Brandon Austin given opportunity to impress in Tottenham friendly v Newcastle United
Ange Postecoglou has handed Brandon Austin an opportunity to prove himself in between the sticks as Tottenham face Newcastle United on Wednesday (22 May).
The manager has confirmed his starting XI as Spurs kick off against the Magpies in Australia as part of the club’s post-season tour, and the 25-year-old shot-stopper has been thrown into the lineup.
Due to Fraser Forster’s injury this season, Austin has been the backup keeper of choice for Postecoglou in recent weeks, though he has not managed to make it onto the pitch.
The Tottenham academy graduate has struggled for any game time at all, last playing a senior match during his six-month loan spell with Orlando City in the MLS during the 2020/21 campaign.
However, having been taken on the post-season tour, Austin must see this as an opportunity to prove himself worthy to Postecoglou ahead of the 2024/25 campaign and show his talents.
Brandon Austin must deliver in Tottenham friendly v Newcastle United
With no senior football since 2021, Austin is very likely to be in desperate need of match sharpness, especially at the speed Spurs play under Postecoglou.
Albeit a distant memory now, the shot-stopper will need to take inspiration from his MLS stint if he is to get through the game against the firepower of Harvey Barnes, Miguel Almiron and Alexander Isak.
During his spell with Orlando City, the 25-year-old started just five matches, keeping one clean sheet and conceding eight goals. Given he faced an xG of 7.29, he did not underperform by too much at all. [FotMob]
He did also make eight saves, which suggests he is handy enough in between the sticks. But looking at his 50 per cent save rate, there is certainly room for improvement, as per Sofascore.
His passing will also need major work in a possession-based team, having completed 73 per cent of his passes on loan.
Considering Guglielmo Vicario’s passing accuracy of 85 per cent, Austin must improve massively if he is to be trusted by Postecoglou moving forward. [FBref]
The Italian also has a 99 per cent accuracy when it comes to short passes in the Premier League, something that might concern Austin after being out of the game for so long.
With both goalkeepers on the tour, however, the 25-year-old will have plenty of time to learn from Tottenham’s first-choice and pick up on Postecoglou’s preferences in between the sticks.
In other Tottenham news, the club’s stance on Jarrad Branthwaite is clear amid an £80million update.
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