Tottenham Hotspur are gearing up for a pivotal Europa League showdown against AZ Alkmaar, with manager Ange Postecoglou seeing a golden opportunity to turn the club’s season around. As the team travels to the Netherlands for the first leg of their last-16 tie, the return of key players Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Dominic Solanke offers a glimmer of hope amid a challenging campaign.
However, the absence of star midfielder Dejan Kulusevski due to injury casts a shadow over Spurs’ ambitions. Here’s everything you need to know about this crucial match and what it means for Tottenham’s future in the competition.
A Season on the Brink: Europa League as Tottenham’s Lifeline
Tottenham Hotspur’s 2024-2025 season has been anything but smooth sailing. Sitting 13th in the Premier League and already knocked out of both domestic cup competitions, the Europa League has emerged as the club’s last chance to salvage something tangible from a turbulent year. For Ange Postecoglou, who famously claimed he “always wins a trophy in his second season,” this competition could be the key to fulfilling that promise—and possibly securing his future at the helm.
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Speaking ahead of the clash with AZ Alkmaar, Postecoglou expressed optimism about his squad’s mindset. “The boys really understand there is a great opportunity for us,” he said, highlighting the renewed energy brought by returning players. With Tottenham finishing fourth in the Europa League’s league phase, they’ve earned a direct ticket to the knockout rounds, setting the stage for a potential deep run. But can they seize the moment against a formidable Dutch side?
Key Players Return: Romero, Van de Ven, and Solanke Boost Spurs
One of the biggest headlines heading into this match is the return of three pivotal Tottenham players. Defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, alongside record signing Dominic Solanke, have all made the trip to Alkmaar after lengthy spells on the sidelines. Romero hasn’t started a Premier League match since early December due to a thigh injury, while Van de Ven has been plagued by recurring hamstring issues. Solanke, meanwhile, has missed the last 10 games with a knee problem.
Postecoglou remains cautious about their involvement, noting that he’ll decide their minutes after assessing their condition in training. “They’ve been training well, but we’ll see if they’re ready for significant match time,” he explained. Their return couldn’t come at a better moment, as Tottenham looks to shore up a defense that’s been stretched thin and add firepower up top.
Kevin Danso, who’s likely to partner Romero in central defense, is bullish about the team’s prospects. “A hundred percent, I think it’s possible,” Danso said when asked about Tottenham’s chances of winning the Europa League. “With Micky and Cuti back, there’s a lot of positive energy around the place.” This optimism echoes across the squad, with players like Guglielmo Vicario, Brennan Johnson, and James Maddison also returning from injuries with a “hunger and desire” to make an impact.
Kulusevski’s Injury Blow: A Setback for Tottenham’s Attack
While the return of Romero, Van de Ven, and Solanke is a major boost, Tottenham fans received disappointing news about Dejan Kulusevski. The Swedish midfielder, who has notched 10 goals this season, will miss both legs of the AZ Alkmaar tie—and potentially more—due to a lingering foot injury. Postecoglou revealed that Kulusevski has been managing the issue for weeks, but it’s now sidelined him until after the international break later this month.
“Deki’s the only one who hasn’t traveled,” Postecoglou confirmed. “He’s not sure when it happened, but it’s a knock on his foot that’s kept him out.” Losing Kulusevski, a creative force in midfield, is a significant blow for Spurs, especially in a competition where every match counts. His absence puts added pressure on players like Maddison and young prospect Mathys Tel to step up in the attacking third.
Facing AZ Alkmaar: A Tough Test Awaits
AZ Alkmaar is no pushover. The Dutch side punched their ticket to the last 16 with a stunning 6-3 aggregate victory over Galatasaray in the playoff round, including a 4-1 thrashing at home. They’re also fresh off reaching the Dutch Cup final, showcasing their form and resilience. Leading their charge is former Tottenham striker Troy Parrott, who joined AZ last summer in a £6.7 million deal.
Parrott has been a revelation in the Netherlands, scoring 17 goals across all competitions this season. Despite missing a penalty in the Dutch Cup semi-final shootout, the Republic of Ireland international has no regrets about leaving Spurs. “For me, it just didn’t happen [at Tottenham],” he said. “I’m here now, loving life and focusing on progressing.” Facing his former club adds an intriguing subplot to this matchup—can Parrott haunt Tottenham on their quest for glory?
Why the Europa League Matters for Tottenham
For Tottenham, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Beyond the chance to lift their first trophy since 2008, a successful Europa League campaign could secure a Champions League spot for next season—a lifeline for a club struggling in the Premier League. Postecoglou’s job security may also hinge on this competition, as fans and pundits alike question whether his high-pressing, attacking philosophy can deliver results amid an injury-ravaged season.
The Europa League has often been a secondary priority for England’s top clubs, overshadowed by the glitz of the Champions League. But for Spurs, it’s now the main event. A win against AZ Alkmaar in this first leg could set the tone for a season-defining run, while a stumble might amplify the pressure on Postecoglou and his squad.
Tactical Preview: How Tottenham Might Line Up
With Kulusevski out, Postecoglou will need to tweak his lineup. Here’s a potential starting XI based on recent updates:
- Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
- Defenders: Djed Spence, Cristian Romero, Kevin Danso, Destiny Udogie
- Midfielders: Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison
- Forwards: Brennan Johnson, Mathys Tel, Son Heung-min
Romero’s return strengthens the backline, while Son and Maddison will be crucial in driving the attack. Youngsters like Bergvall and Tel could see significant minutes, offering a glimpse of Tottenham’s future. Solanke and Van de Ven might be eased back via the bench, preserving their fitness for the second leg.
AZ Alkmaar, meanwhile, will rely on Parrott’s scoring prowess and a compact, counter-attacking style that dismantled Galatasaray. Tottenham will need to stay sharp defensively while capitalizing on their attacking depth to take a lead back to London.
What’s at Stake for Postecoglou and Spurs?
This match isn’t just about progressing in the Europa League—it’s about redemption. Postecoglou has faced scrutiny for Tottenham’s mid-table Premier League standing, but a trophy could silence his critics and cement his legacy. For the players, it’s a chance to repay the faith of a fanbase desperate for silverware.
Danso’s confidence reflects a broader sentiment within the squad. “We ended up winning [against Manchester United] and keeping a clean sheet,” he recalled, pointing to the momentum shift when key players returned. “It’s the same feeling now.” If Tottenham can harness that energy, they might just turn their season around—one Europa League match at a time.
Looking Ahead: A Kinder Draw for Tottenham?
Should Tottenham advance past AZ Alkmaar, they’ll face either Eintracht Frankfurt or Ajax in the quarterfinals—a manageable path compared to facing heavyweights like Manchester United or Lazio on the other side of the bracket. Bookmakers still view Spurs as favorites to lift the trophy, a testament to their squad depth and Postecoglou’s track record in knockout competitions.
But first, they must navigate this tricky two-legged tie. A strong result in Alkmaar would set up a favorable position for the return leg at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where the home crowd could roar them into the next round.
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Your Take: Can Tottenham Seize the Day?
What do you think—can Tottenham overcome Kulusevski’s absence and take control against AZ Alkmaar? Will Postecoglou’s returning stars make the difference, or will Troy Parrott spoil his old club’s plans? Drop your predictions and thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
As the Europa League knockout stage heats up, Tottenham stands at a crossroads. With technology-driven analysis and a rejuvenated squad, Postecoglou has the tools to engineer a turnaround. Whether they capitalize on this “great opportunity” remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: this match could define their season.
