Tottenham Hotspur’s recent 2-1 victory over Roma in a pre-season friendly, where Brennan Johnson scored his first goal for the club, should have been a moment of celebration for both the player and the team. However, despite the encouraging goal and the high hopes that accompany any new signing, there are growing concerns about whether Johnson is truly the answer to Spurs’ long-term ambitions. This article delves deep into his performances, his role at Tottenham, and why there is an increasing belief that he might be axed despite his recent contribution. With Spurs undergoing a transitional phase under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, a club looking to build its future, decisions need to be made that go beyond the fleeting excitement of a goal. Let’s analyze whether Brennan Johnson’s place in the team can truly be justified moving forward.
The Arrival of Brennan Johnson: Brennan Johnson’s arrival at Tottenham in the summer of 2024 for a significant transfer fee marked a new chapter for the club’s attacking setup. Signed from Nottingham Forest, Johnson was seen as an exciting, dynamic winger with an eye for goal and the ability to create opportunities for teammates. He possessed blistering pace, a key asset for any attacking player, and his performances in the Premier League for Forest made him one of the most promising English talents.
At Spurs, he was expected to add another dimension to the attack, a much-needed threat on the flanks that could complement the attacking prowess of players like Son Heung-min and Richarlison. Johnson’s arrival was met with optimism, as it was clear that Tottenham needed a player who could inject energy and directness into their forward play. His technical ability and vision were supposed to make him a key part of Postecoglou’s tactical setup, a system built on high pressing, quick transitions, and wide play.
First Impressions and Early Performances: However, early impressions of Johnson’s performances in Tottenham’s pre-season games have raised eyebrows. Although his goal against Roma was certainly a highlight — showcasing his composure in front of goal after a smart through ball — much of his other play in the match left much to be desired.
Johnson was frequently isolated on the wing, struggling to impose himself on the game. His decision-making in the final third was inconsistent, and he appeared to lack the kind of technical refinement that the top-tier clubs in the Premier League require from their wide players. There were flashes of his pace and directness, but the overall output was lacking.
The Roma match, despite its thrilling moments, didn’t fully demonstrate the skillset required to thrive in a team that aspires to return to its elite status in English football. Postecoglou’s style of play demands fluidity, creativity, and technical brilliance, and Johnson’s limited contributions raised questions about his fit within the system.
The Worrying Underlying Issues: Despite his initial goal-scoring contribution, Brennan Johnson’s underlying issues cannot be ignored. His inconsistency has been a major theme of his career so far, both at Nottingham Forest and now at Tottenham. The question remains whether he possesses the mental and technical attributes to deliver at the highest level consistently.
- Decision-Making and Technical Flaws: One of Johnson’s primary weaknesses has been his decision-making in key moments. For a player in his position, whether cutting inside or laying off a pass, making the right choice can be the difference between success and failure. Too often, Johnson seems to lack the patience or intelligence to pick the best option. Whether it’s shooting from a difficult angle when a teammate is in a better position or failing to make an incisive pass, Johnson’s decision-making in the final third has been erratic.
Furthermore, his technical deficiencies have been apparent. Although his pace is undeniable, his ball control and passing accuracy are areas where he falls short compared to his peers. At the top level, where the margin for error is small, such weaknesses can be detrimental. In a league where possession-based football is crucial, players like Johnson must be able to operate in tight spaces, link up play, and make quick, accurate decisions. His inability to do so with consistency is a concern for Spurs moving forward.
- Inconsistency in the Premier League: At Nottingham Forest, Johnson demonstrated flashes of brilliance but was often criticized for his inconsistency. He had spells where he was a potent attacking threat, but he also had stretches where he seemed absent from matches. In the Premier League, that kind of inconsistency is much more easily punished, and it is no surprise that he is finding the transition to a bigger club challenging.
As Tottenham looks to challenge for European spots and eventually rebuild to become genuine title contenders again, consistency will be key. Spurs cannot afford to have players who are hot and cold, particularly in such a pivotal attacking role. Johnson’s tendency to go missing in crucial moments will be a growing concern for Postecoglou, who demands high levels of effort and discipline from all of his players.
