How Timo Werner performed in his cameo appearance vs Southampton after Ange Postecoglou criticism

Timo Werner was still given some game time by Ange Postecoglou in Tottenham’s 5-0 win over Southampton on Sunday, despite the Australian recently criticising the German.

The 59-year-old publicly lambasted the Germany international after Thursday’s 1-1 draw against Rangers in the UEFA Europa League, saying: “He wasn’t playing anywhere near the level he should.

“It’s not acceptable to me. I said that to Timo. He is a senior international, a German international, with the moment we’re in right now, it’s not like we’ve got many options, I need everyone to at least be going out there and trying to give the best of themselves. His performance in the first half wasn’t acceptable.”

Unsurprisingly, the Tottenham No.16 was dropped for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Southampton by Ange Postecoglou, and Spurs looked much better without him, racing into a 5-0 lead before the interval.

Timo Werner did eventually enter the fray in the 77th minute, with Postecoglou’s comments surely ringing around his head, so let’s take a look at how the 28-year-old performed.

Timo Werner struggles to get involved against Southampton

In his 17 minutes on the pitch, the German struggled to make an impact.

SofaScore shows that Werner took just ten touches of the ball at the St Mary’s Stadium, while also completing five of his attempted seven passes.

Furthermore, the man from Stuttgart was dribbled past once, but did deliver a fine cross for Brennan Johnson which the Wales international ought to have finished off – although he looked offside.

Against the Premier League’s basement side, 5-0 down on the night, it was a chance for Werner, who Clive Allen criticised as well, to show Postecoglou he has a bit of fight in him, although that particular trait still seemed to be lacking.

What Tottenham could do with Timo Werner in January

The RB Leipzig forward is still only on loan at Tottenham, and German news outlet Kicker have released a story on what Spurs could do with Werner in the January transfer window.

It is said that Tottenham wouldn’t stand in the forward’s way if an offer from another club were to arrive for him this winter, which is no surprise after a run of one goal in 20 appearances this season.