Tottenham Hotspur is facing questions about the participation of 'captain' Son Heung-min (33) as the possibility has arisen of changes to the starting lineup ahead of the UEFA Europa League final.
Football London reported on the 20th (Korea time) that Tottenham may try a different tactical formation in the final against Manchester United.
Football London noted, "Coach Postecoglou is reviewing a formation change considering the recent squad situation," adding that "there could be a restructuring of the squad on such an important stage as the final."
Currently, Tottenham is in a situation where key midfielders are sidelined one after another. With James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Lucas Bergvall injured and unable to play, there are restrictions in the central midfield formation, which inevitably leads to a need for tactical changes.
If Tottenham maintains the 4-3-3 formation they have frequently used, it is projected that either Son Heung-min or Richarlison could sit on the bench. In this configuration, Pape Sarr would be positioned in the midfield, reducing one winger position in the forward line.
Coach Postecoglou is satisfied with the combination of Sarr, Bentancur, and Bissouma, and it is reported that they have left a positive impression with their recent performances.
As a result, a scenario has emerged where Son Heung-min and Richarlison must compete for the left-wing forward position. Particularly, the coach has managed Richarlison cautiously until recently, leading to interpretations that there is a possibility of his starting in the final.
The possibility was also mentioned that Coach Postecoglou could choose a 4-4-2 formation or a 4-2-3-1 formation in addition to the 4-3-3. If utilizing 4-4-2, it was projected that Son Heung-min and Brennan Johnson would take the flanks, with Richarlison and Dominic Solanke forming a two-top scenario.
Additionally, it was analyzed that under the 4-2-3-1 formation, Solanke would take the leading position, with Son Heung-min or Wilson Odobert being positioned in the central role.
Odobert recently delivered an impressive performance in the match against Aston Villa, and there were evaluations that Coach Postecoglou has left room to feature him prominently again.
Meanwhile, Football London explained that tactics based on a three-back system (3-4-3, 3-5-2) are unlikely due to the instability in defensive organization and unfamiliarity with Coach Postecoglou's tactical style.
This final is an important stage for Tottenham that goes beyond a simple trophy competition, as it marks the conclusion of the entire season. The possibility of changes surrounding the starting lineup has come as a considerable shock to Tottenham fans regarding the potential exclusion of captain Son Heung-min from the starting squad.
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