Tottenham's January transfer window plans and the wonderkid Postecoglou

Tottenham’s January transfer window plans and the wonderkid Postecoglou

Here’s the full transcript from our weekly Tottenham Hotspur Q&A with our Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold as he was asked questions about the north London club

Ange Postecoglou is looking to make a big impact as the head coach of Tottenham Hotspur

Jack00: “With Davinson Sanchez being moved on do you think there’s a chance we’ll revisit the Lloyd Kelly deal in January to add more cover for the backline?”

Alasdair says: “Kelly will certainly be one of the defenders they look at. Postecoglou made it clear when I asked after the window shut that he was short at centre-back now. Kelly’s contract situation, with just nine months or so left on his deal, marks him out as a good homegrown option for a mid-season swoop and he fits Postecoglou’s system. Tosin Adarabioyo will also be in the same contract situation if nothing new is signed.

“For Tottenham, if Eric Dier does head off in the summer at the end of his contract then the club will look for another centre-back to stock up Postecoglou’s options.”

Jiffyfive: “With the success of the youth teams so far which players could follow an Ashley Phillips and Alejo Veliz to make the bench for the first team?”

Alasdair says: “Technically both of those were first team summer signings, although they have made appearances for the U21s to bump up their fitness. In terms of academy players I’d love to see Jamie Donley get a spot on the bench, although he’s in a position with a lot of first team competition in it right now.

“The way he’s developing though, he’s becoming more and more of a creator than an out and out striker. Who knows, he might one day be able to fit the dual role Harry Kane used to have or even drop deeper to emulate James Maddison.

“Alfie Dorrington is also pushing his claims to have more first team involvement and if there is a centre-back injury or two then he might just find himself among the first team subs. He’s a terrific young defender.”

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piercetews: “What’s your prediction for the match Saturday and why?”

Alasdair says: “I’ll go for a 2-1 win to Spurs. Liverpool will be very strong and they’re in great form but I’ve got real faith in the fans to create an incredible atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with all of the good feeling that has built up recently.”

ARushy: “From the first game to now how has your perception and prediction of the clubs season changed?”

Alasdair said: “Probably just strengthened. I always felt that without European football Postecoglou would have plenty of free weeks to drill his ways into the team and I felt sixth or even fifth – likely to be a Champions League spot – was possible.

“I’ve certainly been impressed with just how quickly the Spurs players have taken on his instructions and now it’s about making it instinctive. There will be bumps in the road ahead but if they can maintain this momentum and steer clear of any injuries to key men such as James Maddison, then they could potentially push a little bit higher, but it’s still very early days.”

hotspur67: “Do you know the totals of who has had yellow cards this season? Really getting worried about suspensions as a lot of them are for arguing with the ref like Maddison?”

Alasdair says: “Bissouma has three in the Premier League, Richarlison, Maddison, Perisic, Sarr and Udogie all have two each, so nobody close yet, although Bissouma will have to keep an eye on it.”

AlexStylianou: “Can you see Bryan Gil having a future under Ange? Would also be interested to hear what he has to say about him.”

Alasdair says: “I was actually planning to ask Postecoglou about Bryan Gil at today’s press conference as one of my questions if nothing else more pressing needs to be asked so we’ll see what he says. Personally, I think he will fit the Australian’s style perfectly as he takes risks with his dribbling and passing and he has the fitness to press high up the pitch.

“The only issue remains his physical stature and strength but he will be looking to show that he’s improved that.”

Gaj45: “Watching Spurs’ senior and academy teams, is it the club’s intention of all the academy teams playing the same way as the first team? Under Conte that didn’t appear to happen as the first team played 3-4-3 while the academy were playing 4-3-3? Are all the coaches playing from the same song sheet?”

Alasdair says: “Spurs have always kept the same philosophy throughout their academy teams, to play a certain way, often 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, with a high tempo, passing style and pressing high up the pitch. They often invert one full-back to bring another body into midfield. All sound familiar? Yep, it’s been waiting for Ange Postecoglou.

“Under Conte they kept their usual style – it’s meant to be the philosophy of the club – which made it all the stranger that they went for such different first team head coaches in Conte, Nuno and Mourinho. The academy just kept playing in their same way, keeping their identity, regardless of the football at the top.”

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jsnjesnjiejnwj: “Who do you think is more suited to Ange’s system between Johnson and Solomon and who do you think Ange will pick?”

Alasdair says: “Both, in different ways. Johnson has pace and finishing, Solomon is the tricky dribbler, who likes to cut inside. Postecoglou loves having different kind of options so the formation may not change but the players do. He will select different players for different games and they aren’t the only ones who can play down either flank.”

RaveO: “After holding the fan forum last week, do you think Levy might make them a more regular thing bearing in mind it was six years (including lockdowns of course) since the last one?”

Alasdair says: “I hope so. It’s one evening of his time and it makes such a big difference to have the chairman communicating with the fans and explaining his decisions. It also humanises him amid the criticism.”

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