'Doesn’t have that discipline' – Pundit says Tottenham star lacks discipline to play key role

Tottenham Hotspur dropped out of the Premier League’s top four after succumbing to a significant 4-0 defeat against Newcastle United in their most recent fixture last Saturday.

Ange Postecoglou’s tactics are being scrutinised as Spurs face two losses in their last 5 league games.

Even though the Lilywhites have been dominant in ball possession, their forwards have struggled to capitalise on scoring opportunities.

Son lacks positional disciple to play striker

According to former English footballer Jay Bothroyd, who himself was a striker, Tottenham captain Heung-Min Son lacks the discipline required to play upfront, suggesting that he is better suited to playing off the left wing.

Speaking on The Optus Sport Football Podcast, Bothroyd praised Richarlison’s influence on the pitch, noting the Brazilian’s capacity to serve as a focal point in the #9 position.

He emphasised Richarlison’s versatility in scoring different kinds of goals, from tap-ins to headers. The pundit stated:

“When Richarlison was playing, he was great for Tottenham, I’m sorry.

“I said this earlier on in the season – if he can start being disciplined in the middle, he will score goals because he is good in the air, he gets them ugly goals, them tap-ins, he can score a great goal – I think Tottenham have missed that.

“Now you’re playing Son up front – he’s a great player but he doesn’t have that discipline where he is going to stay between the two defenders because a player of his ability wants to get involved in the game.

“That’s why I feel, Tottenham don’t have their strongest side. Richarlison is in that strongest eleven now.”

Richarlison has been in remarkable form lately, netting 9 goals in his last 13 appearances in the Premier League. (Transfermarkt)

However, the 26-year-old is grappling with a knee issue, leading to his absence from 4 of Tottenham’s last 7 league matches.

Postecoglou has been compelled to utilise Son as a centre-forward in the absence of Richarlison.

Despite the South Korean’s apparent deficiency in positional discipline for the striker role, he has been enjoying a stellar campaign, leading Spurs from the front as their top scorer this season.

The Lilywhites certainly have quality players in their frontline. However, fine-tuning their positions could unlock their full potential, a consideration for the Australian head coach moving forward.