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Micah Richards thought £25m Tottenham player gave his teammates ‘no help’ against Newcastle
Micah Richards has now pointed out a key area which was a real issue for Tottenham Hotspur in their loss against Newcastle United yesterday.
Ange Postecoglou looked understandably frustrated on the touchline, perhaps overseeing the worst performance since he arrived at the club.
Yes, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side are imperious opposition away from home, especially given their form right now, but Spurs weren’t good enough.
Despite dominating possession, Newcastle always looked like scoring on the counter, whether it was Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon or Harvey Barnes running through.
Spurs’ high-line looked more exposed than ever before, and the individual qualities of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero didn’t suffice on this occasion.
The struggles of the duo were well documented in the aftermath of the defeat.
However, when speaking on the BBC’s , Micah Richards didn’t think the duo were the only ones to blame.
Micah Richards thinks Yves Bissouma didn’t do enough to protect Tottenham’s defence yesterday
Whilst the pundit wasn’t necessarily impressed with Rodrigo Bentancur either, Richards thought Yves Bissouma could have done so much more to protect the back line.
He explained: “I thought it was all over the pitch, and Martin [Keown] has talked about the defenders but I think they didn’t have enough protection.
“When we look at this here, Bentancur and Bissouma, that’s fine we know how Spurs want to play, nice and high, winning the ball back quickly.
“But if you’re going to be high, go to the ball and stop the attack, that doesn’t happen, the turnover happens and look at the ocean of space in the middle of the park.
“Romero here, of course he makes a mistake, but I believe if Bissouma is in position then Romero delays the play.
“It doesn’t happen and Romero goes to the ball, he’s made that decision because he’s got no help around him.
“But if Bissouma had been there to help him out he could have just delayed until more players got back.”
Richards then finished saying: “Again I mention Bissouma, very good position there, again if he’s going to engage, go all the way.
“If you don’t then have your number six when he’s there giving [the defence] a bit of protection.”
Does Ange Postecoglou need a new midfield at Tottenham next season?
Of course, it is difficult to decide whether this is a tactical or personnel problem right now.
Ange Postecoglou is constantly chopping and changing his midfield this season, seemingly only remaining happy with a particular combo for a short period.
And although it initially appeared as if Rodrigo Bentancur’s return to fitness would transcend the midfield to another level, things haven’t necessarily improved.
Tottenham clearly have some strong options, and the to sign Bissouma still looks like an excellent one, but this set up just isn’t working right now.
And if Postecoglou believes it’s a personnel issue rather than a positional one, then it really could be a big summer of change.
That being said, Tottenham were recently linked with an exciting young midfield signing.