We are set for an exciting game this midweek as Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur are gearing up for an all-important Europa League quarter-final showdown against Eintracht Frankfurt, and with the first leg ending in a 1-1 stalemate, the trip to Germany will be more nerve-wrecking for the Lilywhites faithful. One game can end up deciding the season for the North Londoners, and it could also have a far-reaching impact on Ange Postecoglou’s future at N17.
Going into the game, there are a few key battles that could end up deciding the final result, with each match-up posing a tactically unique challenge that can influence the overall tactics of the head coaches.
And here we will take a look at three key battles:
Hugo Larsson vs Lucas Bergvall
We do know that it is important for the North Londoners to keep Hugo Larsson from receiving the ball, given how potent he is in controlling the game and drifting passes behind the second stream of press. But Spurs do have a highly probable prospect of their own in Larsson’s international teammate Lucas Bergvall, who is known for his agility and ability to exploit spaces. The latter will be looking to get some space in pockets, particularly between the lines, and try to receive the ball to initiate attacks. We have seen how Lucas can impact games, and if he can find some space and time on the ball, the 19-year-old could significantly influence the game.
So it will be important for Larsson to effectively neutralise Bergvall; it will limit Tottenham’s attacking threat.
On the other hand, Hugo Larsson is more of a steady option in the midfield. He is dynamic and likes to dictate the pace of the game from the middle of the park, which is why containing the space in which he receives and releases the balls is important. He has the ability to keep the ball at his feet and provide those press-aiding passes owing to the vision that he possesses. And then comes his grind; he does track back and helps defensively, making him an all-around presence in the middle of the park.
This shapes up to be an exciting duel in the middle of the park.
Rasmus Kristensen vs Heung-Min Son
Rasmus Kristensen is known for his physicality, but his ability to understand the game will be tested this midweek as he comes up against the South Korean ace. The Danish fullback will have to be smart and on his toes to keep track of Son’s movements, particularly when he looks to exploit gaps in the defence, and possibly the 27-year-old can choose to keep himself tight to his counterpart and be aware of the inside spaces given how Son likes to move inside from the outside. The 32-year-old has the ability to distance himself from Kristensen with intelligent movement, and the latter may end up needing support from his midfielders to contain Son.
Now, for Son, he knows how important this game is, and we all know how good he is at understanding space and creating shot situations.
This duel is simple: any successful outing for the South Korean international can end up giving him multiple opportunities in front of goal for him and for Tottenham, while if Kristensen manages to limit his influence, it will significantly reduce the attacking potency of the visitors.
More Tottenham Hotspur News:
- TTLB Opinion: Is Postecoglou the reason behind Maddison’s underwhelming season at Tottenham?
- TTLB Opinion: Tottenham target Branthwaite and Guehi – but who makes more sense?
- TTLB Opinion: Tottenham could find it difficult to retain Dejan Kulusevski
Hugo Ekitike vs Cristian Romero
We saw how Romero conceded space to Ekitike in the half space in the first leg that led the former to find the back of the net; it is those slick spaces that can end up playing a massive factor in the game. Romero will likely try to go tight to the Frenchman yet again, but this time he will have to be more precise in conceding spaces (maybe adapt to tactical fouls when Hugo gets the better of him).
Ekitike is going to be a massive threat for the North Londoners and could yet again end up proving to be the game-decider.
