Ange Postecoglou believes Brennan Johnson’s resurgence and Dominic Solanke’s return to the England squad should serve as a reminder of how quickly Timo Werner could turn his form around.
Werner has started Tottenham’s last two matches in place of injured club captain Son Heung-min, providing some exciting moments with his speed and dribbling.
However, the Germany international has once again proven incredibly frustrating in front of goal, attempting four shots without scoring, despite notching up 0.80 xG against Ferencvaros and Manchester United combined.
Werner was twice put through on goal during the 3-0 win at Old Trafford but fluffed his lines, while he also took a heavy touch trying to round the Ferencvaros goalkeeper after being played in by Mikey Moore.
The 28-year-old is yet to score in seven appearances across all competitions this season.
But Werner can take inspiration from Johnson, who has now scored five goals in his last five appearances after previously having to delete his social media accounts due to online abuse.
Solanke’s return to the England squad after struggling for goals at the start of this season is also a reminder of how quickly the winds can change in your favour.
Postecoglou defends Spurs forward Timo Werner
“It was 14 days ago those questions were asked of Brennan [Johnson]. It’s where we’re at in this world. We just think he’s missed two chances so he’s hopeless,” Postecoglou told reporters at a press conference (via Football.London).
“No, he’s not hopeless. All footballers at this level are very, very good footballers,” he said. “If you write a bad article, it doesn’t mean you’re hopeless. You go ‘actually I could have done better there but I’ll write the next one [better]’.
“Actually, last night Timo, in his first action, took on the winger and put in a brilliant cross for Will [Lankshear] and Will didn’t quite get on the end of it. If that goes in, he’s had a great assist. He gets a one-on-one, if he scores that, if in the last two games he gets a couple of goals, then we’d be having a different conversation, but that’s the fine lines.
“In terms of his general play, I think his last two games have been really good for us. He’s been taking on his players, getting in the right areas. Yes, goals help, we’ve seen that with Brennan, for those kind of positions, but that doesn’t mean he’s not a good player and that’s where I get really annoyed when they put everything on that moment to say he’s not a good player. Of course he’s a good player. He’s a fantastic player.
“Scoring goals would help him, would help us, yes, but we’ll persevere with him because I still think he’s contributing to the team. As with Brennan, 14 days ago I was sitting here answering questions about Dom Solanke and Brennan. Now we’re talking about him in the England team and Brennan’s scoring, so it’s that fine balance.
“I think [Timo’s] performances in the last two games have been better for us in terms of doing his role as a winger in our team. Yes, a goal would be great for him but not for me to say I expect more from him in that position.”
