Jamie Carragher makes huge claims there is ‘friction’ between Ange Postecoglou & £25m Tottenham star
Ange Postecoglou is known for his straightforward approach, a trait that Tottenham Hotspur fans have come to appreciate. Since taking the helm at Spurs, Postecoglou has largely succeeded in shaping the team to his vision, most notably by securing the signing of Radu Dragusin from Genoa during the January transfer window.
This acquisition was particularly significant, as Dragusin had been widely expected to join Bayern Munich, one of the biggest clubs in Germany. However, Tottenham managed to clinch his signature, a move that many saw as a significant coup for the London club.
In a corresponding transfer, Eric Dier made his exit from Spurs to join Bayern Munich, a switch that was met with approval from the Tottenham faithful, who were pleased with the business the club conducted during that window.
Tottenham reportedly paid Genoa £25 million for Dragusin (according to BBC Sport), and from the outset, it was clear that the Romanian defender would face stiff competition for a starting spot. With Micky van de Ven, known for his blistering pace, and World Cup winner Cristian Romero firmly established as the first-choice centre-back pairing, Dragusin was always likely to play a supporting role.
Last season, Dragusin made four starts in the Premier League, accumulating a total of 424 minutes on the pitch. Much of his time, however, was spent on the bench as an unused substitute. Despite his limited playing time, Dragusin received widespread acclaim for his performances with the Romanian national team during Euro 2024, where he was one of the standout players for his country.
At just 22 years old, Dragusin is seen as a promising talent, pushing the club’s starting centre-backs to maintain their high standards. His potential hasn’t gone unnoticed, with former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher praising Tottenham’s backline as among the best in the Premier League when considered individually. Carragher noted that Postecoglou is striving to build a stronger squad, and hinted at some tension between Dragusin and the manager over the defender’s lack of game time. These comments were made during a segment on Sky Sports Premier League on August 19, 2024.
In their recent 1-1 draw against Leicester City, Tottenham’s defensive lineup featured van de Ven and Romero, with Dragusin once again relegated to the bench. Romero, despite his reputation and accolades, faced criticism for his defensive performance, while Dragusin remained an unused substitute, highlighting the ongoing challenge of breaking into the starting XI.
Carragher further elaborated on Tottenham’s defensive setup, expressing his belief that, on an individual basis, their defenders rank among the best in the league. He praised players like Udogie and Porro, noting their exceptional performances last season. However, he also pointed out that despite their individual quality, Tottenham’s overall defensive record has been disappointing. He suggested that the team’s defensive struggles might not solely be due to personnel but could also stem from tactical issues, such as the deployment of fullbacks into midfield roles.
Looking ahead, Tottenham’s summer transfer activities have sparked debate among fans. While the club has shown ambition, particularly with the record-breaking signing of Dominic Solanke, there are still concerns about the defense. Solanke’s arrival is expected to bolster the forward line, potentially making Spurs a more formidable attacking force in the long term. However, questions remain about the team’s defensive depth, especially if a key player like Destiny Udogie were to suffer an injury.
Although Dragusin could step in as a centre-back, with van de Ven potentially shifting to fullback, the need for additional defensive cover is apparent. Spurs fans may find solace in the club’s spending, but until these defensive concerns are fully addressed, doubts about the team’s ability to compete at the highest level will persist.