s performance was underwhelming, he wasn’t the only Tottenham player to disappoint. Radu Dragusin, the Romanian defender, delivered another poor showing, raising doubts about his long-term future at the club.

Radu Dragusin’s Underwhelming Performance

Signed from Genoa in January 2023 for £27 million, Dragusin was expected to solidify Tottenham’s defense. However, his performances have been riddled with errors, including a passing accuracy of just 53% and a failure to win his only contested duel against Newcastle.

Stats via Sofascore

Dragusin’s inability to adapt to Postecoglou’s system, which demands technical proficiency and composure under pressure, has drawn widespread criticism. His passing metrics rank among the bottom 24% of center-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive passes, according to FBref.

This season, Dragusin has committed four errors leading directly to goals, further undermining Tottenham’s defensive stability. While some attribute his struggles to a sickness bug affecting the squad before the Newcastle match, his issues predate this fixture and suggest deeper deficiencies.

Postecoglou’s tactical approach relies on ball-playing defenders who can contribute to the buildup phase, making Dragusin’s fit within the system increasingly questionable. With key center-backs like Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, and Ben Davies set to return from injury, Dragusin’s role in the squad appears precarious.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy may face a tough decision regarding Dragusin’s future. With a transfer value of £21 million, as per Transfermarkt, the club could consider selling the Romanian to recoup some of their investment.

While he has potential and time to develop, his performances this season suggest he may not be suited to the demands of Premier League football.

Dragusin’s tenure at Tottenham has been marked by high-profile errors, including a red card in the Europa League and a series of costly mistakes in domestic matches. These issues have eroded confidence in his ability to anchor the defense, even in a team dealing with an injury crisis.

Postecoglou must weigh the risks of persisting with Dragusin against the benefits of seeking a more reliable option in the transfer market. While some fans advocate for patience and development, others argue that his shortcomings have hindered Tottenham’s progress.

Tottenham’s struggles this season highlight the challenges of balancing tactical ambitions with the realities of an injury-depleted squad. Postecoglou faces mounting pressure to deliver results, but his options remain limited until key players return.

The emergence of young talents like Archie Gray offers a glimmer of hope, but the team’s immediate needs require decisive action. Whether through tactical adjustments or player acquisitions, Tottenham must find a way to reverse their fortunes.

As the January transfer window approaches, the club will have an opportunity to address its weaknesses and bolster its squad. For players like Dragusin and Werner, their performances in the coming weeks could determine their future at the club. Postecoglou’s ability to navigate these challenges will play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of Tottenham’s season.

With the Premier League’s demands showing no signs of easing, Tottenham must rise to the occasion or risk further descent into mediocrity.