‘Powerful’ £60m striker has just proved exactly why he’s the perfect signing for Postecoglou - opinion

Ange Postecoglou is thought to want a new forward at Tottenham Hotspur this summer, but isn’t targeting a traditional number nine.

As was clear from Postecoglou’s title-winning sides at Celtic, the manager prefers a tactically fluid front three who are able to swap positions at will.

Tottenham’s best forward line last season, whilst debatable, was something akin to Son Heung-min, Richarlison and Brennan Johnson.

And whilst both Timo Werner and Dejan Kulusevski may feel aggrieved, the point is that Spurs’ front three is still a long way stylistically from what appears to be Postecoglou’s ideal.

At Celtic, a fluid combination of Liel Abada, Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda were unstoppable at times.

And the comparison between the two perhaps explains why Tottenham would be willing to sell Richarlison this summer, a player who despite his hard-work, excels at very little. 

That being said, is Postecoglou right to chase a similar combination in the Premier League?

The Spurs boss is thought to predominantly want wide-forwards who can play centrally, but will Tottenham get by without a typical centre-forward?

Tottenham will regret vetoing a move for Ivan Toney this summer

For years Tottenham’s north London rivals Arsenal have attempted to do similar, playing without a typical goal-scorer.

And ultimately it’s been fruitless for them, even if they have made progress.

Therefore in a summer in which ‘powerful‘ Brentford striker Ivan Toney is available – are Tottenham making a mistake deciding against a move?

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It’s been reported that Spurs’ interest in Toney has cooled of late, which makes sense in regards to the information above.

But after Toney’s impact for England against Slovakia off of the bench on Sunday at Euro 2024, the Brentford man demonstrated all of what Postecoglou will be missing.

Jonathan David isn’t the striker Ange Postecoglou needs

Tottenham were recently linked with Jonathan David as a potential Richarlison replacement, but Toney possesses a much more exciting skill set.

The 28-year-old is aerially strong, can hold up play, and has the ability to run in behind opposition defences.

Coupled with the fact that Toney is an elite finisher, penalty taker and passer – in a similar vein to Harry Kane, it explains why Tottenham could regret vetoing a move.

Spurs would be right to back Postecoglou if it is his decision to not make a move, but it may not make the decision any more palatable for some fans watching on.

Toney has the potential to transform this Tottenham team next season, and whilst that may seem a bit strong, there’s enough evidence of his game to prove so. 

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