Tottenham Hotspur is currently enjoying an exciting resurgence under the guidance of new head coach Ange Postecoglou. The Australian tactician has quickly won over fans and pundits alike with his attacking philosophy and commitment to building a cohesive team. As Tottenham prepares for their upcoming clash against Hungarian side Ferencváros, there are several potential changes Postecoglou would love to make to ensure a successful result. These changes are part of his broader plan to maintain consistency, improve depth, and build a competitive squad capable of contending in both domestic and European competitions.
Postecoglou has been known for his commitment to squad rotation, and this fixture presents an opportunity for him to explore the depth of the Tottenham squad. Players like Son Heung-min and James Maddison have been pivotal in recent Premier League matches, but managing their minutes will be crucial to avoiding burnout as the season progresses.
In the match against Ferencváros, Postecoglou may want to rest some of these key players and give younger or fringe players an opportunity to prove their worth. One player likely to benefit from this change could be Manor Solomon, who has shown promise since joining the club. The Israeli winger has impressed in limited minutes, and this could be his chance to make a case for a more regular starting role. Similarly, Brennan Johnson, another young, attacking talent, could be given more game time to showcase his skillset against European opposition.
Additionally, it would be a smart move to rest experienced defenders like Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven to preserve them for the Premier League. This match provides an ideal platform to give minutes to defensive options like Davinson Sánchez or Ben Davies, who can solidify their positions as reliable backup options.
The midfield has been a critical component of Postecoglou’s system, with James Maddison pulling the strings in an advanced playmaker role. However, with the need for rotation, Maddison could be rested, paving the way for Giovani Lo Celso to get a rare start. The Argentine midfielder has struggled with injuries in recent seasons but remains a highly creative player capable of breaking down stubborn defenses. Against Ferencváros, Lo Celso could be deployed to dictate the tempo and serve as the main creative outlet.
Postecoglou may also take this opportunity to experiment with his midfield pivot. The likes of Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma have formed a strong partnership in the middle of the park, but giving them a break could mean starting Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Oliver Skipp. Højbjerg’s defensive solidity and leadership combined with Skipp’s high-energy pressing could provide a balanced midfield, capable of both controlling the game and shielding the defense against counterattacks.
Postecoglou’s philosophy revolves around attacking football and relentless pressing, and this match against Ferencváros is the perfect occasion to double down on those principles. Tottenham’s wide players, particularly the full-backs, have a crucial role in Postecoglou’s system. Full-backs are expected to contribute both offensively and defensively, making dynamic runs forward while tracking back to defend.
Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie have both thrived under this system, and Postecoglou might want to further refine their roles by pushing them higher up the pitch to overload the wide areas. This aggressive approach could overwhelm Ferencváros, allowing Tottenham to dominate possession and create numerous chances from wide areas. However, the Australian may also use this match as a chance to introduce Emerson Royal and Sergio Reguilón or Ben Davies as full-back options, especially if Porro and Udogie are rested. Both Emerson and Reguilón possess the physical attributes needed to succeed in Postecoglou’s high-pressing system, and they could offer a fresh approach on the flanks.
While Postecoglou has predominantly used a 4-3-3 formation this season, he may view this European fixture as an opportunity to experiment with alternative tactics. One such formation could be the 4-2-3-1, which would allow him to pack more creative players into the attacking third while maintaining a solid double pivot in midfield.
In this setup, Richarlison could lead the line as the sole striker, with the likes of Solomon, Lo Celso, and Kulusevski supporting him from just behind. This formation would give Tottenham more options in attack, while also providing defensive cover in the midfield through a duo like Højbjerg and Skipp. The 4-2-3-1 formation offers greater fluidity in attacking transitions, which could be key to breaking down Ferencváros’ defense.
Additionally, Postecoglou may want to introduce tactical flexibility by utilizing Brennan Johnson as a versatile forward who can operate either on the wing or centrally. This type of experimentation not only prepares the team for different scenarios but also gives Postecoglou more tools to adapt his tactics depending on the opposition.
For Ange Postecoglou, the match against Ferencváros is about more than just getting a win; it’s an opportunity to reinforce his footballing philosophy and test the depth of his squad. By making strategic changes, rotating key players, and experimenting with new tactics, he can keep the team fresh while maintaining momentum across all competitions. More importantly, it allows Tottenham’s fringe players to gain valuable experience and confidence, which will be vital as the season progresses.
As Tottenham continues to evolve under Postecoglou, these types of fixtures provide the perfect platform for building chemistry, enhancing squad depth, and preparing for the challenges that lie ahead in both the Premier League and Europe. Postecoglou’s changes will be key in ensuring that Tottenham not only progresses but does so while staying true to the attacking, high-octane style of play that has already become a hallmark of his tenure.
