Ange Postecoglou has said that even though Radu Dragusin has not got too much competitive action under his belt since arriving at Tottenham Hotspur, the centre-back has worked hard on his game and grown as a player.
Tottenham fans had only seen a few late cameos from Dragusin until the clash at Villa Park last Sunday, the first time they got an extended look at the 22-year-old.
The Romanian played almost an entire half of football after replacing Micky van de Ven, who came off with an injury at the start of the second period, and the newcomer delivered an extremely composed and mature display at the back.
It was reported by The Athletic a few days ago that Dragusin had impressed Postecoglou and the staff at Spurs with how he trains and takes care of himself, with the centre-back allegedly measuring his own food and usually hitting the gym both before and after training
Postecoglou has been impressed with Radu Dragusin
When asked about Dragusin’s impact at N17, Postecoglou said ahead of the clash against Crystal Palace (via Football.London): “In terms of profile he’s a young man who has already played significant minutes, which I think helps us when we’re recruiting.
“We feel like we’re a squad that needs to develop and grow and we’re looking for that younger demographic, but at the same time you’re looking for guys that have played.
Postecoglou has been impressed with Radu Dragusin
When asked about Dragusin’s impact at N17, Postecoglou said ahead of the clash against Crystal Palace (via Football.London): “In terms of profile he’s a young man who has already played significant minutes, which I think helps us when we’re recruiting.
“We feel like we’re a squad that needs to develop and grow and we’re looking for that younger demographic, but at the same time you’re looking for guys that have played.
“I’ve liked his trajectory. He’s played at clubs where he’s had to fight for everything. The characteristics he’s had are around his defensive principles, which are really strong. In Serie A you get tested every week.
“There has been growth in him and he really wanted to come here. I don’t Disregard that. There has been growth in him and he really wanted to come here. I don’t disregard that.
“When players have a strong desire to come here they have obviously thought carefully about and have evidence that it’s right for them. There’s plenty of room for growth as well, and from the moment he arrived he’s taken every opportunity to do that.”
The former Genoa man faces a tough battle to establish himself as a starter at Tottenham, with Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero having formed a formidable partnership at the back.
When asked if the Romanian is ready to put pressure on the Dutchman and the Argentine, Postecoglou responded: “He has been already, but that doesn’t change. You don’t need much more evidence that you can’t do with just two centre-backs. No matter how good they are.
“We’ve been challenged in that space. We need players ready to play and push each other. Even when he wasn’t here, Micky and Romero were pushing themselves.
“That internal rivalry exists. I don’t want to put them in situations where they have to exert extra effort. Since it is who they are, I desire that. With this bunch, I believe we have it.
Now that Van de Ven is sidelined due to injury, Dragusin has a fantastic opportunity to make an impact for the team and prove to Postecoglou his capabilities. The 22-year-old has the temperament to handle the pressure, and it seems like he will be eager to impress.
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