Olusesi ‘to feature for Tottenham v Bodo/Glimt’ as image emerges after fresh blow
Tottenham travelled to Norway on Wednesday afternoon in preparation for their Europa League second-leg semi-final against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday.
Ange Postecoglou’s future remains in serious doubt, but he nonetheless has a unique opportunity to guide Spurs to a Europa League final if they can hold on to their two-goal lead in Norway.
Tottenham arrive as firm favourites, but emerging injury concerns in the centre of the park have once again depleted the Australian manager’s midfield options.
He has responded by looking to the academy to bolster the squad, with Callum Olusesi in pole position to capitalise on the opportunity.
Olusesi’s moment to shine
James Maddison’s long-term injury has come at an awful time, at times carrying Spurs through the latter stages of the Europa League.
With the additional loss of Lucas Bervall just before the first leg against Bodo, Postecoglou has placed his faith in youngsters Olusesi and Damola Ajayi to come into the squad.
Olusesi, 18, signed a new long-term deal with the club last month and has already featured for Spurs in the Europa League this season, coming on as a late second-half substitute against Hoffenheim.
His form in the youth teams has seen him stand out as Maddison’s natural replacement, with his eye for goal which has seen him score five goals in 11 Premier League 2 appearances this season.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals |
| Premier League 2 | 11 | 5 |
| EFL Trophy | 2 | – |
| FA Youth Cup | 2 | 1 |
| Europa League | 1 | – |
The academy graduate has been no stranger to the first team environment, spending large portions of this season in and amongst the first team and will be keen to show what he can do on the biggest stage.
Postecoglou’s vision for Olusesi
Tottenham have already succumb to a semi-final away defeat knocking them out of a competition at the hands of Liverpool in the Carabao Cup this season, and will hope they can avoid the same fate against Bodo.
They approached the first leg by capitalising on their physical superiority to good effect, but Maddison was still key in orchestrating the team.
His loss means they are likely to double down on their strengths, but if that fails, Olusesi’s creative abilities may be called upon to ensure Spurs can dictate the game on the ball and offer a different dynamic within the midfield.