Following Saturday’s loss, Ange Postecoglou should now consider giving Jamie Donley a chance in Tottenham Hotspur’s first team.
Although on the bench against Wolverhampton Wanderers, the situation never materialised for Donley to make minutes yesterday.
Despite Tottenham lacking offensive threat for long periods, they were holding onto a one nil lead.
However, once Wolves had penetrated Spurs’ back line, it became apparent as to why Postecoglou was so furious with his side in the first half.
Although they lacked quality at times, Tottenham could have killed the game were they higher with their press, and more decisive with their chances.
It’s clear that Postecoglou doesn’t see Giovani Lo Celso as a James Maddison replacement, a quite daunting task.
But it’s perhaps now 18-year-old Jamie Donley who is most suited to fulfilling the void left by Maddison’s absence.
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Donley’s stunning form for the under-21s this season needs no reminder, that’s why he’s on the first team bench.
However, playing in deeper roles last season owing to injuries has really helped develop Donley’s playmaking ability.
Donley is a natural Maddison replacement for Postecoglou at Tottenham
Although primarily seen as a forward, Donley can now be the playmaker that this Tottenham side is craving.
It would be a surprise if Spurs didn’t look to recruit backup for Maddison in January, regardless of his injury.
But in the meantime, Donley could be the surprise solution for Postecoglou at Tottenham.
Spurs do have some tough fixtures coming up, so it would be a huge show of faith by his manager, but the risk may be worth the reward if Donley is included.
The 18-year-old surely will think that this is now his best chance of gaining genuine first team chances under Postecoglou.
And a midfield three of Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg simply doesn’t have the creativity for every occasion.
Perhaps handing increased minutes to Rodrigo Bentancur is another solution, but the midfielder does fare better sitting deep.
Tottenham do now find themselves in a puzzling situation after a chaotic week, but ‘terrific’ Donley may now prove to be the perfect solution for Postecoglou.
And including the youngster could be an excellent nod to his academy talents for the future.