The range of quality and competition at White Hart Lane is on the rise as Ange Postecoglou assembles a squad that can achieve excellence going into the brand-new season and beyond. The Australian boss will be looking to build on the progress at N17 following his successful spell in the first year with the English giants.
There is more competition and less room for error as players breathe down each other’s necks to get marginal room to impress the head coach into an opportunity in the team.
Dragusin ready to challenge for Spurs spot
One of those tough decisions coming the former Celtic boss’ way is the centre-back conundrum as winter dining Radu Dragusin warms up to get a taste of consistent minutes after an ‘impressive’ Euro 2024 campaign.
The 22-year-old has seen a lack of opportunities since he moved to White Hart Lane and has made only four starts in the English top tier since donning the Spurs badge.
And despite that, Dragusin had an exemplary campaign in the European Championship, where they reached the last sixteen before eventually losing out to the Netherlands, and former Tottenham player Paul Robinson was excited by Radu’s performances in Germany.
Robinson backs Radu for more minutes
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Tottenham News, Robinson spoke about how the club needed someone to challenge Van de Ven and Romero at the heart of the defence and how they found the right player in Radu to do so in the next season.
Robinson said:
“I was recently impressed with him at Euro 2024, and I was delighted when they signed him last summer. Spurs needed someone to challenge Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero. They’re excellent, but looking at their injury and suspension records, neither will complete a full season.”
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“Dragusin will get his opportunity at some point. Ange Postecoglou’s preferred pairing is Van de Ven and Romero, but he’s got the chance to play three at the back. He was unlucky last season because he came on a few times as a holding midfielder, trying to hold on in games. He also came on in the full-back areas and didn’t get a run of games at centre-half. He was really impressive at Euro 2024 with how combative he was and his leadership skills, so his opportunity will come, especially with the European games.”
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“It’s up to him to take the opportunity when it comes. I’m sure we’ll all see what he can do in a Spurs shirt rather than an international one, and he’ll give the manager a problem.”
Dragusin was given an opportunity in the pre-season owing to VDV and Romero’s absence, and he produced mixed performances in the lead-up to the season. At the moment, despite his high ceiling and talent, the Romanian is considered a backup at N17 owing to the options at Ange’s disposal.
However, with the club set to appear in the Europa League this season, opportunities should come Radu’s way, be it in the league or Europe.
How many appearances do you think Radu Dragusin will record this season?
