Ange Postecoglou, the astute manager of Tottenham Hotspur, is facing an intriguing selection dilemma as his team prepares for a formidable clash against Manchester City in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. This highly anticipated match is set to kick off at 8:15 PM on Wednesday night at the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Spurs fans are eager to see how their side will fare against one of the toughest opponents in English football.
As 
Postecoglou strategizes for this critical encounter, he is confronted with significant challenges regarding his attacking options, particularly on the left flank. Star forward Son Heung-min is currently unavailable due to injury, and the promising Wilson Odobert has encountered a serious setback, leaving the manager in a tight spot. These unfortunate circumstances have intensified the focus on who might take on the responsibility of starting on the left side of the attack.
Mikey Moore, a young talent who has already made an impression by starting the last two matches, is in contention for a third consecutive start. However, the demands of playing at this level can be quite taxing, especially for a player still finding his footing in the professional game. Postecoglou is weighing the pros and cons of relying on such a young player for a third game in quick succession.
In a recent pre-match press conference with football.london, Postecoglou offered some intriguing insights into his selection plans, indicating that a player not typically associated with the left wing is “definitely an option.” This brings us to the intriguing prospect of Richarlison, who has just returned to the squad after an extended absence due to injury.
Richarlison, the talented forward earning £90,000 a week, was specifically mentioned by Postecoglou when discussing potential options for the left wing. The manager emphasized Richarlison’s versatility, noting, “I think Richy has played a lot of his football on the left and he’s definitely an option there for us. He’s an option through the middle as well.” His comments suggest a tactical flexibility that could benefit Spurs significantly in their pursuit of victory against City.
Postecoglou highlighted that Richarlison is gradually finding his match fitness, stating, “He’s getting some good match minutes now and hopefully with the next couple of weeks, with a good game schedule…” This indicates that the manager is keen on integrating Richarlison into the team without overwhelming him as he ramps up his contributions.
Richarlison’s track record supports this decision, as historical data from Transfermarkt shows that the Brazilian international has substantial experience playing on the left wing. Over the course of his career, he has made 109 appearances in that position across various clubs, in addition to 11 matches for the Brazilian national team. Furthermore, he has also played 163 times as a center-forward and 60 times on the right wing, showcasing his adaptability across the front line.
Given this background, should Richarlison be called upon to start on the left, he would not only be familiar with the role but also equipped to make a significant impact in the game. The upcoming match against Manchester City represents a pivotal moment for both Richarlison and Spurs as they aim to progress further in the Carabao Cup, and all eyes will be on how Postecoglou chooses to navigate this selection conundrum.