Ange Postecoglou should have a rethink on exit-linked Tottenham ace Giovani Lo Celso
Giovanni Lo Celso appears set to leave Tottenham this summer but there is an argument that Ange Postecoglou should give him a chance.
The Argentine midfielder has played infrequently this season under Postecoglou, primarily being used as a substitute.
He was named in a tweet by journalist Paul O’Keefe as one of 15 players who could potentially be allowed to depart the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer, meaning he faces an uncertain future in North London.
However, his numbers are surprisingly impressive and indicate that the Australian head coach should perhaps give the 28-year-old more of a chance next season rather than selling him.
Should Tottenham sell Giovanni Lo Celso?
Lo Celso has been viewed as a fringe player for the vast majority of the season and has never seemed to be able to convince Postecoglou of his worth as a regular starter, despite the Australian regularly chopping and changing the make-up of his midfield.
However, a look at the Argentine’s underlying statistics reveals a player who profiles very favourably in a number of areas and clearly possesses the ability to contribute to the cause at Tottenham.
Per 90 in the Premier League this season, he has averaged 12.09 progressive passes, 0.34 xA (expected assists), 3.2 key passes, all while maintaining a passing accuracy of 89.3 per cent [FBref].
It is not only Lo Celso’s incisive passing that can carve opponents open, but his ball-carrying, too.
His average progressive carrying distance per 90 in the 2023/24 Premier League campaign of 168.26 yards, 3.56 carries into the final third and 4.62 fouls drawn mark him out as an outstanding ball progressor with the ability to evade pressure and drag his side up the pitch.
Even his two goals – which came against Aston Villa and Manchester City amid his only run of three successive starts – and two assists are impressive against the context of his limited total league minutes, racking up just 506 in the league.
Lo Celso appears to have plenty of dangerous attacking tools at his disposal – perhaps Postecoglou would benefit from using them next season.
In other Tottenham news, Spurs should never have loaned Alejo Veliz to Sevilla, he’s wasted half a season.
For more Tottenham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.