Tottenham Hotspur has certainly endured a turbulent few years filled with managerial reshuffles, shifting playing styles, and numerous squad changes. However, there are signs of brighter days ahead, with the team potentially entering a period of stability under manager Ange Postecoglou. Now having completed a full season at the helm, Postecoglou has faced his share of early challenges in the current campaign, but the recent victory over Brentford could signify a crucial turning point. Nevertheless, as many Spurs supporters would agree, there remains significant work to be done before the club can reclaim its place among the Premier League elite. This includes the need for continued recruitment of exciting talents while offloading players who are no longer meeting the required standards. One notable issue revolves around a senior player whose weekly earnings surpass those of promising talents like Destiny Udogie and Micky van de Ven.
Udogie and Van de Ven’s Impressive Contributions
Destiny Udogie, a bright talent brought in from Udinese for a fee of around £15 million in the summer of 2022, was initially loaned back to the Italian side, where he enjoyed a standout season. With 34 appearances, three goals, and four assists, Udogie quickly became a player to watch, building significant anticipation ahead of his full debut for Spurs. Upon his return to North London, the 21-year-old exceeded expectations, solidifying his place in Postecoglou’s attack-minded setup. Across 30 appearances, Udogie contributed two goals and three assists, earning him a nomination for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award. His dynamism on the pitch and importance to the team have justified his £75k-per-week salary, which aligns with his undeniable talent and growth potential.
Similarly, Micky van de Ven, who was signed from Wolfsburg for £43 million, has emerged as one of Tottenham’s most crucial assets. The Dutch defender has featured in 33 matches since joining and has quickly demonstrated his value, particularly through his blistering pace, which allows Postecoglou to maintain his preferred high defensive line. Despite suffering a few injuries, Van de Ven has cemented his place as a core member of the squad, making his £50k-per-week wage seem modest compared to his influence on the field.
### Ben Davies: A Loyal Servant, but Is It Time for a Change?
While Udogie and Van de Ven have justified their salaries with their performances, it’s more difficult to do so for some of their higher-earning teammates. One name that stands out is Ben Davies, a player who, despite being a long-serving member of the squad, is currently earning £80k-per-week—a figure that eclipses both Udogie and Van de Ven’s wages.
Having joined Spurs from Swansea City in 2014, Davies has been a reliable presence for over a decade, amassing 331 appearances, along with nine goals and 23 assists. His experience and versatility have made him a valuable squad player throughout the years, but with Tottenham’s recent squad overhaul, the Welshman finds himself further down the pecking order. Younger, more dynamic players like Udogie are now preferred in the left-back position, while the center-back roles are firmly occupied by the likes of Van de Ven, Cristian Romero,