Tottenham Hotspur 2024/25 Season Preview: A New Era with Ange Postecoglou

The 2024/25 Premier League season is just around the corner, and Tottenham Hotspur fans are brimming with anticipation. With Ange Postecoglou at the helm for his second campaign, the North London side is eager to build on last year’s momentum and chase the silverware that has eluded them for so long. As the team prepares to kick off their season against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, the burning question remains: Can Spurs rise to the occasion and secure a top-four finish or perhaps even more?

In this in-depth season preview, we’ll delve into Tottenham’s journey so far under Postecoglou, examine their summer transfer activities, analyze tactical setups, and predict how the 2024/25 campaign might unfold.

Reflecting on the 2023/24 Season: A Year of Transition

Tottenham Hotspur’s 2023/24 season was a rollercoaster of emotions. After parting ways with Antonio Conte, Spurs embarked on a lengthy managerial search before appointing Ange Postecoglou, a relatively unknown figure in English football but a seasoned winner in Australia, Japan, and Scotland. His appointment was met with cautious optimism, but it didn’t take long for the Aussie to win over the Spurs faithful.

Despite the challenges of a disrupted pre-season and the departure of club legend Harry Kane to Bayern Munich, Postecoglou’s Tottenham started the season with a bang. The team remained unbeaten until November, winning 8 of their first 10 matches. The early-season success was highlighted by their vibrant attacking football and a clear identity on the pitch.

However, the honeymoon period came to a sudden halt during a tumultuous match against Chelsea. Spurs, reduced to nine men following the dismissals of Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie, suffered a 4-1 defeat. This game also saw Micky van de Ven sidelined with a long-term hamstring injury, forcing Postecoglou to rethink his team selection.

Despite the setback, Tottenham showed resilience and continued to exhibit glimpses of their potential. However, a poor run of form against top-tier teams like Newcastle, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea saw them slip out of Champions League contention, eventually finishing fifth and securing a place in the Europa League.

While Postecoglou’s first season had its ups and downs, the foundation was laid for future success. With a summer of smart signings and a positive pre-season, Tottenham fans have reason to believe that the 2024/25 season could be the start of something special.

Summer Transfer Window: Building for the Future

The summer of 2024 was a busy one for Tottenham Hotspur, with the club focusing on both immediate needs and long-term goals. Under the guidance of new Technical Director Johan Lange and Chief Scout Rob Mackenzie, Spurs have made strategic moves in the transfer market.

Key Incomings:

Lucas Bergvall – The 18-year-old Swedish prodigy was signed for £8.5 million from Djurgården. Bergvall is seen as a long-term investment and will join the squad after another season in Sweden.
Archie Gray – Another young talent, Gray, was signed from Leeds United for £40 million. The EFL Championship Young Player of the Season is expected to make an immediate impact.
Timo Werner – Spurs secured an extension on Werner’s loan deal from RB Leipzig, adding depth to their attacking options.
Min-Hyuk Yang – The 18-year-old South Korean was signed for £1 million from Gangwon FC. Yang will remain at Gangwon until January 2025 before joining the Spurs squad.
Dominic Solanke – In a club-record deal worth up to £65 million, Spurs signed Solanke from Bournemouth. The striker scored 19 goals in the Premier League last season and is expected to lead the line for Tottenham.

Notable Outgoings:

Japhet Tanganga – Joined Millwall on a free transfer.
Ivan Perisic – Returned to Hadjuk Split on a free transfer.
Tanguy Ndombélé – Moved to OGC Nice on a free transfer.
Ryan Sessegnon – Rejoined Fulham on a free transfer.
Eric Dier – Joined Bayern Munich after his loan spell was made permanent.
Joe Rodon – Sold to Leeds United for £12 million.
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg – Loaned to Marseille with an obligation to buy, potentially earning Spurs £17 million.
Bryan Gil – Loaned to Girona with an option to buy for £12 million.
Alejo Veliz – Loaned to Espanyol for the season.
Emerson Royal – Transferred to AC Milan for £15 million.

Tottenham’s focus on youth and long-term potential is clear. The club has managed to offload several players deemed surplus to requirements, freeing up significant wage space for future investments. With the transfer window still open, there may be more activity to come, as hinted by Postecoglou in recent interviews.

Tactics and Key Players: Postecoglou’s Vision

Ange Postecoglou’s tactical approach is characterized by high-intensity, attacking football, which has endeared him to the Tottenham fanbase. Last season, Spurs scored 74 Premier League goals—their highest tally since the 2017/18 season—but they also conceded 61 goals, highlighting the need for defensive improvements.

In the upcoming season, Postecoglou is expected to stick with his preferred 4-3-3 formation. The addition of Archie Gray provides more stability in midfield, complementing the likes of Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr. Dominic Solanke, a traditional box striker, fits perfectly into Postecoglou’s system and is expected to be a key player.

Predicted Starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
Defenders: Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Radu Drăgușin, Micky van de Ven
Midfielders: Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr, James Maddison
Forwards: Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, Heung-Min Son

This lineup showcases a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, with players like Brennan Johnson and James Maddison expected to play pivotal roles. Vicario, who kept seven clean sheets last season, will once again be a crucial figure between the sticks.

Key Talking Points: What to Watch For

1. The Role of Youngsters: With the integration of young talents like Jamie Donley, Mikey Moore, and Lucas Bergvall, Postecoglou is set to continue his trend of giving opportunities to promising youngsters. Their development will be crucial as Spurs compete on multiple fronts this season.

2. Depth and Squad Rotation: Injuries derailed Tottenham’s title hopes last season. This year, depth will be key, and Postecoglou has more options at his disposal. The competition between Solanke and Richarlison for the striker role, along with the versatility of players like Gray, will be vital in managing the congested fixture schedule.

3. Defensive Solidity: While Spurs’ attacking prowess is undeniable, their defensive frailties need addressing. The addition of Gray and the development of van de Ven will be critical in shoring up the backline and reducing the number of goals conceded.

Predicted Finish: Champions League or Bust?

With the foundation laid last season and smart signings over the summer, Tottenham Hotspur are well-positioned to challenge for a top-four finish. If they can replicate their early-season form from last year and maintain consistency throughout the campaign, a return to the Champions League is within reach.

Under Postecoglou, the club’s motto “Audere Est Facere” (To Dare is to Do) resonates more than ever. While the Premier League is as competitive as ever, Spurs have the potential to surprise their rivals and, perhaps, finally end their long wait for silverware.