Top Pundit accuses £15m Tottenham’s man of playing like a scared child vs Leicester
Tottenham Hotspur’s 2024/25 Premier League campaign didn’t exactly start with a bang, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Leicester City on Monday evening. Facing off against a Leicester side freshly promoted from the Championship, Spurs showed flashes of promise throughout the match, but ultimately failed to capitalize on their opportunities. As the game progressed, it became evident that Tottenham’s attack lacked the creativity and cutting edge necessary to secure all three points. Despite dominating possession for large portions of the match, Spurs appeared to run out of ideas in the final third, particularly as the clock ticked down.
The performance drew the attention of many pundits, with ESPN’s Craig Burley offering a particularly scathing assessment. Burley didn’t hold back in his critique, especially when it came to Timo Werner, who was introduced as a substitute in the second half. Werner, who joined Tottenham from RB Leipzig earlier in the year for a fee of £15 million, has struggled to make his mark since arriving in North London. His performance against Leicester did little to dispel the concerns that have been growing around his role in the team.
Burley expressed his frustration with Werner’s impact, or lack thereof, during the match, questioning the German forward’s contribution and even going as far as to compare his demeanor on the pitch to that of a frightened child. “You talk about making an impact off the bench,” Burley began, “but for me, Timo Werner is an international footballer of some repute, someone who has been around the block. Yet, he came on and looked completely out of sorts. He seemed terrified of the full-back, never once attempting to take him on, never trying to run in behind the defense, and certainly not delivering any crosses of note. It’s like he was playing in fear.”
Burley continued his analysis, highlighting a pattern of play that he finds particularly troubling. “This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this from Werner. Whenever the ball is played up to him, if there’s a defender nearby, he shies away from the challenge. It’s as if he’s afraid to take responsibility, choosing instead to pass the ball off to someone else, often just five yards away. It’s a timid approach that you wouldn’t expect from a player with his experience and supposed pedigree.”
The pundit’s harsh critique didn’t stop there. Burley also questioned why Werner hasn’t been able to replicate the form he showed during his time in Germany. “I don’t care what he did at Leipzig,” Burley asserted. “This is the Premier League, and performances like that simply won’t cut it here. He needs to step up, take the initiative, and show why Tottenham invested in him. Right now, he looks more like a liability than an asset.”
Werner’s lackluster display against Leicester could have significant ramifications for his future at Tottenham. The competition for places in the Spurs’ attack is fierce, with the likes of Heung-Min Son, Richarlison, Wilson Odobert, Brennan Johnson, and Dejan Kulusevski all capable of operating on the wings. Given his current form, Werner could find himself slipping further down the pecking order, with limited opportunities to prove his worth.
Since his arrival at Tottenham, Werner has failed to live up to expectations. His performances have been characterized by a lack of confidence and a seeming inability to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League. The match against Leicester was a prime example of these struggles, as Werner looked out of place and unable to make a meaningful impact on the game. This has led to speculation that his time on the pitch may be significantly reduced this season, especially with the depth of talent Spurs have in their attacking ranks.
As Tottenham’s season progresses, it remains to be seen whether Werner can turn things around. With manager Ange Postecoglou looking to build a dynamic and effective attacking unit, Werner will need to find a way to regain his confidence and assert himself if he hopes to avoid becoming a regular fixture on the bench. The competition for starting spots is fierce, and unless Werner can start delivering performances that justify his price tag, he may find himself on the outside looking in as Tottenham push for success on multiple fronts this season.
In summary, Tottenham’s opening game may have ended in a draw, but the concerns it raised—particularly regarding Timo Werner’s place in the team—could have lasting implications. While there were some encouraging signs, the overall performance highlighted the challenges that Spurs will face as they navigate the demands of the Premier League. For Werner, in particular, the stakes are high. With the pressure mounting, the German forward must rise to the occasion if he hopes to secure his place in a Tottenham side that is eager to make its mark this season.