Although Ange Postecoglou was appointed manager of Tottenham Hotspur following the 2022–2023 season, it would be an understatement to say that improvements have not yet been made.
When the Australian manager declared in March, “I don’t see fourth as the prize,” he made headlines. He meant to say that the ultimate test of Spurs’ progress is how well the team grows collectively and how well they absorb the tactics, philosophy, and dedication to the purpose.
If our squad has not improved and matured, I do not want to place fourth. I don’t mind if no one believes me. The story aims to place you in situations where you believe that reaching level four is a significant accomplishment that provides you with something for next year.
In the Premier League, Tottenham is presently sitting in fifth place, three points behind Aston Villa in the top four. They are playing a game. They did not compete in any European competition previous season, finishing seventh. Everything is up for grabs. Everything is in front of you.
Postecoglou should be happy with his side’s development even if Spurs are not selected for Europe’s golden event the next season, despite the fact that recent games have shown weaknesses in hold-up play, durability, and team cohesiveness.
In an attempt to strengthen the defense, Micky van de Ven, then 22 years old, was brought in from Wolfsburg for £43 million last summer. In his first season in England, the player has performed admirably, but he’s not indestructible and will need time to refine his skills into something of world-class quality.
While Eric Dier had faded in his final days on N17, he appears rejuvenated on the biggest stages with Bayern Munich. Tottenham may need a little more leadership and poise.
The rationale behind Eric Dier’s sale
After being benched by Postecoglou at Tottenham and given opportunities only when all other options had been exhausted, Dier played just four times this season before joining Bayern Munich in January, six months before his contract in north London expired.
As his team went to the Champions League semifinals this week, he was named talkSPORT’s Man of the Match against Arsenal. Journalist Henry Winter praised him for “intervening softly, Defending resolutely and ensuring a clean sheet.”
❗️🏴 Eric Dier: “It was nice to knock Arsenal out, to be honest”.pic.twitter.com/mVS2VFKYqV
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 18, 2024
According to Sofascore, the 30-year-old made four tackles, three interceptions, two clearances, and won all four of his ground duels against the Gunners at the Allianz Arena. He also completed 92% of his passes.
This trait, which was obviously dormant in his last days as a Tottenham player, will undoubtedly register with Postecoglou’s team at this moment.
Dier’s work ethic is evident at Bayern, especially when paired with Harry Kane. He may not possess the technical skill of the aggressive Cristian Romero or the exceptional agility of Van de Ven.
However, Dier was always going to be leaving the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after a disastrous 2022–2023 season that brutally exposed Spurs’ shortcomings and failing to deliver the kind of performances that Postecoglou requires.
Although Dier’s departure was appropriate given the situation—perhaps even six months too late—Tottenham may not want to let Joe Rodon go either, as the Welshman is thriving on loan in the Championship with Leeds United and has greater potential. Still, Tottenham obviously needs someone more in the rearguard.
Spurs will be sorry to sell Joe Rodon
Rodon, who spent £15 million to join Tottenham from Swansea City in 2020, has only made eight Premier League starts and, at 26, is unlikely to be included in Postecoglou’s starting lineup again unless he is guaranteed regular playing time.
A vital component of Leeds’ push for promotion this year, Rodon has made 40 appearances in the Championship, finishing 91% of his passes, averaging 4.6 clearances and 4.2 ball recoveries per game, and winning 66% of his duels, according to Sofascore.
