Radu Dragusin Committed to Tottenham Despite January Interest From Napoli | OneFootball

Dragusin’s Commitment to Tottenham Amid Lack of Minutes

Tottenham defender Radu Dragusin finds himself in a challenging situation, having struggled for regular playing time since joining the North London club. The 22-year-old centre-back, signed from Genoa for £26.7 million last winter, has made only one Premier League start this season. Yet despite his limited opportunities, Dragusin is not pushing for a mid-season exit, maintaining his focus on earning his place in the team.

Italian Interest in Dragusin Persists

The Romanian international has attracted attention from several Italian clubs, including Serie A champions Napoli, who have been monitoring his situation closely. Despite their interest, Dragusin remains committed to Tottenham and is not seeking a move away in the upcoming January transfer window. According to a report from The Mirror, “A number of Italian sides including Napoli are monitoring his situation closely, however, the 22-year-old remains committed to Tottenham and will not seek a mid-season exit, even if he remains out of the side.”

Dragusin’s loyalty to the club is commendable, especially considering his recent challenges. He was dealt a major setback last month after receiving a red card just seven minutes into Tottenham’s 3-0 Europa League victory over Qarabag. Despite this, sources close to the player believe he is determined to prove himself and secure more game time.

Photo: IMAGO

Competing for a Place

At present, Dragusin is competing for minutes with Ange Postecoglou’s preferred centre-back duo of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. These two have formed a reliable partnership, limiting Dragusin’s chances in the starting lineup. However, there is optimism that Dragusin will still get his opportunities in the Europa League and domestic cup competitions this season.

His agent, Florin Manea, had previously voiced frustration over Dragusin’s lack of playing time, suggesting a change to a three-man defence might benefit both the player and the team. Manea commented: “The coach said many times he does not want to play with a three-man defence, evidently he knows best, but Tottenham concede a ton of goals. Playing with three gives more security.”

This assessment highlights Dragusin’s potential value to Tottenham, especially given his aerial prowess and physical presence, qualities that could help shore up a defence that has occasionally looked vulnerable in set-piece situations.

Focus on Proving His Worth

Dragusin’s commitment to staying at Tottenham is driven by his desire to fight for his place in the squad. His recent performance for Romania, scoring in a 3-0 win over Cyprus, demonstrates his readiness to perform when called upon. It also showcases his determination to keep improving and make a case for more minutes at club level.

As he returns from suspension following his Qarabag red card, Dragusin is expected to be available for Tottenham’s upcoming Europa League clash against AZ Alkmaar. His inclusion in these fixtures will be crucial as he looks to regain his manager’s trust and further showcase his abilities on the European stage.

Photo: IMAGO

Long-Term Potential at Tottenham

While Dragusin’s current situation may be frustrating, his long-term potential at Tottenham remains strong. The player chose Spurs over Bayern Munich, signalling his belief that North London is the right place for his development. His power in the air and defensive awareness can be vital assets as the season progresses, particularly in Europe and cup competitions.

Tottenham are likely to need depth as they compete on multiple fronts, and Dragusin could play an important role as the campaign wears on. His focus on proving himself, combined with his undoubted talent, could see him gain the trust of Postecoglou and eventually earn a regular spot in the team.

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Radu Dragusin’s commitment to the club despite his limited playing time is refreshing. In an era where players can be quick to seek greener pastures, Dragusin’s desire to stay and fight for his place speaks volumes about his character. While many supporters may feel frustration at his lack of opportunities, particularly given his price tag and potential, there’s an appreciation for his willingness to prove himself.

Many might also agree with Dragusin’s agent, Florin Manea, who has called for a tactical shift to a three-man defence. Considering Tottenham’s occasional defensive lapses, particularly from set-pieces, incorporating Dragusin’s aerial dominance could provide much-needed stability. His strong performances for Romania are further proof that he has the ability to contribute positively to Spurs’ backline.

Ultimately, supporters will hope that Dragusin’s patience pays off and that he can establish himself as a valuable option in Postecoglou’s rotation. With cup competitions and Europa League fixtures on the horizon, there’s optimism that his time will come, and when it does, fans will be eager to see him shine in a Spurs shirt.