Tudor could replace Palhinha by releasing Spurs’ new Michael Carrick in midfield
After losing his first three games in charge of Tottenham Hotspur, interim manager Igor Tudor has the chance to win his first game against Atletico Madrid tonight.
The Champions League provides an escape from the Premier League, with the Lilywhites currently sitting in 16th place and just above the relegation zone.
However, their form in Europe has not been clear so far, after which they finished in fourth place after losing one of their eight league games.
As a result, Tudor’s men travel to Madrid for the first leg of the last 16 tonight, but they will face a huge request to reach the next stage – especially if their recent form continues.
If Tudor are to secure the first leg at the Metropolitano tonight, they desperately need to drop one player from the starting eleven after their recent poor performances.
Why Tudor need to drop Palhinha against Atletico
After taking over at the end of last month, Tudor has selected midfielder Joao Palhinha at the heart of his side in each of the last two Premier League games.
However, despite the recent faith shown in him by the manager, the Portuguese has failed to perform well and has fared poorly compared to his early season form.
The 30-year-old completed 54% of his attempts at former club Fulham, and subsequently lost the ball 14 times.
His struggles with the ball at his feet were also evident against Crystal Palace, conceding eight times to the opposition – no doubt contributing to the defeat.
Palhinha also completed just five passes into the final third in each of the last two moves, with his inability to hold the ball limiting the side at key moments.
Tudor’s plan in North London is yet to take off, but it is one that requires players who are comfortable with the ball – something Palhinha has struggled to incorporate in recent games.
The player who should replace Palhinha against Atletico
The department of midfielders is one that has been talked about in recent months, especially considering the hardships endured in recent months.
Conor Gallagher was even brought into the ranks in the January window, but he too struggled, starting just one game under Tudor.
The manager has managed three different partnerships since being appointed, and the 47-year-old will no doubt be on course for an 11th success.
Injuries have hampered his career in recent weeks, but his inability to pick the right combinations has also contributed to his recent struggles.
Archie Gray is a midfielder who has struggled to work in his natural role since the Croatian’s arrival, often seen playing at the back in a three-back formation.
The 19-year-old registered an assist for Dominic Solanke’s goal in the recent match against Crystal Palace, with the youngster able to thrive at the heart of the club.
The Englishman, who cost £40m last summer, has been more of a support man since moving to North London, rarely getting the chance to play in midfield.
However, when he appeared in such a place, Gray managed to attract attention, with his performance in the last European match against Eintracht Frankfurt showing his quality.
He was able to complete 96% of the passes he attempted in January, and he made more passes to reach the third place in that one game than Palhinha did in the previous two.
|
Archie Gray – stats on CM v Frankfurt |
|
|---|---|
|
Mathematics |
Mathematics |
|
Minutes played |
90 |
|
To touch |
68 |
|
Pass accuracy |
96% |
|
He moved on to the final third |
6 |
|
Dribbles are finished |
100% |
|
The crosses are finished |
100% |
|
The discovery of the ball |
4 |
|
Aerials won |
100% |
Gray also completed 100% of the dribbles he attempted against the German team, while completing 100% of the crosses he put into the box.
Off the ball, he was just as good, after that he got four balls and won 100% of his aerials – showing his prowess off the ball.
The aforementioned performance is further proof that the youngster is certainly fit for a central midfield role. After all, there is a reason to be compared to Michael Carrick and why Como scout Ben Mattinson calls him a “£100m star of the future”.
So, if the Lilywhites are to finally end their losing streak under the new manager, he desperately needs to cut Palhinha out of his side and give the Englishman a much-needed start in his natural role.
However, any failure to do so is further evidence that the 47-year-old is not the man to lead the team forward, as his decisions are already questionable.
Pochettino development: Spurs make “one of the best in the world” main target
Tottenham Hotspur could now look to appoint a new manager if Igor Tudor is sacked.
