The versatile Timo Werner can don many hats in the Tottenham starting XI
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has secured a fine buy with Timo Werner. The German forward will have a chance to redeem himself after failing to perform the last time he set foot in England. Re-arriving in the EPL, this time with the rivals, makes this whole saga a lot more spicy.
Many expected the Lilywhites boss to gun for a defender, particularly centre-back. However, a centre forward came out of the syllabus. One cannot really blame the Aussie manager as Spurs were indeed short of a poacher in front of the goal. James Maddison’s injury affected the club dearly and Son’s departure to fulfil national duty will hammer them down even more.
Spurs pose no threat in front of goal apart from these two. There is Richarlison who has found his form but again, the Brazilian’s consistency cannot be trusted. The North Londoners are slowly crawling back to winning ways after a major slip-up in the Premier League despite a strong start.
Postecoglou is left without some of his finest players ahead of a busy January. Having Werner by his side will come off as a relief but again, placing him in the right position will be a challenge left with the Spurs boss. Werner is a fast player with goalscoring abilities. His shot power is another strong department just as is his ability to link up with the midfielders. Let us see how could be placed in the starting XI.
The Number 9 (4-3-2-1)
This is Ange Postecoglou’s favourite formation. While he shuffles with the rest of his squad, the number 9 role as of now is handed over to Richarlison. The striker struggled quite a lot with finding the back of the net until recently. He now has found his form but having Werner take up that position will increase the competition between the duo.
Werner’s pace is commendable and he has been more influential than the Brazilian in front of goals this season. Son, Kulusevski, Johnson, or any other midfielder will have Timo Werner waiting for the ball to cut through the heart of the opposition’s defence. James Maddison’s return can turn this formation much more lethal.
Maddison’s eye for space and Timo Werner’s prowess to exploit the gaps would be something Tottenham can make the most of. Having another attacking-minded player like Dejan Kulusevski will take the Spurs attack a notch higher.
Second striker (4-3-1-2)
There is no shortage of defensive midfielders for Ange Postecoglou. Apart from the current set of players, there is Yves Bissouma, who will be back soon from suspension. The star-studded midfield lineup comprising Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Oliver Skipp, Pape Matar Sarr and Rodrigo Bentancur gives Postecoglou an added advantage.
Timo Werner can team up with the in-form Richarlison to create a menace in the final third. Having Son at the heart of midfield can make things easy for the Spurs’ attacking setup. Lo Celso can take the position until Son returns from national duty. Werner is someone who can excel as a striker and a centre-forward.
Furthermore, this formation will ensure Richarlison’s morale is kept intact. The Brazilian took 50 games to find his footing with the club. Reducing his playing time to accommodate the latest arrival might hinder Richarlison’s progress. On the other hand, what’s better than having one goal-scorer up front? Two goalscorers!
The challenge, however, will be during January when the gaffer will be without his skipper. Nevertheless, having Werner and Richarlison ahead should make things easier for the Spurs midfield. Moreover, Timo Werner’s commendable work rate will assist his midfielders should the situation call for.
Winger (4-1-2-3)
Ange Postecoglou has barely moved from his favourite 4-3-2-1 formation. The tactical switch has to be one of the main reasons why Spurs managed to go their first 10 games unbeaten this season. The 4-3-2-1 formation lets the team exploit the space from the centre.
James Maddison’s link-up with Son Heung-min penetrated through even the toughest defences. Now that the Tottenham head coach is left without either of his attacking spearheads, this might be a good time to consider a change in formation. Having a versatile attacker like Timo Werner can open many opportunities for Ange.
The former RB Leipzig man started his career as a left winger. Cutting in from the left flank and shooting with his stronger foot is Werner’s signature technique. A strong defensive midfielder like Yves Bissouma can single-handedly assist his backline in this 4-1-2-3 formation.
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The attacking midfield can consist of hardworking engines — Lo Celso and Brennan Johnson. Richarlison can continue with his goal-scoring by playing the number 9 role. Right-wing will be a challenging position for Ange Postecoglou and Dejan Kulusevski should be his best bet. Undoubtedly, Werner can go back to his roots and start exploiting the opposition from the left side of the park.
