Opinion: How Postecoglou could line up for his first game in charge of Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur have a new manager, and new players coming through the door this summer, which has Spurs fans very excited ahead of the forthcoming campaign.

So, here’s our look at how Ange Postecoglou could set up his team for the first game of the 2023/24 season.

Postecoglou typically likes to line up with a 4-3-3 formation, utilising two defensive midfielders alongside a number 10 just behind his attackers.

The Australian prefers attacking, progressive football, and so will be looking for plenty of running from his full-backs, and will want his centre-halves to be comfortable in possession.

According to a report in The Telegraph, we could see something of an exodus this summer with plenty of players set to leave Spurs as Postecoglou revamps his squad.

So far, this transfer window has seen the arrival of Guglielmo Vicario, who looks likely to replace Hugo Lloris as Tottenham‘s number-one goalkeeper and James Maddison coming to fill the creative void.

With these new faces, plus a centre-back thought to be high on the agenda (90 Min), here is our speculative line up for Postecoglou’s first competitive game in charge:

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 30: Newly appointed Tottenham Hotspur Manager, Ange Postecoglou looks on during Day Three of the LV= Insurance Ashes 2nd Test match between England and Australia at Lord’s Cricket Ground on June 30, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

GK Guglielmo Vicario

The 26-year-old may take some time to settle at Spurs, but there are high hopes for Hugo Lloris’ successor. We reckon Lloris will leave this summer, meaning Guglielmo Vicario will be right into the starting line up from day one.

RB Pedro Porro

Porro endured a lot of criticism in his first few games for Spurs, with his defensive abilities called into question on numerous occasions. However, the Spaniard soon found his feet in the back end of last season and should flourish with the freedom he will be given in Postecoglou’s system.

CB Cristian Romero

Despite some hot-headed moments, Romero is undoubtedly a top-class defender who is likely to be an instant pick for Postecoglou. Hopefully, the Argentinian can display a little more composure this year, as he will need to be a real leader in this new-look defence.

CB Edmond Tapsoba

Finding a suitable partner for Romero at the heart of the defence is the next big task facing Postecoglou and the Spurs board.

If we can sign him, Edmond Tapsoba would be a fantastic addition for the left-sided centre-back role and boasts a solid variety of passing ability.

Don’t rule out Micky van de Ven however, a young defender Fabrizio Romano has suggested we are making an approach for.

LB Destiny Udogie

Signed last summer but loaned back to Udinese, there is a lot of hype surrounding this young, Italian full-back. We suspect Udogie will take no time at all to adapt to the demands of the Premier League and he could be one of the big surprise packages of next season.

DM Yves Bissouma

While Bissouma’s debut season with the Lilywhites was hindered by injury and a spot of difficulty in adapting to Antonio Conte’s style of football, we started to see just how talented he is in the final few games of last term. Now back to full fitness, we have high hopes for Bissouma’s sophomore campaign with Spurs.

DM Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

There has been talk of Hojbjerg not being suited to Postecoglou’s system and suggestions he may even leave Spurs this summer (90 Min), but we think the new boss will be suitably impressed by the Danish international’s work ethic and leadership qualities.

It’s worth noting that when Rodrigo Bentancur is back to full fitness, he will be first choice for this role and may well displace Hojbjerg.

AM James Maddison

Spurs have finally acquired one of their long-term targets in Leicester City star James Maddison, and he will bring a much-needed spark of creativity to the team that has been lacking for years now. We can’t wait to see him work his magic in the hole behind the attack.

RW Dejan Kulusevski

The Swedish star may have been less influential last season, but he has still shown glimpses of what he can do and we have a feeling he will be back to his best for the forthcoming season. Kulusevski’s connection with Kane and Son up front for Spurs is absolutely unstoppable when they all get going.

LW Heung-min Son

Another player who had a poor season in the 2022/23 campaign, Sonny’s dip can be attributed to injury issues that are hopefully behind him now. If Postecoglou can get a fully fit and confident Heung-min Son, it will be like having a new signing in the side.

ST Harry Kane

We are praying that Harry Kane will still be a Tottenham player by the time the summer transfer window closes, and if he is, he will be the club captain for sure. The talismanic striker absolutely dragged Spurs through last season, but in a more free-flowing, attacking side, he could do even better in 2023/24.

Spurs Web Opinion

With just a handful of signings and a more positive approach to the game, this Spurs line up feels so much better than last year. If we can keep hold of Harry Kane, and get players like Bissouma, Son, and Kulusevski back to their best, we will have a real shot at challenging for the top four once more.