After suffering defeats in his first three matches as Tottenham Hotspur’s interim manager, Igor Tudor now has an opportunity to secure his first victory when Spurs face Atlético Madrid tonight.
The UEFA Champions League offers a welcome distraction from their struggles in the Premier League, where the North London side currently sit 16th, just one spot above the relegation zone.
Despite their domestic problems, Tottenham have performed impressively in Europe so far, finishing fourth in the league phase after losing just one of their eight matches. That record has earned them a place in the round of 16, with Tudor’s side travelling to Madrid for the first leg at the Metropolitano Stadium. However, progressing to the next round will be a difficult task if their recent form continues.
One player whose performances have come under scrutiny is João Palhinha. Since taking charge at the end of last month, Tudor has started the Portuguese midfielder in the heart of his side in the last two Premier League matches. However, the experienced midfielder has struggled to replicate his early-season form.
Against former club Fulham F.C., the 30-year-old completed only 54% of his passes and lost possession 14 times. Similar issues appeared in the defeat to Crystal Palace F.C., where he gave the ball away eight times. In both games he also managed only five passes into the final third, highlighting difficulties in helping the team maintain attacking momentum.
Tudor’s tactical approach relies heavily on players being comfortable in possession, something Palhinha has struggled to demonstrate in recent matches.
Midfield selection has been a major talking point at Tottenham in recent months. The club strengthened the department in January by signing Conor Gallagher, but he has also found it difficult to make an impact, starting just once since Tudor’s arrival. The manager has experimented with several midfield combinations, still searching for the most effective setup.
Injuries have complicated the situation further, but finding the right balance in midfield remains a key challenge. One player who has rarely featured in his natural position under Tudor is Archie Gray. The 19-year-old has often been used as a wing-back in the Croatian coach’s three-defender system rather than in central midfield.
Gray still made an impact recently by assisting Dominic Solanke’s goal against Crystal Palace. Since joining Tottenham for around £40 million last summer, the England youth international has frequently been used as a versatile option across the pitch rather than as a specialist midfielder.
When he has been deployed in midfield, however, Gray has impressed. His display in Tottenham’s recent European match against Eintracht Frankfurt highlighted his ability in that role. In that game he completed 96% of his passes and delivered more passes into the final third than Palhinha managed across his previous two appearances.
During that match, Gray completed all of his attempted dribbles and crosses. Defensively he also contributed with four ball recoveries and won every aerial duel he contested, demonstrating his effectiveness both on and off the ball.
Such performances have strengthened the growing reputation of the young midfielder. Comparisons have already been made with former Michael Carrick, while Como scout Ben Mattinson has described Gray as a potential “future £100m” player.
With Tottenham looking to end their losing run, midfield decisions remain a key focus ahead of the clash in Madrid.
