Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of finding stability this season have largely collapsed, with poor Premier League form dragging the club into an unexpected relegation battle.
Despite respectable performances in the Champions League, domestic struggles have overshadowed any European progress, leaving Thomas Frank under growing pressure. With Spurs already eliminated from both domestic cup competitions, continental football has arguably been the main reason he remains in charge.
The contrast with last season has been stark, as Tottenham have fallen from mid-table security to a worrying position near the bottom end of the table.
Frank Under Increasing Pressure After Newcastle Defeat
Following the recent defeat to Newcastle United, Frank’s tense post-match interview reflected the scale of the challenge he faces.
Tottenham currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just five points clear of the relegation zone, and performances have shown little sign of consistent improvement.
Against Newcastle, Spurs were second best in most physical and tactical aspects, losing the majority of their duels and failing to impose themselves during the opening stages of the match.
The lack of intensity and composure has become a recurring theme throughout the campaign.
Bissouma Symbolises Tottenham’s Midfield Problems
Once again, Yves Bissouma found himself at the centre of criticism after another underwhelming display, which ended with his substitution at half-time.
The midfielder has struggled to provide defensive security or creative influence, often leaving the team exposed in transition.
With his contract set to expire in the summer, his departure now appears inevitable, as Tottenham look to reshape their midfield.
However, Bissouma is not the only player whose long-term future at the club is in doubt.
Dragusin Failing to Fill Romero’s Void
Radu Dragusin has struggled to convince in the absence of suspended captain Cristian Romero, raising serious questions about his suitability as a long-term option in defence.
Signed with high expectations, the Romanian international was supposed to add physicality and composure to the back line. Instead, he has delivered a series of inconsistent performances.
His displays have drawn comparisons to former Spurs defender Serge Aurier, a player known for his athletic ability but also for costly lapses in concentration.
Shades of Serge Aurier in Dragusin’s Game
Serge Aurier’s time at Tottenham was marked by moments of quality mixed with frequent disciplinary and positional errors.
While Dragusin plays in central defence rather than at right-back, similar traits have emerged. He is physically strong and technically capable, yet prone to rash challenges and poor decision-making.
Across just 42 appearances, he has already accumulated five yellow cards and one red, highlighting ongoing issues with discipline and timing.
Newcastle Performance Raised Serious Concerns
Dragusin’s display against Newcastle underlined many of these weaknesses.
Despite playing the full 90 minutes, he won only four of his 11 contested duels and frequently lost possession under pressure. His limited impact in defensive duels allowed Newcastle’s forwards to dominate key areas.
He also conceded unnecessary fouls that disrupted Spurs’ already fragile build-up play and contributed directly to dangerous situations.
Such numbers are unacceptable for a centre-back tasked with leading the defensive line.
Media Criticism Reflects Growing Doubts
Following the match, football.london handed Dragusin a harsh 4/10 rating, criticising his role in conceding the opening goal and his overall lack of defensive awareness.
Observers pointed out his failure to read danger quickly, especially compared to the mobility and anticipation of Micky van de Ven and Romero.
These comparisons only emphasise how far Dragusin currently is from becoming a reliable first-choice defender.
No Clear Path to Long-Term Success at Spurs
While Romero is often criticised for his aggressive style, his leadership and quality remain invaluable to Tottenham’s defence.
Dragusin, by contrast, has yet to demonstrate that he can consistently perform at the required level in high-pressure situations.
With Spurs expected to undergo major squad restructuring in the summer, the club cannot afford to persist with players who offer uncertainty rather than assurance.
Time for ENIC to Move On
Given Tottenham’s precarious position and the urgent need for defensive stability, Radu Dragusin’s future at the club appears increasingly uncertain.
Much like Serge Aurier before him, he possesses undeniable physical qualities but too many flaws in discipline and decision-making.
If Spurs are serious about rebuilding and competing again, ENIC may need to sanction his sale and reinvest in a more reliable defensive option.
For now, Dragusin looks more like part of the problem than part of the solution.
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
