FanSided World Football
·24 décembre 2024
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Yahoo sportsFanSided World Football
·24 décembre 2024
Tottenham's defensive frailties were on full display during their crushing 6-3 defeat to Liverpool.
One of the key moments in the match was the way Liverpool targeted a particular Tottenham player in their tactical approach.
Radu Dragusin, the young Romanian centre-back, found himself under intense pressure as the Reds sought to exploit his weaknesses in possession.
While Tottenham struggled to maintain any momentum throughout the match, Liverpool’s clear and focused game plan helped them control the game from start to finish.
The home side failed to find any rhythm and were repeatedly caught out as they tried to build attacks from the back. Liverpool, however, had identified where they could take advantage.
Tottenham Hotspur FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League | Catherine Ivill - AMA/GettyImages
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who played a key role in the midfield during the game, revealed the team’s approach after the 6-3 win
According to LFC TV, Gravenberch said that the Reds' strategy was to push Tottenham to build play from the right side, specifically targeting Dragusin.
The 22-year-old Dutchman explained: “We had a really good game plan. We wanted to keep them on the right side and press the right-sided centre-back.”
This tactical focus on Dragusin stems from his perceived weakness in possession, which has been a point of criticism in the past.
While he has shown improvement in recent months, Dragusin’s ball-handling under pressure still remains a potential vulnerability.
Gravenberch's comments suggest that Liverpool were keen to press him, forcing Tottenham to play out from the right and put Dragusin in situations where mistakes could be made.
Despite the concerted efforts from Liverpool, Dragusin's performance wasn’t entirely disastrous.
Although he did make a couple of mistakes, particularly under pressure, he generally managed the ball well and made some solid decisions.
This is an important point, as it reflects Dragusin’s growth in recent months, despite being targeted by Liverpool.
Dragusin is still a young player learning the ropes in a high-pressure environment, and this match highlighted the challenges he faces against top-tier teams.
The strategic targeting by Liverpool worked, but it also showcased that Dragusin is continuing to improve and adapt to the demands of Premier League football.