Ange Postecoglou’s tenure at Tottenham Hotspur has been marked by decisive moves and a clear vision for the team. One of the significant transfers under his leadership was the acquisition of Radu Dragusin from Genoa in the January transfer window. Radu Dragusin, a highly regarded Romanian center-back, was initially linked with a move to Bayern Munich, but Tottenham swooped in to secure his signature for £25 million.
Radu Dragusin First Season at Spurs
Despite the hype surrounding his arrival, Dragusin’s first season at Tottenham saw limited game time. With Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero firmly established as the starting center-back duo, Dragusin found himself primarily as a backup option. He accumulated just 424 minutes of Premier League action across four starts, often spending time as an unused substitute. While this situation might have been expected given the strength of Spurs’ starting center-backs, it has led to some tension between Dragusin and Postecoglou.
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Radu Dragusin Praise and Friction
Dragusin’s performances for Romania during Euro 2024 highlighted his potential, with many viewing him as a solid and reliable defender. However, his lack of consistent playing time at Tottenham has been a point of contention. Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool defender, pointed out that while Tottenham’s back four—when considered individually—are among the best in the Premier League, their overall defensive record has been poor. Carragher noted that Dragusin’s limited minutes have created friction between the player and Postecoglou, suggesting that the manager’s squad rotation and tactics might be contributing to the team’s defensive issues.
Tottenham’s Defensive Concerns
The recent 1-1 draw against Leicester City, where van de Ven and Romero started, further highlighted the defensive concerns at Tottenham. Romero, in particular, was criticized for his performance, while Radu Dragusin remained on the bench. This scenario has fueled discussions about the depth and effectiveness of Tottenham’s defense.
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Tottenham’s summer transfer window has been focused on strengthening the squad, with the club breaking its transfer record to sign Dominic Solanke. While the addition of Solanke is expected to boost the team’s attacking options, there are still concerns about the defense. Gary Neville, in his analysis, emphasized the importance of players like Destiny Udogie, noting that an injury to Udogie would create a significant gap in the squad.
The Need for Defensive Reinforcements
Tottenham has invested heavily in their squad, but the defensive line remains an area of concern. While Radu Dragusin is a capable center-back, his lack of game time raises questions about the squad’s depth and Postecoglou’s tactical approach. The possibility of van de Ven shifting to fullback if needed provides some flexibility, but it underscores the need for more defensive cover.
As the transfer window nears its end, Tottenham may need to consider additional signings to address these defensive vulnerabilities. The balance between maintaining a strong starting XI and providing opportunities for players like Dragusin will be crucial for Postecoglou as he aims to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level.