Tottenham Hotspur booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League with an impressive comeback victory over Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night. Ange Postecoglou’s team overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit, winning 3-1 on the night and progressing with a 3-2 aggregate scoreline.
It was a performance full of attacking flair and resilience from Spurs, who needed to bounce back after their narrow defeat in the Netherlands. Their response was emphatic, with James Maddison and Wilson Odobert playing starring roles in a night to remember at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Maddison and Odobert Shine in Attacking Display
Midfielder James Maddison led the charge with two well-taken goals, showing his usual creativity and composure in front of goal. Sandwiched between his strikes was a crucial goal from Wilson Odobert, who continues to impress under Postecoglou. The 19-year-old forward has been a revelation since joining the club, with his manager hailing him as a “super talent” in his post-match interview.
Maddison also had high praise for his young teammate, calling Odobert “absolutely fantastic” on the night. The French winger’s performance was another indication of his growing confidence and ability to impact games at the highest level.
Dominic Solanke’s Impact and Return to Fitness
Another key figure in Spurs’ victory was Dominic Solanke, who played a pivotal role in setting up both of Odobert’s goals. The former Liverpool and Bournemouth striker, who joined Tottenham in the summer on a six-year deal, showcased his playmaking ability, linking up brilliantly with his teammates in attack.
Since his arrival in North London, Solanke has registered 11 goals in 32 appearances, proving to be a valuable asset for Postecoglou’s side. However, his season has been disrupted by injury, with the 26-year-old only recently making his return to action.
Solanke’s appearance in the first leg against AZ Alkmaar last week was his first since Spurs’ North London derby defeat to Arsenal in mid-January. A prolonged injury layoff saw him miss 10 games, but his return has been timely, with Tottenham fighting on multiple fronts.
Although he was substituted late in the first-leg clash due to a minor knock, Solanke was back in the starting lineup for the Bournemouth game before delivering a standout performance against AZ in the second leg. His contributions were acknowledged by teammates, with James Maddison commenting on his Instagram post, saying: “It’s good to have you back”, alongside a heart emoji.
Solanke’s England Call-Up Under Tuchel
With his return to full fitness, Solanke’s strong form has earned him a call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad since the German coach took over as the Three Lions boss. The forward will now join the national team for their upcoming friendlies against Albania and Latvia, as England begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Despite competition for places, Solanke’s inclusion is a testament to his progress and the growing recognition of his performances at Tottenham. His versatility and ability to link play could make him a valuable asset for Tuchel, who has spoken highly of the players at his disposal.
Meanwhile, former Spurs star Harry Kane remains England captain under Tuchel, a decision the manager justified in glowing terms. The Bayern Munich striker continues to be a record-breaking presence for the national team, and Tuchel emphasized his importance to the squad:
“It’s a pleasure to work with him. We have a proven goal scorer at the highest level. He has the most caps and the most goals, so he sets the records and sets the standards when it comes to that. We have a lot of expectations because we know him already. It will be a lot of extra responsibility on his shoulders, but Harry is someone who proves that he can handle it. We’re happy to have him in good shape. It’s a clear choice.”
Looking ahead to his first games in charge, Tuchel expressed his excitement about finally getting on the training pitch with his new squad:
“I’m very excited now for training, finally after so many months already in the job – it’s time to be back on the pitch and hug the players, push the players, and implement a certain style of play and some rules and principles. I can’t wait for that. We are very excited to be in charge of a match at Wembley. It’s beyond what I could imagine from my career.”
Spurs March On with Quarter-Final Ambitions
For Tottenham, the focus now shifts to their upcoming fixtures as they continue their Europa League journey. With Ange Postecoglou’s side showing resilience and attacking quality, they will be eager to build momentum in the Premier League and European competition.
With Maddison in fine form, Odobert making waves, and Solanke back and contributing, Spurs have reason to be optimistic as they prepare for a crucial period in their season.
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