Postecoglou’s Costly Gamble: Spurs’ Europa League Squad Selection Could Backfire
Ange Postecoglou has announced his 23-man squad for Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League group stage campaign, but one decision has already sparked debate among fans and pundits alike. The Australian manager, known for his calculated and tactical approach, may have made a mistake that could haunt him as the season unfolds. By omitting Djed Spence from the roster, Postecoglou has left Spurs vulnerable in a key area, and it’s a decision that could come back to bite him.
The Absence of Djed Spence: A Risky Move
One of the most surprising omissions from the squad is that of Djed Spence, the promising young full-back who joined Spurs in the summer of 2022. After spending much of last season out on loan, Spence returned to Tottenham determined to revive his career under the new manager. His hard work and determination were on full display in pre-season, and he even managed to get some minutes in the Premier League. However, despite these positive signs, Postecoglou has decided to leave Spence out of the Europa League squad.
While it’s true that UEFA’s squad rules and homegrown quotas meant someone had to be left out, Spence’s exclusion feels like a significant gamble. This competition seemed like the perfect opportunity for him to gain valuable game time and prove himself at a higher level. The Europa League, with its mixture of mid-tier European opposition, would have been an ideal stage for Spence to showcase his talent and build momentum. Instead, the young full-back will now be limited to domestic cup competitions and the occasional league appearance, if he’s lucky.
Cover for Porro and Udogie: The Potential Problem
The biggest concern with Spence’s omission is the lack of depth it creates in the full-back positions. Tottenham’s first-choice right-back, Pedro Porro, and left-back, Destiny Udogie, are both key players in Postecoglou’s system, but they cannot be expected to play every single match in both the Premier League and the Europa League. Inevitably, there will be injuries, fatigue, or simply a need to rotate the squad.
Tottenham does have some alternatives—Archie Gray can fill in at right-back, and Ben Davies can cover the left-back role—but neither player is as natural a fit as Spence would be. Gray, while versatile, is still young and inexperienced, particularly at the European level. Davies, on the other hand, is a reliable defender but lacks the attacking dynamism that both Udogie and Spence bring to the game.
By excluding Spence, Postecoglou may find himself in a position where he’s forced to play players out of their preferred positions or over-rely on his first-choice full-backs. If Porro or Udogie were to suffer an injury or require rest, Tottenham’s defensive options would be stretched thin. In that scenario, Spence would have been the obvious candidate to step in, offering both defensive solidity and attacking flair down the wings.
Why Four Goalkeepers?
One of the most puzzling aspects of Postecoglou’s squad selection is the decision to include four goalkeepers. Fraser Forster, Brandon Austin, Alfie Whiteman, and first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario have all been named in the squad, which raises eyebrows considering the limited number of spots available. While it’s understandable that Austin and Whiteman were included to meet UEFA’s homegrown player requirements, the inclusion of Forster over an outfield player like Spence seems questionable.
Forster is a capable goalkeeper, but with Vicario firmly established as the number one, and Austin ready to step in if needed, there’s little justification for carrying an additional backup keeper in the form of Forster. Austin and Whiteman are both homegrown and have trained with the club, satisfying UEFA’s regulations, and Austin, in particular, is more than capable of handling matches against lower-tier Europa League opposition. If Austin can’t step up against teams like Qarabag or Elfsborg, then serious questions need to be asked about his long-term future at the club.
Forster’s presence in the squad feels redundant, especially when you consider the trade-off made by excluding Spence. If Tottenham finds themselves in a situation where they lack defensive depth in key matches, Postecoglou may come to regret having opted for an extra goalkeeper over a versatile full-back who could have played a crucial role in both defense and attack.
Spence’s Potential Wasted?
Djed Spence’s exclusion could also have ramifications for his development. After a frustrating loan spell last season, Spence returned to Tottenham this summer eager to impress the new manager. In pre-season, he looked sharp and ready to compete for a spot in the starting XI, and his inclusion in early Premier League squads suggested that Postecoglou had faith in him.
However, with his Europa League omission, Spence will now be relegated to a peripheral role for much of the season. Without regular game time, it will be difficult for him to maintain his form and confidence, and his development may stagnate as a result. This is particularly concerning for a player who showed so much promise during his time at Nottingham Forest and has the potential to become a top-tier full-back.
The Europa League represented a golden opportunity for Spence to rebuild his Spurs career and gain valuable experience in European competition. Now, he faces the prospect of limited playing time, which could hinder his progress and make it difficult for him to push for a more prominent role in the future.
Hoping for the Best, But Fearing the Worst
As the Europa League campaign begins, Tottenham fans will be hoping that Postecoglou’s decision to leave Spence out of the squad doesn’t come back to haunt the team. In an ideal scenario, Porro and Udogie will remain fit and available throughout the season, while Forster will provide solid backup in the few matches where Vicario is rested. However, football is rarely so predictable, and injuries or suspensions are almost inevitable over the course of a long season.
If Spurs find themselves short of defensive options later in the campaign, or if Spence’s development stalls due to a lack of opportunities, Postecoglou may come to regret his decision. While squad selection is never easy and compromises must be made, leaving out a talented young player like Spence feels like a risk that may prove costly in the long run.
For now, all we can do is wait and see how Tottenham’s Europa League journey unfolds. Hopefully, Postecoglou’s gamble will pay off, and Spurs will enjoy a successful campaign without any major setbacks. But if things don’t go according to plan, the omission of Djed Spence could be remembered as a missed opportunity.
