Spurs’ 70-touch “brick” was the shining light with Van de Ven vs City

It is essential to keep in mind that Tottenham Hotspur have made nice strides of their general efficiency since Ange Postecoglou was appointed in the summertime, however their defeat in opposition to Manchester Metropolis within the FA Cup was a sombre reminder of the progress nonetheless to be made.

Restricted to at least one paltry shot on purpose all evening, the hosts had been out-fought and out-thought by final season’s champions within the cup competitors, whose profligacy regarded set to tug the sport towards Manchester for a replay, with dynamic defender Nathan Ake thumping in a messy purpose, the one purpose, from a late nook.

The loss signifies that Postecoglou’s likelihood of securing silverware in his first season in English soccer borders on infinitesimal, falling within the Carabao Cup within the second spherical and failing to qualify for European competitors final time period, eight factors behind top-placed Liverpool within the Premier League.

But it surely’s essential to place issues in perspective: Tottenham have carried out astute and efficient enterprise within the switch market for the reason that finish of the 2022/23 marketing campaign, rekindled the best type of stars resembling Son Heung-min and Cristian Romero, and absorbed and adopted an id that bespeaks the high-class potential of Postecoglou in his bid to convey eventual main honours to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

However, as already acknowledged, Spurs weren’t on par with Metropolis final evening; limp in assault however defiantly resilient in defence, Postecoglou’s facet may need misplaced, however the return of Micky van de Ven is essential heading into the enterprise finish of the marketing campaign.

Micky van de Ven’s recreation vs Manchester Metropolis in numbers

James Maddison returned to motion off the bench having spent over two months on the sidelines after struggling an ankle harm in opposition to Chelsea in November to kick off a five-match winless run, however for all his brilliance, the influential playmaker won’t be an important cog within the system.

Fellow summer season signing Van de Ven, who accomplished a £43m switch from VFL Wolfsburg in August, was additionally injured in opposition to Chelsea, however has now began two matches in succession for Tottenham and was completely mesmerising in his defensive duties versus the Sky Blues.

As per Sofascore, the Dutchman took 76 touches and accomplished 97% of his passes, dropping the ball solely twice, and remarkably made seven clearances as he constantly thwarted Metropolis assaults and rid his zone of advances.

Additionally successful two of his three contested floor duels and succeeding with three out of 4 lengthy balls, illustrating his laser-focussed distribution, Van de Ven is actually an distinctive star within the Tottenham rearguard, together with his electrical tempo and elite athleticism making for a singular talent set.

To stress this, the £50k-per-week ace ranks among the many high 9% of centre-halves throughout Europe’s high 5 leagues over the previous yr for cross completion, the highest 12% for progressive carries and the highest 5% for profitable take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

Writing in his post-match feedback, the Night Normal’s Dan Kilpatrick bestowed the 22-year-old with an 8/10 match ranking regardless of defeat, writing: ‘Spurs’ final line of defence made a number of essential last-ditch interventions, together with a block to disclaim Julian Alvarez a sure purpose.’

It was one other monstrous displaying from a younger gun with a lot potential but to be realised on English shores, and whereas Van de Ven attracted consideration for his efforts, left-back Future Udogie deserves plaudits for his safety and vitality, one other large motive behind the Lilywhites’ resurgence this season.

Future Udogie’s efficiency vs Manchester Metropolis

Described as an “absolute brick” for his efforts down the left channel, Udogie won’t have captured the awe just like the Dutch defender to his proper, however the 21-year-old produced yet one more spectacular efficiency in opposition to high-calibre opposition.

His aptitude as a defensive pressure was on full present as is changing into pleasingly common, and whereas Udogie did not benefit from the attacking success that he may need favored, he can maintain his head excessive as among the finest performers on a troublesome night.

Successful a whopping 9 duels, Udogie was certainly essential in stifling the guests’ surging ahead motions. He additionally took 70 touches, accomplished 88% of his passes, and made three clearances and tackles apiece to additional underpin a noteworthy effort.

Pundit Clinton Morrison was definitely impressed, remarking throughout the first-half battle that Udogie “has been the very best left-back within the Premier League” this season.

As was Kilpatrick, who handed the 6 foot 2 full-back an 8/10 match ranking to perch alongside Van de Ven as Postecoglou’s shining gentle, writing that he ‘coated confidently behind the again 4 and stepped into midfield with common poise.’

With Son, Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr all coming back from worldwide responsibility within the coming weeks, Tottenham will really feel that they boast a squad of various expertise and ample depth to problem for a Champions League spot come Might.

However no doubt, Udogie’s health will likely be crucial on this endeavour, with the Italian signing for the membership from Udinese for £15m in 2022 and spending final season again on mortgage with the Serie A outfit, now very important within the north London crew’s challenge, having now performed 20 matches throughout all competitions this time period, beginning each time.

Tottenham’s greatest likelihood of a trophy this season closed when Ake fired into Vicario’s purpose with minutes of regular time left, however that is okay, sting as it might.

Postecoglou is making a dynasty, and rising stars resembling Udogie are proof of a glittering future. It is heard within the euphonious bellowing within the stands, it is felt within the method that the gamers conduct themselves on the pitch.

The Australian will persist with his model and know that success will come, and Udogie and Van de Ven will certainly be proper on the centre as Tottenham return to the success that it yearns for with each fibre of its being.