Syed Talib
Updated on: October 8, 2024 3:38 am GMT
Tottenham Hotspur’s current Premier League campaign has seen some ups and downs under manager Ange Postecoglou, with the team starting their season with a 1-1 draw against Leicester City, followed by a decisive 4-0 victory over Everton, and then a setback with a 2-1 loss to Newcastle United. As the season progresses, the spotlight is on key players such as James Maddison, and those like Richarlison, who are expected to contribute significantly to the team’s success. Interestingly, a former Tottenham player, Lucas Moura, who left the club last summer, has recently outperformed both Maddison and Richarlison.
Richarlison’s Struggles at Tottenham
Richarlison, who joined Tottenham Hotspur from Everton, had an underwhelming debut season. During his first campaign, he managed only three goals and four assists across 35 appearances. Despite showing some improvement in his second year, where he recorded 12 goals and four assists in 31 matches, his aggregate performance painted a less-than-stellar picture. Averaging a goal involvement every 2.86 games has led Tottenham to invest heavily in new attacking talent, including the acquisition of Dominic Solanke for £65 million this summer. Consequently, Richarlison’s role has been limited as the club seeks to optimize its forward lineup.
Maddison’s Contributions and Challenges
James Maddison’s transfer from Leicester City for £40 million was highly anticipated, with the English midfielder bringing creative flair and experience to Tottenham’s squad. Last season, Maddison scored four goals and provided nine assists in 30 appearances, averaging a goal involvement every 2.30 games. However, he also faced challenges, including injury issues that hampered his form towards the end of the season. As he aims to regain his fitness and sharpness, the pressure mounts for him to deliver the kind of performances Tottenham needs to bolster their Premier League position.
Lucas Moura’s Successful Return to São Paulo
In stark contrast, Lucas Moura has flourished since his departure from Tottenham, returning to his first club, São Paulo, last August on a free transfer. Although his final seasons at Tottenham saw him relegated to a bench role, Moura is now enjoying a resurgence in form. In the 2023/24 season, he made 33 appearances, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists. This translates to a goal involvement per match of 0.48, showcasing a level of performance that outshines both Maddison and Richarlison.
International Recognition for Moura
Moura’s contributions on the pitch have not gone unnoticed, as he has recently earned a call-up to the Brazilian national team, marking a significant achievement amid the competitive landscape of international football. This reinstatement highlights his ongoing relevance and potential as a top-tier player, further challenging the contributions of Richarlison, who was dropped from the national team roster in May.
Implications for Tottenham
While Tottenham is undoubtedly grateful for Maddison’s and Richarlison’s talents, the performances of Moura since his transfer have sparked discussions about their strategic decisions. Moura, revered by fans for his historic performances, particularly his hat-trick against Ajax in the Champions League semi-finals in 2019, is now thriving back at São Paulo. This return not only rejuvenates his career but also serves as a reminder to Tottenham’s management about the importance of maximizing player potential.
Future Prospects for Spurs
As the season continues, Spurs will be looking to improve their overall performance significantly. The need for impactful contributions from all squad members, especially Maddison and Richarlison, is crucial. With the addition of new players and the integration of strategic tactics by Postecoglou, there is still a window for Tottenham to shift the narrative around their season. The competitive nature of the Premier League means that every game counts, and the pressure is on for the current squad to rise to the occasion.
Moura’s success in Brazil is not just a personal win for him; it also teaches Tottenham a valuable lesson. It shows how important it is for teams to think carefully about how they manage their players. Clubs need to find a balance between winning now and helping players grow in the long run. As Spurs fans look forward to a better season, they might also think about the talented players they lost.
