The most notable feature of Tottenham’s lineup in their 4-0 demolition of Everton was the remarkable versatility of Ange Postecoglou’s front five. When the team sheet was announced, it was difficult to immediately discern who would play where, as Postecoglou has cultivated a fluid and adaptable attacking setup.
With Dominic Solanke sidelined by injury and Richarlison only fit enough for the bench, Postecoglou handed a debut to 19-year-old winger Wilson Odobert in an attack-minded lineup that also included captain Heung-min Son, Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski. While Maddison was expected to operate in his familiar left-sided No. 8 role, the exact positions of the other attackers remained uncertain until kick-off.
Son, capable of playing on the left wing or as a central striker, took up the center-forward position, with Odobert debuting on the left and Johnson on the right. Kulusevski, who has shown his versatility by playing across the front line during pre-season, slotted into midfield alongside Maddison. This fluid setup allowed Spurs to produce one of their most impressive performances under Postecoglou, with each attacker contributing significantly to the win.
Son was the standout, scoring twice, while Odobert was lively on his debut. Maddison and Kulusevski excelled as advanced No. 8s, each providing an assist. Spurs built on an early goal from Yves Bissouma and maintained pressure throughout the match, a contrast to their opening-day draw against Leicester. Cristian Romero also added to the scoreline, marking his 100th appearance for the club with a goal.
The versatility in Tottenham’s attack is a deliberate strategy by Postecoglou and the club’s recruitment team. Players like Timo Werner, Brennan Johnson, and Odobert were targeted for their ability to play across multiple positions in the front line. This flexibility allows Postecoglou to adjust his lineup based on form and the opposition, giving Spurs an unpredictability they have lacked in recent years.
Last season’s top teams, like Manchester City and Liverpool, benefited from similar attacking depth and unpredictability—something Spurs conspicuously lacked. Even during their most successful periods under Mauricio Pochettino, or when Son and Harry Kane were tearing through defenses under Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, Spurs’ attack was predictable in terms of personnel and positioning.
Postecoglou’s attack is still a work in progress, as the manager himself has acknowledged, but the increasing versatility and unpredictability in Tottenham’s forward line represents a significant step in their development. This adaptability could prove crucial as Spurs aim to compete at the highest levels once again.
