Ange Postecoglou has Tottenham dilemma after 'brilliant' Radu Dragusin moment v Newcastle

Ange Postecoglou will be keen to find a way to hand Radu Dragusin more first-team minutes at Tottenham.

Spurs are fortunate enough to currently have three top-class centre-backs on their books.

Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Dragusin are all quality options to have in a Premier League squad.

Therefore, when van de Ven was ruled out of Spurs' clash against Newcastle United on Sunday (1 September), supporters would have been confident in the knowledge that Dragusin would come in for the Dutchman.

Tottenham did lose the match at St James' Park 2-1. However, it would be difficult to place much of the blame for the defeat on Dragusin. In fact, the Romania international was arguably Spurs' best centre-back on the day, with Romero criticised for his performance against the Magpies.

As per Alasdair Gold via X (1 September), Dragusin was crucial early in the second half, making a "brilliant" tackle to deny Alexander Isak after the Newcastle striker had run through on goal.

And the 22-year-old's underlying stats suggest he had a positive afternoon overall, despite the loss.

Radu Dragusin gives Ange Postecoglou thinking to do after Tottenham v Newcastle United

Dragusin looked confident in all aspects of his game against Eddie Howe's side.

As per Sofascore, the centre-back made two clearances, blocked one shot, made one interception and one tackle. In addition, he wasn't dribbled past once.

He also won 100 per cent of his ground duels, as well as four of his six aerial duels. Dragusin also looked confident in possession.

The defender won two fouls for his team while also completing 85 per cent of his passes.

While it wasn't necessarily a display which suggests that the Romanian should start ahead of van de Ven, it will have left Postecoglou wanting to hand the defender more first-team minutes.

Therefore, with the UEFA Europa League and cup competitions to come, Postecoglou will no doubt be looking for a way to integrate Dragusin into the first-team fold more regularly.

In other Tottenham news, one player on loan from the club has been backed to succeed despite his recent struggles.

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