Imagine being Outshone by Moore, Ange must axe 5/10 Spurs dud who lost the ball 11 times vs AZ
The performance may not have been the high-energy spectacle Tottenham Hotspur fans enjoyed over the weekend, but another three points in the Europa League came as a significant boost. Ange Postecoglou’s side secured a hard-fought victory over AZ Alkmaar, demonstrating grit rather than flair. While they didn’t dismantle the Dutch club, Tottenham clearly dominated, and with a bit more accuracy in the final third, they might have netted additional goals. Nonetheless, a win is a win, and among the Spurs players, a few truly stood out—most notably young Mikey Moore. His performance underscored his potential for greater involvement in the future, making a stark contrast to one of his teammates.
Moore’s Breakthrough Performance
Postecoglou’s decision to start Moore for only the second time this season proved a masterstroke. Initially positioned on the right wing in the first half, Moore shifted to the left in the second, where he showcased an impressive leap in quality. While he didn’t find the back of the net or record an assist, Moore’s relentless energy and technical prowess electrified the crowd during the final 45 minutes, as he consistently posed a threat to AZ Alkmaar’s defense. Each touch was a reminder of his immense potential, making him arguably Tottenham’s most effective forward in that half.
Moore’s display was far from hyperbole. Star teammate James Maddison even likened him to “Neymar on the left wing,” an analogy that resonated with many in the crowd. The Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick rated the 17-year-old an impressive 8 out of 10, praising his “electric” impact on the field. While it may still be premature to label Moore as a permanent starter, his performance suggested he deserves far more minutes, particularly as the player he replaced on the left failed to impress.
Timo Werner’s Disappointing Night
One player whose performance didn’t measure up was Timo Werner. The German international, formerly of Chelsea, had a torrid time in the opening half and was ultimately substituted at halftime. Kilpatrick awarded Werner a 5/10 rating, citing his continued struggles in front of goal, and his poor showing was reflected in the statistics. In his 45 minutes on the pitch, Werner managed one shot on target and one off target, missed a clear scoring opportunity, failed every attempted dribble, and completed just 68% of his passes. His crossing and long-ball accuracy stood at a woeful 50%, while he lost all aerial duels and was dispossessed 11 times. Werner’s struggles culminated in an offside call, marking a night he’d likely prefer to forget.
With his performance against AZ, Werner may well have played himself out of the starting lineup, especially when considering Moore’s dynamism in the same position during the second half. It raises doubts about Werner’s ability to contribute meaningfully, not only in Europe but in the Premier League, where competition is even more intense.
Moving Forward: A Role for Moore?
The disparity between Moore and Werner’s performances was glaring. Moore has undoubtedly staked his claim for more opportunities, while Werner faces an uphill battle to regain Postecoglou’s confidence. As Tottenham navigate both domestic and European campaigns, Moore’s energy, skill, and potential could be vital assets. Should he continue performing at this level, he may quickly find himself an integral part of Tottenham’s lineup.
In contrast, Werner’s future contributions appear uncertain. Unless he significantly improves, his place in the squad might come under scrutiny. The stark difference between Moore’s rise and Werner’s struggles only emphasizes the shifting dynamics within Postecoglou’s side. For Tottenham fans, the hope is clear: seeing Moore’s star continue to rise while the team builds momentum on both fronts.