Watching Aaron Lennon in his prime was fun. Although he wasn’t a great crosser, the winger could glide past a marker and cut open defenses.
Although his final delivery was sometimes lacking, he could set a backline on edge and bring crowds out their seats. A ball-carrier like him hasn’t played for Tottenham since his 2015 departure. Until now.
The mid-August transfer of Wilson Odobert to Spurs surprised even the most seasoned ITKs. Tottenham were looking for a right or left direct winger, but few expected the Frenchman to leave Turf Moor.
Spurs paid Burnley £25m for the teenager, who had rapidly won over the Clarets fans and departed with their permission after one season.
Odobert completed 53 dribbles last season, more than any other Premier League teenager.
He was the skilled winger Ange Postecoglou wanted and supporters hope would replicate and improve Lennon in north London. Most didn’t anticipate Odobert to debut in Spurs’ 4-0 win over Everton last Saturday.
Tottenham’s 1-1 draw against Leicester, which they dominated, left Postecoglou’s side nervous before they faced Everton. Supporters needn’t worry. The visitors had 10 shots to Spurs’ 13, but the home side won easily.
The post-match conversation focused on whether Cristian Romero is north London’s greatest centre-back and Micky van de Ven’s charging run for Son Heung-min’s second goal and Spurs’ fourth, but Odobert’s inclusion aroused eyebrows. He had just been with the club eight days.
Tottenham’s 70.5% possession share was largely due to Postecoglou’s choice to start Odobert. Spurs had a final-third player who pushed high and wide from the start.
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This hampered Everton. They were afraid to leave space behind, so they dropped closer to their target, giving Odobert room to sprint.
Even though he left midway through the second half to a rousing ovation, Odobert had 58 touches compared to Brennan Johnson’s 31 on the opposite wing.
Odobert had the most dribbles (six) as Spurs typically played him one-on-one with Premier League rookie Roman Dixon. Since last season, only 10 Spurs players have attempted more dribbles than Odobert in a Premier League encounter.
Odobert only beat his marker twice, but Postecoglou should be proud of his willingness to run at a full-back to create chances in the final third.
Spurs’ failure to finish in the top four last season was likely due to this. As opponents shut them down, they scored the fewest goals (74) among the top seven.
Odobert adds unpredictability. He may start when Dominic Solanke is available, especially as Son is likely to play left when the big-money Bournemouth signing returns to fitness.
However, Postecoglou’s tactical versatility is a significant benefit as Spurs prepare for European action.In the second season, Postecoglou teams usually form up and blitz opponents.
Spurs not as good as Manchester City, Arsenal, or Liverpool, but they have a winger who can swing a game against deep teams.
