It goes without saying that Ange Postecoglou has made an almost miraculous impact since his arrival in N17 from Celtic in June.
The relatively little-known Aussie is drawing plaudits from pundits and fans alike for the way he sets out his teams, his refreshing personality and his clear will to win.
His wider recognition has led to two Premier League Manager of the Month awards for his first two months in the job, the first time a manager in the league has ever achieved this.
The signings Postecoglou has made so far during his tenure in the Tottenham dugout, on paper to the average Spurs fan, looked promising but no one could have predicted the immediate impact that some of them have made.
Part of his philosophy is to develop young players, both signing them himself and from the youth system, and that is evident upon viewing a list of his additions.
Including future acquisitions and players agreeing to join at a later date, a total of ten new signings were brought in during Postecoglou’s first transfer window, and those signings will all be graded out of 10…
Rating Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham signings
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 19: Pedro Porro of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 19, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Pedro Porro – Loan deal made permanent from Sporting, reported £39m
Having had a shaky start to life in N17, with his full debut coming in that 4-1 defeat to Leicester City in February, Pedro Porro has firmly established himself as one of the league’s best right-backs.
This was evident during his commanding display against Liverpool, where not only did his late driven cross find the back of the net off the foot of the unfortunate Joel Matip, but his defensive awareness and strong tackling ensured a quiet day at the office for Mo Salah, and firmly put to bed any doubts about his defensive abilities.
He looks to have come into his own under Postecoglou, freed from the shackles of Antonio Conte’s back five for his opening two months at Tottenham, and, at 24 years of age, is likely to only improve from here. 7.5/10
Dejan Kulusevski, loan move from Juventus made permanent, reported £25m
It seems that Dejan Kulusevski has been at Tottenham for ages, even though he is technically a new signing, the former Juventus man joining in January 2022 on an initial 18-month loan, with Postecoglou triggering the option to buy the Swedish international over the summer.
Another player who looks to have come under life under a new manager, Kulusevski is quickly putting a disappointing 2022/23 behind him, and our own “ginger from Sweden” is proving undroppable and unstoppable once again on the wing.
The scorer of the winning goal against Sheffield United already this term, completing the latest comeback in Premier League history, ‘Deki’’s work rate and endless determination has won the Spurs fans over again, after a fairly turbulent previous season on a personal level. 7.5/10
Guglielmo Vicario, from Empoli, reported £16m
The first ‘proper’ new signing for the season, it has been a fine start to life in N17 for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. Despite some quite unstable performances in pre-season, his shot-stopping prowess is already proving a hit with the Spurs faithful and justifying every penny that Spurs paid for him.
It is a testament to the impact of Vicario that his former side, Empoli, comfortably mid-table in the Italian Serie A last season, are struggling in the relegation zone this year without their shot-stopper.
Overall, it’s fair to say that Vicario is becoming more and more comfortable with life in England with every passing week, proving he is not just a ‘cheaper David Raya’. 8/10
James Maddison, from Leicester City, reported £40m
The first true ‘statement’ signing of the Postecoglou era, and James Maddison has exceeded expectations.
A star man of the Leicester team for so long, Spurs beat numerous other clubs, including Newcastle, to his signature when the Foxes were relegated at the end of last season, and his impact on and off the pitch has been sensational, having been appointed vice-captain before a ball was even kicked this season.
Currently, the top provider of assists in the Premier League with five, and with two goals to his name, Maddison’s Spurs career has got off to a flying start, earning him a recall to the England squad, and a well-deserved Premier League Player of the Month award for August.
If he can stay fit all season, who knows how far he can help take this young, hungry Spurs team? 9.5/10
Manor Solomon, free transfer
Eyebrows were raised when Manor Solomon was brought in on a free transfer, upon the expiration of his contract at Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk.
However, the former Fulham man has proven himself to be a capable winger when called upon, as was evident with his two assists on his first start for Spurs in the 5-2 win at Burnley.
Unfortunately out for a few months due to an injury suffered in training, and subsequent operation, Solomon will look to hit the ground running when he returns, and prove himself to be the exciting winger that Ange Postecoglou is looking for. 6/10
Ashley Phillips, from Blackburn Rovers, £2m
It almost seems unfair that a grade has to be given for an 18-year-old centre back, signed from the Championship, with no first-team appearances yet for Spurs.
However, Ashley Phillips has proven a commanding presence at centre-back for the youth team, and has nine caps for England’s Under 19 team.
A composed centre-back, comfortable with the ball at his feet, and with first-team experience having made eight appearances in the Championship for Blackburn Rovers, Phillips is undoubtedly one to watch for the future. 5/10
Micky van de Ven, from Wolfsburg, reported £30m
The transfer saga that seemed to last a lifetime finally ended with Spurs getting their man, and what a signing Dutch centre-back Micky van de Ven has turned out to be.
A string of sensational performances at the back alongside Cristian Romero, culminating in his first goal in Lilywhite away to Luton Town, it is clear that van de Ven is the authoritative centre-back that Tottenham so desperately desired to form a rock-solid partnership with Romero.
Being just 22 years old, van de Ven will surely have a long and successful career in North London and with the Dutch national team, who, amazingly, he is still without a cap for – only a matter of time surely. 9/10
Alejo Veliz, from Rosario Central, reported £13m
Again, it does not seem fair that a grade has to be provided for Alejo Veliz, with the young Argentine striker having played just ten minutes of Premier League football so far this season.
Moreover, he was on the pitch as the winning goal was scored against Liverpool, so it could be said that he already has a winning mentality…
An exciting signing from his native Argentina, the 20-year-old has bags of potential and, as he progresses, will surely be looking to knock on the door of the starting XI before long. 6.5/10
Brennan Johnson, from Nottingham Forest, reported £45m
Another young player with raw potential, Brennan Johnson was signed on Deadline Day from Nottingham Forest to provide competition in forward areas – however picked up a knock during the North London Derby and has not played since.
An unquestionably lively player, epitomised by the fact he scored immediately after coming on as a substitute against Sheffield United, though it was disallowed for offside, Johnson has a hunger and desire when he plays and, in the long run, will be an ideal option for Postecoglou. 7/10
Luka Vuskovic, from Hajduk Split, reported £9.5m
The only player to not pull on the Tottenham shirt for a match yet, unable to join the club until 2025, Luka Vuskovic is a highly-rated Croatian central defender, and Spurs, who are no strangers to welcoming Croatian talent, beat competition from other elite European clubs to sign him.
Provided that Ange Postecoglou stays to welcome him to the club, and therefore aids his development so that he becomes a starting centre-back, we look to have a real player on our hands. One to watch for sure. 6/10
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