Timo Werner finally granted his Tottenham wish by Ange Postecoglou, as fans desperately awaits his response that will determine his future at the club

Timo Werner finally granted his Tottenham wish by Ange Postecoglou, as fans desperately awaits his response that will determine his future at the club

Timo Werner will be hoping that more starting opportunities come his way following his inclusion in Tottenham Hotspur’s 3-0 triumph over Manchester United last Sunday. It was a significant day for Ange Postecoglou and his Spurs squad, as they delivered a commanding performance at Old Trafford, overpowering the Red Devils. Werner, stepping in for Son Heung-min, made a positive contribution on the left flank, playing a key role in the victory.

 

Despite his solid display, Werner missed two good chances to add to the scoreline, with both attempts lacking the precision needed to beat United’s goalkeeper Andre Onana. Aside from those missed opportunities, it was clear why Postecoglou opted for the 28-year-old in the starting lineup. His inclusion allowed Spurs to maintain their preferred shape, utilizing two fast-paced wingers and ensuring Dejan Kulusevski remained in his usual position, where he has excelled in recent matches.

 

Werner’s strong connection with left-back Destiny Udogie and others down the left side was another highlight. Since his debut at Old Trafford in January, Werner has consistently performed well in these high-pressure encounters. However, while his play was sharp and often exciting, his final actions at critical moments left something to be desired. One instance occurred late in the game when, after twice beating his marker on the left, Werner’s cross missed several of his teammates, including Dominic Solanke, who were in prime positions on the edge of the penalty area. Although the build-up was impressive, it was the final execution that let him down.

 

Reflecting on his first effort at goal, it’s possible that Werner had too much time to think about his shot, which may have led to hesitation. Alternatively, it could be attributed to a lack of confidence or match sharpness. The striker, who was a prolific scorer during his time in Germany with 113 goals in 213 appearances for RB Leipzig, has found goals much harder to come by in the Premier League.

 

Unfortunately, much of the focus on Werner in recent times has been around his high-profile misses, rather than his ability to find the back of the net. However, what he consistently offers Tottenham is a tireless work ethic, relentless energy, and versatility – qualities that often go unnoticed but are invaluable to the team.

 

Werner made an immediate impact after joining Tottenham on loan from RB Leipzig in January, notching two goals and three assists in 14 appearances. It was no surprise, then, that Postecoglou was keen to retain him for the 2024/25 season. The German forward brings experience, provides cover for Son Heung-min on the left wing, and possesses the dynamic attributes that the head coach values in wide players, especially with a packed fixture schedule this season.

 

So far this campaign, Werner has made six appearances, although only two have been starts, with most of his contributions coming off the bench in the final 10-15 minutes of Premier League games. This limited playing time has made it challenging for him to make a significant impact or fully integrate into the tempo of matches.

 

His first start of the season against Coventry City was forgettable, but his performance against Manchester United, aside from the missed chances, should offer him a much-needed confidence boost. His next opportunity to impress could come on Thursday when Spurs face Ferencvaros in their second Europa League group stage match. With more opportunities likely to arise against the Hungarian side, it could be the perfect occasion for Werner to rediscover his scoring touch. Whether he nets a spectacular 30-yard strike or simply scrambles the ball over the line from close range, any goal could provide the confidence boost he desperately needs.

 

Werner’s return to Tottenham has proven to be a shrewd move for the club. Despite some inconsistencies in front of goal, he still has a pivotal role to play throughout the season. Ange Postecoglou has a reputation for getting the best out of his players, and he will undoubtedly be eager to unlock even more from Werner in the coming games, starting with Thursday’s clash against Ferencvaros. With a long campaign ahead, Werner’s contributions could prove vital to Spurs’ success across multiple competitions.