“FORGET VAN DE VEN, WE HAVE ANOTHER BEAST, OUR SEASON IS STILLE ON”- Ange Postecoglou confirms decision to unleash £25m Tottenham star against Aston Villa as major update emerges
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou faces a difficult decision for the upcoming clash against Aston Villa, as he’s now likely to start Radu Dragusin, the £25 million summer signing, in the absence of Micky van de Ven. Van de Ven, who has been a crucial part of Tottenham’s backline, picked up what appears to be a hamstring injury during their recent match against Manchester City. Although he will undergo further medical assessments, early indications suggest that he could be sidelined for this weekend, leaving a gap in defense. This situation brings an exciting opportunity for Dragusin, who has been waiting in the wings this season with limited league minutes, as Postecoglou has mainly relied on the partnership of Cristian Romero and van de Ven.
Dragusin’s potential start is noteworthy for Tottenham fans, especially since his arrival created quite a buzz. Spurs successfully beat Bayern Munich to sign the young center-back, a testament to his promising talent. Despite impressing whenever he has played, Dragusin hasn’t yet broken into the starting eleven as a regular. However, his performance against Manchester City showcased his defensive prowess and ability to read the game, standing out as one of the top performers in a challenging match. With this standout showing, Postecoglou may feel more inclined to grant him the playing time he’s been eagerly awaiting.
The 21-year-old defender has only featured in one league game this season, but sources close to Dragusin reveal that Tottenham’s coaching staff is strategically managing his development, aiming to mold him into a world-class center-back by carefully pacing his exposure. Already an established international for his national team and now in his second season at Tottenham, Dragusin is likely to view this weekend as a prime opportunity to establish himself as a starting fixture. It’s a chance for him to solidify his place and prove his potential as a central figure in Tottenham’s defense.
This showdown against Aston Villa carries significant weight for Spurs and their fans, especially following a frustrating defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. A win is paramount, yet historically, Tottenham has faced difficulties against Unai Emery’s disciplined Villa squad. Villa is enjoying a strong season start and is vying for a top-four finish, proving themselves as formidable contenders in the Premier League.
Adding to Tottenham’s challenges, injuries have started to mount, with key players like captain Son Heung-min, who has struggled for consistency this season, facing fitness issues. Additionally, Timo Werner, who also sustained an injury against Manchester City, is expected to miss out alongside van de Ven. The loss of these pivotal players raises the stakes for the rest of the squad, with Dragusin now in the spotlight as he steps in during this critical period.
The outcome of this weekend’s fixture will not only impact Tottenham’s standing but could also mark a turning point for Dragusin’s role in the squad. As he prepares to step up in the absence of van de Ven, the young defender has the chance to prove that he’s ready for the big stage and to make a compelling case for becoming a first-team regular under Postecoglou’s management.