Radu Dragusin has been heavily criticised for his performances in recent Tottenham games. Rather than fixating on his weaknesses, there are ways he can be effectively utilised to bring out his best qualities and help Spurs secure wins.
Even though it has only been two weeks, the euphoric League Cup win against Manchester City feels like an age ago. The display provided a glimpse of Spurs rarely seen under Ange Postecoglou.
Before that game (and up until the match against Ipswich), Tottenham have defended well at home and often found success through counter-attacks. However, it has been rare to see Tottenham settled into a low-block. Spurs ended the match against City with such a low percentage of possession (32% to City’s 68%). However, during that game, they generally remained compact and Radu Dragusin appeared at his best, in a resilient defence.
However, Galatasaray and Ipswich specifically set up to take advantage of Dragusin’s limitations on the ball. Closing off passing options, forcing him to make easier choices backwards or to turnover possession. This makes Tottenham’s build-up play significantly harder to implement and with other tactical issues in the team, perhaps there needs to be an adjustment to how Dragusin is used in order to benefit the team.
One of the trends in Tottenham performances so far this season has been a noticeable drop of energy within games. This initially appeared as a second-half lethargy and recently has been seen via Spurs starting slowly.
Tottenham and their approach have the potential to physically out-perform most teams with a hyper-aggressive press and (when they are fresh) a uniquely brave and exciting build-up game. While it is unlikely Postecoglou would ever directly advocate for conceding on his non-negotiable high-pressing and attacking intent, there is a potential for Spurs to go all out establishing a lead, then dropping back to their box allowing for them to play directly and securely during the second half.
In this type of game plan, Dragusin could come on as one of the second half substitutes to help see Spurs over the line and secure points. Of course this is dependent on Tottenham being able to establish a lead, but Dragusin is a composed and committed box defender and this type of utilisation would at least allow him to demonstrate his best attributes. Additionally, he is still well-suited to play against any team who do not press aggressively, as seen against Aston Villa.
Adjusting how Dragusin is used does not alter Tottenham’s need for a winger who can get by their defender or another left-footed centre-back. There are players Spurs need to sign to help Postecoglou work towards his vision for the club.
However, in the meantime, there are players in the team with excellent skillsets for particular situations and would be a boon for Tottenham if they can be implemented in an effective manner. Johnson, Son and Sarr are especially effective in transitional situations.
Spurs need more tools to break down determined opponents as well as technically proficient players to play through a press. Their gameplay should always be to establish a lead then invite teams onto them to create space in behind, if they can pull this off, Dragusin and several others have the ability to help them secure wins against even the best opposition.
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