Wilson Odobert’s Return from Injury Gives Ange Postecoglou a New Attacking Option
Wilson Odobert finally made his long-anticipated return from injury in Tottenham’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United, and in just a few minutes on the pitch, he wasted no time proving his worth to manager Ange Postecoglou.
The 19-year-old winger had been sidelined since September due to a hamstring injury but was given a brief six-minute cameo at Old Trafford. Despite his limited game time, he showcased enough promise to suggest he could play a key role in Tottenham’s attacking setup moving forward.
Spurs secured all three points against United, courtesy of James Maddison’s first-half strike, which ultimately separated the two sides. The game also marked the return of several key players from injury, including Maddison himself, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, forward Brennan Johnson, and left-back Destiny Udogie.
Odobert’s Impact: A New Dimension in Attack
Despite his short spell on the pitch, Odobert immediately made his presence felt. The French youngster completed more dribbles in just three minutes than Dejan Kulusevski managed in the entire match and equaled the tally of club captain Heung-min Son with two successful take-ons.
Odobert’s fearless approach and direct running provided a stark contrast to the subdued performances of Kulusevski and Son, both of whom struggled to beat their markers in one-on-one situations. His energy and attacking intent added an extra spark to Tottenham’s frontline, something that had been lacking in the game.
For Postecoglou, Odobert’s return offers a fresh attacking alternative—a player who isn’t afraid to take on defenders and drive forward with purpose. This could be particularly valuable as Spurs look to add more unpredictability to their offensive play.
Balancing Odobert’s Reintegration with Squad Management
While Odobert’s return is undoubtedly a boost for Tottenham, Postecoglou must handle his reintegration carefully. Given the severity of his hamstring injury, rushing him back into regular action too quickly could risk another setback.
However, with Son’s recent struggles in breaking down defenses and Kulusevski’s inconsistency, there is a strong case for gradually increasing Odobert’s minutes. His ability to take defenders on and inject urgency into the attack could make him a valuable asset as Tottenham push for a top-four finish.
Postecoglou’s Take on Odobert’s Comeback
After the match, Postecoglou expressed his excitement about having multiple key players back in contention, emphasizing how eager they were to contribute.
“The injured lads are all desperate to contribute. They have seen what the other guys have gone through and are just pushing hard,” Postecoglou told the media following the win at Old Trafford.
“Even Brennan, Wilson, Destiny—they were really keen to be involved today. There was no me holding them back. They wanted to be a part of it.”
With a fully fit squad for the first time in months, Tottenham were able to name one of their strongest benches of the season, featuring nine senior players. This depth could prove crucial in the coming weeks as they look to maintain their momentum in the Premier League.
What’s Next for Odobert?
While it’s still early days in his comeback, Odobert’s brief but impactful showing against Manchester United suggests he could play a bigger role in Tottenham’s plans moving forward. His directness, dribbling ability, and willingness to take on defenders offer a different dimension to Spurs’ attack—one that Postecoglou might lean on more frequently as the season progresses.
If managed correctly, the 19-year-old could become a key figure in Tottenham’s push for Champions League qualification, providing much-needed competition for the likes of Son and Kulusevski. His return not only strengthens the squad but also gives Postecoglou an exciting new weapon in his attacking arsenal.
“..have frightening pace that can scare the opposition” – Ange Postecoglou Pleased as he Praises TOP talented Odobert after Agreeing he is the man to finally Oust Son Heung-min from Tottenham XI
