Jamie Carragher feels Ange Postecoglou’s tactics are leaving Cristian Romero and Mickey van de Ven too exposed at the back.
Tottenham have had a mixed start to the new season. They might have won each of their last three games across competitions but their form in the Premier League hasn’t been that great as they have won just two out of their five outings. They are now gearing up to face Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
But, before Spurs take on their top-four rivals, Jamie Carragher shared his thoughts on Ange Postecoglou’s tactics and how it leaves two of Tottenham’s best players exposed. The former Liverpool defender wrote in his column for The Telegraph that Tottenham’s all-out attacking approach is leaving World Cup winner Cristian Romero and his defensive partner Mickey van de Ven overexposed at the back.
He wrote on Telegraph: “As a centre-back pairing, Cristian Romero and Mickey van de Ven – a World Cup winner alongside one of the quickest defenders in the world – have the potential to be one of the best in the Premier League,”
“It is a valid tactical discussion as to whether they are being left too exposed and might benefit from a more balanced set-up.”
Spurs play with a very high line under the Australian manager. The former Celtic boss believes in playing an attacking brand of football irrespective of the opposition and circumstances. His tactical setup has an extremely high defensive line which has been exploited by opponents on quite a few occasions.
Balls in behind have been a major headache for the North London club and Carragher feels a more balanced setup could help the likes of Romero and Van de Ven showcase their true potential. The Argentine is amongst the best in the world while the Dutch international is one of the fastest centre-backs. The duo could cause havoc together but according to Liverpool legend Postecoglou’s tactics are not helping them.
Carragher wants the Tottenham boss to take up a more balanced approach but that is unlikely to happen as the Australian manager has been clear from day one that he will back his brand of football irrespective of the end result.