Ange Postecoglou would be wise to replace Timo Werner at half-time against AZ Alkmaar at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (19 October).
As expected, Spurs dominated the majority of possession in the first half of their UEFA Europa League clash with Alkmaar in North London.
However, they weren’t able to fashion too many clear-cut opportunities. Meanwhile, the visitors looked a threat on the break, with Ernest Poku looking particularly lively.
Therefore, if Postecoglou wants to avoid an unwelcome home defeat, he needs to make changes at the break, with a particular emphasis on helping his team become more clinical in the final third.
As a result, Werner is the forward who must make way, with the 28-year-old once again struggling to produce in front of goal.
Ange Postecoglou must axe Timo Werner at half-time in Tottenham v AZ Alkmaar
Werner did have some bright moments in the first half.
As per Sofascore, he played two key passes and created one big chance, crossing the ball toward Mikey Moore who headed wide, as the youngster continues his European exploits.
However, the German also did plenty wrong during the first 45 minutes, in particular missing one big chance after Lucas Bergvall had played him through one-on-one.
In addition, he succeeded with zero per cent of his dribbles, completed just 68 per cent of his passes and was accurate with just 50 per cent of his crosses into the box.
He also gave possession away 11 times and Postecoglou must be thinking about replacing him at half-time.
With Wilson Odobert sitting on the bench after his return from injury, he could be the perfect option to bring on in the second half.
In other Tottenham news, Werner could leave the club in January after a transfer update.
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Much has been said about Tottenham Hotspur’s long wait for a trophy, but Micky van de Ven has revealed he and the team are fighting tooth and nail to change that.
Spurs team desperate for success
It has now been 16 years since Tottenham last won a trophy. Since that League Cup win in 2008, the Lilywhites have finished second in the league twice, and fell at the final hurdle in both the Champions League in 2019, and the Carabao Cup in 2021.
With Ange Postecoglou at the helm now, there is renewed optimism that this serial winner can be the man to end the trophy drought for Spurs.
And, every player in the team is eager to be part of that change, too, it seems. Speaking to the press today (via Football.London), Micky van de Ven insisted the squad are going to give it their all to deliver success for Tottenham.
He said: “We’re going to do everything to win a trophy.”
Van de Ven can be key to success
If Spurs are to win a trophy anytime soon, it is likely van de Ven will be a central figure in that success. The centre-back is arguably the cornerstone of Postecoglou’s backline, but he also offers plenty going forward, too, as we’ve seen on multiple occasions already this season.
Discussing his incredible assists against Manchester United at the end of last month and Everton before that, van de Ven said: “I feel free to run, to be honest, and do what I want.
“When you have the trust you can do it. Against Everton, the pitch was open and against Manchester United the same. I thought if I start sprinting now it will be difficult to stop me.”
This team can win a trophy
The whole first-team squad at Spurs right now just feels really well-balanced and positive, and we have quality all over the pitch. Under Postecoglou, the players are showing more resilience and a better ability to control games, and I think a big trophy win is coming either this season or next.
