Ange must brutally drop Sarr to unleash "sensational" Spurs star instead
da poker： Tottenham Hotspur travel to face Liverpool at Anfield this afternoon, with Arne Slot’s side needing just a single point to secure the Premier League title.
da aviator aposta： Ange Postecoglou’s men will be looking to put a dent in their title ambitions, looking to pick up some momentum ahead of Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg against Bodo Glimt.
Given the lowly league standing in 2024/25, there’s no denying that all the attention will be on European football, with the competition giving the side a great chance to end the year with a trophy.
Such dismal form has led to questions being asked about the future of the Aussie in North London, with a triumph in Europe certainly bolstering his chances of remaining in charge next season.
However, if he wants to claim an unlikely win over Slot’s men this afternoon, he desperately needs to drop one player from his starting eleven after his showing against Nottingham Forest on Monday.
Why Ange needs to drop Sarr against Liverpool
Midfielder Pape Matar Sarr was recalled to the starting eleven against Forest, but failed to take advantage of the opportunity handed his way by Postecoglou.
The Senegalese international featured for 81 minutes of the defeat in North London before being replaced by youngster Lucas Bergvall – deservedly so after his own showing.
He failed to complete any of the three crosses he attempted against Nuno Espírito Santo’s side, whilst failing to win a single tackle – failing to have the desired impact at either end of the pitch.
Along with the aforementioned stats, Sarr also lost 100% of the aerial duels he entered, unable to stop the visitors from claiming all three points at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
After such a showing, Postecoglou simply must drop him ahead of today’s clash, handing a rare start to one player in his preferred position after featuring elsewhere in 2024/25.
The player who Ange needs to start against Liverpool today
With the Europa League game certainly Spurs’ main focus for the remainder of the campaign, Ange needs to rotate his side to maintain fresh legs throughout the squad.
Injuries have already hampered the side in key moments of the season, especially in defence with the likes of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven both spending extended spells on the sidelines.
Such spells have undoubtedly contributed to their lowly league standing in 2024/25, with various players having to stand in at the back temporarily throughout the season.
Archie Gray is just one player to operate at the heart of the defence, doing so excellently given his tender age of 19 – deserving of an opportunity to operate in his familiar position.
The youngster, who’s been labelled “sensational” by one analyst, has started 14 games in the league since his move in the summer, the vast majority of which have been at the back.
When delving into his stats from the league, he’s managed to star despite the unfamiliar role, with Ange needing to rotate his pack and offering the teenager needed minutes in his natural position to continue his development.
Gray has completed 91% of the passes he’s attempted to date, completing an average of 59 passes per 90 – having the tools to succeed in such a role based upon those figures.
Archie Gray’s stats for Spurs in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
23
Games started
14
Passes completed
91%
Passes per game
59
Tackles won
50%
Dribbles completed
50%
Recoveries made
3.8
Stats via FotMob
He’s also completed 50% of the dribbles he’s attempted, whilst also winning 50% of the tackles he’s entered – potentially being the perfect box-to-box option in the Aussie’s system in North London.
Even though today’s clash is one of little importance to Spurs given their league position, they will want to gain some momentum ahead of the crunch Europa League meeting.
If they are to stand any chance of doing that, Gray needs to be handed a rare start, handing him the opportunity to showcase his talents ahead of the vital clash for the Aussie’s future at the club.
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