Top 3 benefits of having Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham manager
By Gary Pearson
After a perceived setback, it's important to pause and take a deep breath. The sensationalists, fearmongers, pessimists, and defeatists came out in droves after Spurs' 2-2 draw at Everton on Saturday, some describing the result as a catastrophic missed opportunity.
While losing two points at the death is inarguably an opportunity missed, people must take stock of how far Tottenham has come in the last six months. The club is rejuvenated, and the players have a new lease on life, all thanks to the gaffer's inspirational presence. Still early in his tenure, Ange's arrival has benefited Tottenham in various ways, with three overarching themes leaping to the fore.
3. Ange's attack-first philosophy has yielded impressive results
As clear as the Jack Harrison foul on Guglielmo Vicario that led to Everton's opener, Ange arrived at Tottenham with a plan to play on the front foot. The Australian gaffer came as advertised, with an enterprising, exciting, and unshackled approach that has seen Spurs slingshot to one of the league's highest-scoring teams.
When he arrived, Ange said he'd rather win 5-4 than 1-0. He's held true to his word, ensuring Spurs play a refreshing brand of attacking football, allowing players to express themselves without fear of reprisal if a mistake is committed. Tottenham's matches have seen the second-most goals with big Ange in charge, directly reflecting the Aussie's risk-forward approach.
2. Ange spearheading youth movement that will bear fruit in the long-term
One of Ange's clear objectives is to build a multi-layered club with abundant youth talent who will help sustain a winning formula for years to come. Ange didn't waste any time bolstering Spurs' youth movement, signing 22-year-old Djed Spence after only 19 days on the job. While Spence was in Spurs' crosshairs prior to Ange's arrival, the Australian gaffer helped get the deal across the line.
It was just the start of Spurs prioritizing the signing of promising young players who aren't yet Premier League-ready. Spurs snatched Alejo Véliz from Argentine club Rosario Central during the summer. The 20-year-old represents one of Spurs' most promising signings since the Australian gaffer joined the club.
Tottenham was back at it when they signed 18-year-old Ashley Phillips from Blackburn. The central defender also joined during the summer transfer period. Ange and Co. reinforced the team's spine for the foreseeable future with the recent signing of 21-year-old Radu Drăgușin.
Spurs added to their munitions supply of elite youngsters by snatching Lucas Bergvall from Djurgarden. The Swedish teenager chose Tottenham over Barcelona, a testament to the newfound allure of life in N17 with Ange at the helm.
Those additions join an array of outstanding youth players, including Alfie Devine, Phillips, Veliz, Jamie Donley, Alfie Dorrington, Will Lankshear, Dane Scarlett, and in the U18s, Mikey Moore and Tyrese Hall. The future has never looked so bright. And while Ange can't take all the credit, his immediate influence in signing top-tier youth talent will positively impact the club for the foreseeable future.
1. Ange has made Tottenham more appealing for transfer targets
Many of the aforementioned youth talent chose Tottenham because of Ange. Of course, the state-of-the-art training facilities and new stadium further strengthen Spurs' chances of signing top talent. Since Ange joined Spurs, several players have chosen Tottenham over juggernauts like Manchester City, Arsenal, Barcelona, and others.
Tottenham no longer has to fear their transfer targets being poached by the bigger bully in the playyard at the last minute. The club's financial position will also helps attract the world's best. However, pledging their allegiance to Tottenham is more down to the cohesive and fully inclusive culture Ange is building behind the scenes.