[The Althletic in-depth analysis] Ange Postecoglou successfully ushers Spurs into the inverted full-back era
I was happy with what I saw despite the result not being ideal. It’s always a slow start when completely overhauling tactics.
My only concern is the lack of involvement from Son and Deki, but I think they’re both working into their new roles and will sort itself out.
It would be interesting to see if Deki can play an 8 (where Skipp played) with Porro out wide.
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There’s been musings about Deki playing an 8 since at least last season. I rule this out due to Deki’s inability/unwillingness to use his right foot.
The front 3 struggled & I think they’ll all get better as they get more time in Ange’s system; however, perhaps we have 3 RW’s: Deki, Solomon & Porro. Solomon may very well become our starter over the other 2 as he fits Ange’s RW roll best (though Porro can cross well). Deki may end up 3rd choice at some point.
Who can play RB is a bigger question. Emerson is the obvious starter, but with Porro’s defensive liabilities who backs up/competes w/ Emerson? The way Ange uses the backs I’m wondering if Skipp is our other best option at RB?
Interesting. Yes our RB is a huge problem. I can see Skipp in that role - that’s a good thought. Does he have the pace?
Skipp isn’t blazing, but he has shown good recovery pace. I suspect his speed might be comparable with Emerson’s.
Recovery ability (needed for backs in this system) has a lot to do with anticipation/reading and positioning, which I think are strengths of Skipp.
I liked Emerson & Skipp starting, but if Skipp loses out to Sarr or Lo Celso and/or Emerson needs a rest…
It would be interesting. I’d guess Porro just ends up being quite a bit too direct for it to work out, but I’d be curious to see what would happen. Deki is clever enough to give it a run. Not actually expecting to see it but wouldn’t mind a half or two just for the sake of seeing how it plays out.
“This could have been Spurs’ most difficult game of the season for executing their style — Brentford are one of the hardest teams to play high-possession football against. Their defensive shape is tight and compact to close central spaces and, even without Ivan Toney, they counter-attack from mid/low blocks excellently and play a 3-5-2 against high-possession opponents so they have three centre-backs for defending crosses.”
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