Radu Drăgușin was an unused reserve in the last Premier League match, against Brighton (2-1), after in the previous games he was sent off near the end of regular time. Tottenham fans, but also Romanians wonder why the defender is not used more, especially since the “tricolor” was bought for a significant sum from Genoa, 25 million euros.
Radu Drăgușin played a total of 30 minutes for Tottenham. Facebook photo
An explanation was given by Johan Lange, the sporting director of the Londoners, the one who decisively influenced the transfer of Radu Drăgușin to Tottenham. He says the 22-year-old stopper was bought primarily for the future. It was Lange who convinced manager Ange Postecoglou to take the defender, after watching him live in two matches at Genoa. Supported by chief scout Robert Mackenzie and head of analysis and strategy, Frederik Leth, Lange convinced the manager to push for the Romanian's signature.
More awaits him in the future
Asked about Radu Dragusin's situation in an interview for Tottenham's website, Lange said: “I saw Radu very strong in Genoa for a long time. He has speed and is very solid in one-on-one duels. But he has barely turned 22 years old. He is very young with a lot of potential and room to grow in the future. He has adapted well at the club, but much more awaits him in the years to come.” But Tottenham's holder in this position, Micky van de Ven, is the same age as the Romanian international and plays match after match for the London team.
Radu Drăgușin has played a total of 30 minutes at Tottenham so far: 10 with Manchester United, 9 with Brentford and 11 with Everton, all in the Premier League. The “tricolor” defender had been warned by coach Ange Postecoglou that he would not be a starter, immediately after signing the contract.
Priority no. 1 must fight for the starting position
“Once we had the report ready, we realized that it was our number one priority. I like his defensive qualities, his physical qualities, he has a lot of room to grow but also to improve, he is only 21 years old. With Radu, I have three top central defenders. Different matches require different methods.
He will have the same chances as any other player. If he wanted to be a full-time starter, he would stay at Genoa. But Radu knows that he came to a big club, there is competition here, it is part of the development of any player. He will fight for his position with a world champion, Romero, with Micky van de Ven, who will become one of the best players in his position.” declared Postecoglou.