Tactical Fit in Ange Postecoglou’s System: One of the major challenges for Brennan Johnson is the system that Tottenham is playing under manager Ange Postecoglou. The Australian tactician is renowned for his attacking, possession-based football, which relies on swift ball circulation, high pressing, and width. For wingers, the system demands players who are not just fast but also technically sound, creative, and capable of combining with teammates in tight spaces. Unfortunately, Johnson has struggled to meet these requirements.
The key problem for Johnson is that his style of play is very direct. While that can be an asset at times, Postecoglou prefers players who can manipulate the ball with a high degree of skill, and Johnson often lacks this finesse. His tendency to rely on his speed and take defenders on in isolated situations can be beneficial in transition, but it can also disrupt the fluidity of the team’s build-up play. Postecoglou demands width, but he also wants players who can help retain possession and make intelligent decisions under pressure. Johnson’s tendency to give the ball away in advanced areas and struggle with close control makes him an ill-fit for such a system.
Moreover, Postecoglou has shown a preference for players who can contribute defensively. Wing players under his system are expected to be involved in the pressing game, tracking back and helping the fullbacks when necessary. While Johnson’s work rate cannot be faulted, his tactical awareness off the ball has been questionable at times. This lack of understanding in how to position himself when out of possession might make him less suited for Postecoglou’s high-energy, high-pressing system.
The Financial and Squad Considerations: It is also important to consider the financial implications of Johnson’s acquisition. While Tottenham paid a sizable fee for the winger, it is crucial for any club to be willing to cut their losses if a player doesn’t fit into their long-term plans. Tottenham has spent significant money on new signings in recent years, but they have also been keen on making wise decisions to balance the books and ensure squad depth.
If Brennan Johnson continues to underperform, Spurs could find themselves in a situation where they either need to write off the transfer fee or send him out on loan. From a purely financial standpoint, axing Johnson may become an attractive option, especially if it allows Tottenham to reinvest in a player who better fits Postecoglou’s vision for the team.
There is also the matter of squad dynamics. Tottenham has a plethora of talented attacking options, and competition for starting spots is fierce. With players like Son Heung-min, Richarlison, Dejan Kulusevski, and even the emerging talents in the squad, Johnson’s place in the starting XI is far from guaranteed. Spurs may decide that they can use their financial resources to sign a more reliable, established player to occupy his position, thereby increasing the overall quality of the squad.
Alternative Options and Potential Replacement: In light of these concerns, it is worth considering who might replace Brennan Johnson in the Spurs lineup if he were to be axed. Tottenham has several potential options, both from within their squad and in the transfer market.
- Dejan Kulusevski: Kulusevski, who arrived at Tottenham as a loan signing from Juventus in 2022, has established himself as a key player on the right flank. His technical ability, vision, and versatility make him an ideal fit for Postecoglou’s system. Kulusevski is capable of playing as an inverted winger or as a traditional wide player. His ability to create chances and contribute to build-up play is something that Brennan Johnson is still trying to develop.
- Richarlison: Although Richarlison has been deployed as a center forward at times, he is also capable of playing as a winger. His tenacity, creativity, and work rate would make him a strong candidate for a wide position in Postecoglou’s system. While not as naturally gifted as a winger as some of the other options, Richarlison’s adaptability could give him an edge over Johnson.
- External Signings: If Tottenham opts to go into the transfer market, they could look for a more experienced wide player who fits Postecoglou’s tactical requirements. Players who can play with both feet, are strong in possession, and capable of contributing defensively would be ideal for Spurs’ needs.
Conclusion: Brennan Johnson’s time at Tottenham Hotspur could be coming to a crossroads sooner than expected. Despite his promising start and an eye-catching goal against Roma, his performances have not consistently lived up to expectations. Whether it is his technical deficiencies, poor decision-making, or struggle to fit into Postecoglou’s tactical setup, Johnson has yet to prove he can thrive in a system built for a higher level of football.
As Tottenham continues their rebuild under Postecoglou, it is crucial that the club takes a pragmatic approach to their squad decisions. If Brennan Johnson cannot find a way to integrate himself into Spurs’ style of play, the club may have no choice but to cut ties with him sooner rather than later.
Tottenham cannot afford to keep a player who does not fit their system, especially when the competition for places is so fierce. While Johnson’s potential is undeniable, his inconsistency, technical limitations, and inability to adapt to Postecoglou’s demands could ultimately lead to his exit.
