Ange Postecoglou has had an impressive maiden season in the Premier League. Getting his Tottenham side adjusted to ‘Ange-ball’ whilst battling injuries and lifting the mood following the toxic end of the combustible Antonio Conte reign.
By Dharnish Iqbal
The two full-backs that have been crucial in spearheading Tottenham’s season are Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie.
Porro and Udogie have only missed six league games between them. The full-backs are a crucial cog in the Spurs machine.
They provide width by stretching opponent’s backlines or invert centrally to receive the ball in midfield.
If one is performing a certain task – for example, receiving the ball in midfield, the other can go into defence and be part of build-up or push up into attack giving Tottenham a numerical advantage and extra man to trouble defences.
It makes Spurs a dynamic attack with the full-backs’ roles being multi-functional. Udogie and Porro are full-backs, midfielders and attackers all at the same time.
It’s an extra headache for defences because of how tricky they are to mark. They have a license to roam, be it in attack or defence.
When Udogie or Porro drop into defence or midfield to receive the ball and help progress build-up, one of the attacking midfielders in James Maddison or Pepe Matar Sarr can hover into the space vacated near them as teams focus on man-marking Porro and Udogie.
Even when the full-backs are marked they’re effective because it frees up an advanced midfielder to receive the pass and become the out-ball. Whilst players are attracted to Porro and Udogie, someone like Bentancur or Skipp can pull wide or into the half-spaces to receive the ball in dangerous positions.
Tottenham’s system works as well as it does because it relies on the ability of the Portuguese and Italian to be in different positions throughout the game to be effective.
If a midfielder receives the ball from defence, for example, Bissouma, Udogie and Porro push up and join the attack, with one wide and one in the middle.
Similarly, the roles reverse and the full-backs are the ones to drop deep allowing the midfielders to overload defences and join the attack. Different players, occupy the same positions to create the same effect.
This is why it always feels as if Tottenham attack with so many players, as Porro and Udogie facilitate the attack and become part of it.
It is one thing to follow tactical instructions in a formation and another to flourish under them which is what both are doing.
The all-action style of Porro is typified in his player traits being in the 97% percentile rank for chances created and 99% of shot attempts.
In a day and age where full-backs are encouraged to bomb forward, it shows Porro creates 1.95 chances per 90 for his teammates and isn’t afraid to shoot himself. He has already registered 7 assists for the season, averaging 0.35 assists per 90.
Both have an xG of 0.10 per 90 in the 82% percentile and whilst Udogie may have fewer touches on average overall, he averages 3.28 touches in the opposition box per 90, highlighting his willingness to get forward.
Comparing the stats of the two is interesting. At first glance it seems Porro is commonly the one involved a little more on the attacking side, in terms of assisting, creating more chances and crossing more.
This has to do with the fact Udogie has been called upon in defensive duels versus tricky wingers like Bakayo Saka, Jarrod Bowen and Phil Foden. It’s no wonder his duels won statistic stands at over 6 duels won per game.
Spurs without the ball press teams high up the pitch this season and Udogie plays a key part in this when pressing the opposing full-back, winning the ball in the opposition’s final 3rd an average of 0.78 per game.
Neither was signed by the Australian manager and yet both have completely transformed themselves and Spurs this season. It’s refreshing considering the amount of time Antonio Conte spent in the media appealing for more signings to improve the side.
Regardless of the players available for the former Celtic manager, he won’t budge from his style.
As players have come in and out this season for Spurs, you could see the drop in performance as a result of not having everyone available.
Spurs have been without plenty of players this season, but they have rarely had to play without their dynamic duo. It’s a testament to Porro and Udogie’s importance that their ever presence has powered Spurs to within five points of top spot.
They may just be the most important players in this vibrant Spurs team.
(Images from IMAGO)
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