Ange Postecoglou could start £27m Tottenham player for the first time this season vs Bournemouth

Add as preferred source on Google

Ange Postecoglou could well hand Giovani Lo Celso his first start of the season against Bournemouth this weekend.

Spurs picked up a statement win over Manchester United as Ange Postecoglou’s men put in a dominant display. The Aussie boss will probably be reluctant to make any changes after a commanding performance, particularly in midfield. 

The trio of Yves Bissouma, James Maddison and Pape Matar Sarr were arguably Tottenham’s standout performers on the day.

But Postecoglou could be forced to make a decision over Maddison’s fitness. 

Indeed, The Evening Standard reported on Monday that Maddison was due to be assessed after leaving the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on crutches with a protective boot on his right foot on Saturday. 

The outlet noted the 26-year-old told reporters it was a ‘precaution’ and the extent of his injury remains unclear.

But in our view, if Maddison does miss Tottenham’s trip to Bournemouth on Saturday, Lo Celso should take his place in the side. 

Postecoglou could hand Lo Celso first start of the season

Lo Celso impressed during pre-season under Postecoglou as he bagged two goals in three games. 

The £27 million midfielder was widely expected to be surplus to requirements this summer after spending the past 18 months on loan at Villarreal. 

Yet, Postecoglou seems to have taken a liking to the Argentine and if Maddison is forced to sit out Saturday’s clash at the Vitality Stadium, Lo Celso has already shown he can shine in the current set-up. 

Of course, it would be a huge blow for Maddison to miss out as he’s been a standout performer for Tottenham in the first two Premier League games.

But even if his injury isn’t a serious one, Postecoglou may be wary of taking a risk on the Englishman this early in the season. 

While Lo Celso boasts different qualities to Maddison, he starred during pre-season and would be a decent short-term replacement for the former Leicester City star. 

Nevertheless, here’s to hoping we receive positive news in terms of Maddison’s injury over the coming days.

The England star has settled in quickly at Spurs and already made a huge impact. But should he miss out on Saturday, we’re confident Lo Celso can do a job based on his pre-season form.