Forget Werner: Spurs have a dreadful teen who could now start for the first time
Two weeks can change everything in football, and Tottenham Hotspur are the perfect example of that transformation.
Just a few weeks ago, the team was under heavy scrutiny after dropping points to Leicester City and suffering back-to-back losses against Arsenal and Newcastle United.
Many questioned the club’s direction, and talk of a crisis began to circulate. However, with their backs against the wall, Spurs responded in spectacular fashion, winning their next four matches.
Among these victories, their 3-0 triumph over Manchester United was a standout, showcasing their resilience under Ange Postecoglou’s management.
Despite this positive turnaround, one challenge looms on the horizon: the absence of Son Heung-min from the left wing.
Timo Werner, brought in on loan to add depth, has not lived up to expectations, and his performance in Son’s position has been underwhelming. Werner’s lack of form is an issue that Postecoglou will need to address moving forward.
When Tottenham signed Werner on loan in January, there was cautious optimism from both fans and pundits.
Given his history as a prolific scorer with RB Leipzig, many hoped that Postecoglou’s free-flowing system would unlock Werner’s potential, making him the player he was before his disappointing stint at Chelsea.
After all, players like Kai Havertz and Jorginho had seen improvements in their performances after switching clubs, so there was a belief that Werner could undergo a similar resurgence at Spurs.
Unfortunately, Werner’s impact has been limited. While there were moments of promise, his overall performance last season left much to be desired.
By the time a thigh injury cut his campaign short in April, Werner had only managed two goals and three assists in 14 appearances.
Despite his struggles, Tottenham decided to extend his loan for another season, with an option to buy for around £8.5 million. However, based on his form so far, it’s uncertain whether Spurs will exercise that option.
In the current season, Werner has appeared in six matches, two of which were starts. Despite these opportunities, he has yet to score a goal, and his performance in the League Cup against Coventry City was particularly disappointing.
In that match, Werner looked off the pace, which resulted in a poor rating from Spurs analysts. Given his recent form, Werner’s struggles wouldn’t be a significant issue if he were limited to late-game substitute appearances.
However, following Son’s recent injury, Postecoglou may have to rely on Werner to fill that crucial left-wing role for an extended period.
While Werner’s inclusion didn’t cost Tottenham the match against Manchester United, there’s a real concern that his lack of sharpness could become more problematic in future games.
It’s clear that Postecoglou needs a new plan to cover Son’s absence, and one potential solution is already emerging from Tottenham’s academy: Mikey Moore.
At just 17 years old, Moore represents a bold but exciting option for Postecoglou. Despite his youth, Moore has shown great promise, making five first-team appearances over the past year.
His talent is undeniable, as highlighted by his impressive record with Tottenham’s junior teams. In 33 games, Moore has scored 20 goals and provided 15 assists, showcasing a level of productivity that has caught the attention of scouts and coaches alike.
According to James Maddison, Moore’s power and ability are only set to grow as he continues to develop physically. Maddison’s comments underscore the belief in Moore’s potential and the high expectations surrounding the young winger.
Moore’s statistics at the youth level are particularly impressive, with an average of 1.06 goal involvements per game.
While it’s unlikely that these numbers will directly translate to the senior team, they provide a glimpse into the attacking dynamo that Moore could become.
His brief appearance against Manchester United, where he nearly scored with a curling shot from outside the box, further demonstrated his composure and readiness for the big stage.
With Son out of action, Tottenham will need someone to step up and fill the void. Werner, based on his recent performances, is not the player to do that.
Moore, on the other hand, has shown enough promise to warrant serious consideration for a starting role. Although there’s no easy replacement for Son, Moore could offer a fresh, dynamic option that Spurs need to continue their strong run of form.
Ange Postecoglou has already proven himself capable of making bold decisions and bringing the best out of his players.
As the team prepares for its next challenge, it might be time for the manager to drop Werner from the starting lineup and give Moore the opportunity to shine. With Moore’s raw talent and potential, Tottenham could have a rising star on their hands.
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