Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has reportedly turned to Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou as his top choice to replace interim manager Ryan Mason at the end of the season, and the 57-year-old’s attacking, possession-heavy brand of football could benefit four players in particular. Here, Express Sport takes you through the quartet in question…
Richarlison
The Brazilian’s output is still sorely lacking, even if his fiery character has already made him a hit among large sections of Tottenham fans. Just one Premier League goal all season is a measly return for the whopping £60million Spurs forked out to Everton last summer.
While competition to get into the starting XI, particularly in attack, remains intense in north London, a new set of eyes on the training ground could inspire Richarlison to discover the kind of form that he routinely shows on the international stage.
Furthermore, with Harry Kane’s future up in the air, Postecoglou could give the 26-year-old a more prominent role than he has endured this campaign.
Djed Spence
The right-back’s early career was going according to plan when he was snapped up by Spurs last summer after impressing with Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest. But it immediately became apparent that former Tottenham boss Antonio Conte was not convinced by what he saw in training.
Spence is yet to start a single game in any competition for Spurs, who sent him out on loan to Rennes in January. With new experience under his belt, Postecoglou could give the 22-year-old another shot next campaign, particularly in light of his attacking capabilities and the prospect of Emerson Royal moving on.
Tanguy Ndombele
Many will believe that the former Lyon midfielder is already past the point of no return in north London, having fallen out with supporters before going on loan to Napoli this season. That certainly would be the case if Conte was still at the helm, but Postecoglou may enjoy Ndombele’s element of unpredictability and tendency towards the spectacular in midfield.
The Celtic manager generally lines up in a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 formation, giving him plenty of options regarding where the Frenchman could fit in. The 26-year-old’s talent is undeniable, as he has shown in flashes with the Azzurri this campaign, and he may be pressured into giving it another shot with the Lilywhites as Napoli reportedly have no plans to pursue a permanent move.
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