Tottenham Hotspur are set for another enthralling European night as they welcome Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a pivotal Europa League group stage encounter. Spurs have made a flawless start to their continental campaign under the tutelage of new manager Ange Postecoglou, but AZ promise to provide a stern test of their credentials.
A Perfect Start Under Postecoglou
Tottenham have hit the ground running in Europe this season, recording convincing victories over Ferencvaros and Qarabag to sit atop Group G. The free-flowing, attacking football implemented by Postecoglou has translated seamlessly to the Europa League stage, with Spurs netting an impressive seven goals in their opening two matches.
The Australian tactician has wasted little time in stamping his mark on this Tottenham side, instilling a possession-based philosophy that has seen them dominate proceedings both domestically and in Europe. With the likes of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski pulling the strings in midfield, Spurs have looked a potent force going forward.
Strength in Depth
Postecoglou has also shown a willingness to rotate his squad and hand opportunities to fringe players in the Europa League. The likes of Fraser Forster, Destiny Udogie and teenage sensation Mikey Moore are all expected to feature against AZ, highlighting the strength in depth at Postecoglou’s disposal.
Brazilian striker Richarlison, who has found minutes hard to come by in the Premier League, will be hoping to make a statement and stake his claim for a regular starting berth. The former Everton man boasts an impressive record in European competition and his physicality and work rate could prove key to unlocking a well-drilled AZ defense.
The Parrott Returns
Adding an intriguing subplot to proceedings is the return of Troy Parrott to his former club. The Irish international came through the youth ranks at Spurs but struggled to nail down a first-team place, leading to his summer switch to AZ. Parrott has made an impressive start to life in the Eredivisie, netting four goals in AZ’s recent 9-1 demolition of Robin van Persie’s Heerenveen.
He’s a top talent with a bright future ahead of him. We’ll have to be on our guard to keep him quiet.
– A Tottenham insider speaking about Parrott
The 21-year-old will undoubtedly be motivated to prove a point on his return to North London and Tottenham’s defense, which has looked suspect at times this season, will need to be alert to the threat posed by their former colleague.
AZ Aim to Spring a Surprise
While Tottenham will start as firm favorites, AZ have enough quality in their ranks to cause an upset. Managed by the intriguingly named Maarten Martens, the Dutch side sit second in the Eredivisie and have been in fine form in front of goal, plundering 18 goals in their last three league outings.
In Jordy Clasie and Bruno Martins Indi, AZ boast two players with Premier League experience, while Danish midfielder Rasmus Nielsen has been earning rave reviews for his performances this season. With Ruben van Bommel, son of Dutch legend Mark, also among their ranks, AZ have a nice blend of youth and experience at their disposal.
A Stern Test Awaits
While Tottenham will be confident of maintaining their 100% record, Postecoglou will be under no illusions as to the challenge that awaits his side. AZ have proven they are no pushovers and in Parrott they have a player with inside knowledge of Spurs and a point to prove.
A victory for Tottenham would all but guarantee their place in the knockout stages but Postecoglou will be wary of complacency creeping in. With a passionate home crowd roaring them on under the lights, Spurs will be determined to put on a show and lay down a marker for the rest of the competition.
As the famous Tottenham anthem echoes around the stadium prior to kickoff, both sets of players will know the stakes at play. For Spurs, it’s an opportunity to underline their credentials as one of the favorites for the Europa League crown. For AZ and Parrott, a chance to spring a surprise and announce themselves on the European stage. An enthralling encounter awaits in North London.
Brazilian striker Richarlison, who has found minutes hard to come by in the Premier League, will be hoping to make a statement and stake his claim for a regular starting berth. The former Everton man boasts an impressive record in European competition and his physicality and work rate could prove key to unlocking a well-drilled AZ defense.
The Parrott Returns
Adding an intriguing subplot to proceedings is the return of Troy Parrott to his former club. The Irish international came through the youth ranks at Spurs but struggled to nail down a first-team place, leading to his summer switch to AZ. Parrott has made an impressive start to life in the Eredivisie, netting four goals in AZ’s recent 9-1 demolition of Robin van Persie’s Heerenveen.
He’s a top talent with a bright future ahead of him. We’ll have to be on our guard to keep him quiet.
– A Tottenham insider speaking about Parrott
The 21-year-old will undoubtedly be motivated to prove a point on his return to North London and Tottenham’s defense, which has looked suspect at times this season, will need to be alert to the threat posed by their former colleague.
AZ Aim to Spring a Surprise
While Tottenham will start as firm favorites, AZ have enough quality in their ranks to cause an upset. Managed by the intriguingly named Maarten Martens, the Dutch side sit second in the Eredivisie and have been in fine form in front of goal, plundering 18 goals in their last three league outings.
In Jordy Clasie and Bruno Martins Indi, AZ boast two players with Premier League experience, while Danish midfielder Rasmus Nielsen has been earning rave reviews for his performances this season. With Ruben van Bommel, son of Dutch legend Mark, also among their ranks, AZ have a nice blend of youth and experience at their disposal.
A Stern Test Awaits
While Tottenham will be confident of maintaining their 100% record, Postecoglou will be under no illusions as to the challenge that awaits his side. AZ have proven they are no pushovers and in Parrott they have a player with inside knowledge of Spurs and a point to prove.
A victory for Tottenham would all but guarantee their place in the knockout stages but Postecoglou will be wary of complacency creeping in. With a passionate home crowd roaring them on under the lights, Spurs will be determined to put on a show and lay down a marker for the rest of the competition.
As the famous Tottenham anthem echoes around the stadium prior to kickoff, both sets of players will know the stakes at play. For Spurs, it’s an opportunity to underline their credentials as one of the favorites for the Europa League crown. For AZ and Parrott, a chance to spring a surprise and announce themselves on the European stage. An enthralling encounter awaits in North London.
