Aaron Lennon in his pomp was a joy to watch. Although the winger was never the most impressive crosser, he would glide past a marker effortlessly, carving open defences with ease. The final delivery was sometimes found wanting but he knew how to set a backline on edge and get bums off seats in the crowd. Since his departure from Tottenham in 2015, it’s feasible to suggest the club haven’t had a ball-carrier of his ilk.Until now, that is.
Wilson Odobert moved to Spurs in mid-August in a deal that blindsided even the most hardened of ITKs. The club were in the market for a direct winger to operate on the right or left but few, if any, predicted the Frenchman would swap Turf Moor for Tottenham.
And yet Spurs paid Burnley £25m for the teenager, who had quickly won a legion of admirers among the Clarets fanbase and moved with their blessing after a solitary season.
Odobert completed more dribbles (53) than any other teenager in the Premier League last season. He was the skilful winger that Ange Postecoglou craved and one that supporters are hoping will emulate, and better, Lennon in north London. Not many expected Odobert, though, to make his debut in Spurs’ 4-0 win over Everton last Saturday.
After Spurs’ disappointing opening 1-1 draw at Leicester, in a game they dominated, there was an air of trepidation as Postecoglou’s side welcomed Everton. Supporters needn’t have worried, however. The visitors did find a way to pressure the Spurs backline – they had 10 shots to their hosts’ 13 – yet the home side ultimately eased to victory.
The post-match discussion was dominated by arguments over whether Cristian Romero is the best centre-back in north London and by Micky van de Ven’s charging run for Son Heung-min’s second goal, and Spurs’ fourth, but when the teams were announced the inclusion of Odobert raised eyebrows. He had been at the club for just eight days, after all.
However, much of the reason behind Spurs’ dominance – they finished with a 70.5% possession share – was Postecoglou’s decision to start Odobert. From the outset Spurs had a player in the final third willing to push high and wide. This set Everton on the back foot. They were hesitant to leave space in behind and so would often drop closer to their goal, meaning Odobert had space to run into.
It’s no coincidence that Odobert had significantly more touches (58) than Brennan Johnson on the opposite flank (31), despite coming off midway through the second half to a standing ovation. Spurs would often look to get Odobert one-on-one with the Premier League debutant Roman Dixon and he attempted more dribbles (six) than any other player. Only 10 times has a Spurs player attempted more dribbles than Odobert in a Premier League match since the start of last season.
Granted, Odobert wasn’t always successful with his attempts to beat a marker – he was successful with only two dribbles – but his determination to run at a full-back in an attempt to make things happen in the final third is a welcome asset to Postecoglou. The absence of this was arguably one of the main reasons Spurs failed to secure a top-four finish last season. They scored the fewest goals (74) in the top seven as opponents were able to shut them down.
Now there is the added unpredictability of Odobert. Whether he starts when his fellow summer arrival Dominic Solanke is available remains to be seen, particularly with Son expected to feature from the left when the big-money. summer arrival from Bournemouth returns to fitness. The additional tactical flexibility afforded to Postecoglou, though, is a huge bonus as Spurs gear up for their return to European football.
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Traditionally, it is in the second season where Postecoglou sides begin to take shape and blitz opponents. Although Spurs aren’t at the level of Manchester City, Arsenal or Liverpool, they now boast a winger who can turn a game against sides who sit deep.
