Wilson Odobert – Ange Postecoglou’s team selection for Tottenham Hotspur’s clash against Everton raised some eyebrows, with the Australian manager opting for a creative midfield setup. James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski were deployed in central roles alongside Yves Bissouma, with Maddison taking up the left half-space and Kulusevski operating on the right.
This unconventional choice reflected Postecoglou’s intent to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game.
One of the standout decisions was the inclusion of Wilson Odobert in the starting lineup. Despite only having a week of training with his new teammates, the young winger delivered an impressive debut performance. Odobert’s ability to carry the ball forward and draw defenders into uncomfortable positions was evident from the start. His chemistry with Maddison and Destiny Udogie on the left flank caused significant problems for Everton, as the trio combined fluidly to break down Sean Dyche’s defensive setup.
Postecoglou’s decision to start Maddison in a central role paid off, with the English playmaker showcasing not only his attacking prowess but also his defensive discipline. Speaking to Football.London, Postecoglou praised Maddison for his performance, particularly his work in dealing with Everton’s long balls and his ability to retain possession under pressure.
“Yeah, I thought Madders was really good and again, really disciplined,” Postecoglou said. “It’s not an easy game when you play against a team like Everton because you know there’s not gonna be a hell of a lot of space in the front third. But you’ve also got to work defensively for second balls. I thought he was really good at doing that for us. He kind of mopped up a few times when they’ve gone long and kept the ball for us.”
The Spurs boss also highlighted the effective partnership between Maddison and Odobert, noting that the two players quickly developed a good understanding on the pitch. “He had a really good synergy with Wilson early on, they worked really well together. And then he made some great runs,” Postecoglou added.
The combination of Maddison’s creativity, Kulusevski’s versatility, and Odobert’s dynamism provided Tottenham with a multi-faceted approach in midfield, offering a glimpse of the attacking potential under Postecoglou’s leadership. This promising setup could be key as Spurs continue to refine their strategy throughout the season.