In Focus: Perisic can be a useful option under Ange

Ivan Perisic's future at Tottenham is in doubt after just one season. 

The 34-year-old reunited with his former Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte last summer, only for the Italian to be sacked. 

Now Ange Postecoglou has been appointed as Spurs' new head coach and with a likely change in formation coming, there are doubts as to where the wide player will fit in. 

Ahead of Croatia's Nations League semi-final clash with the Netherlands on Wednesday, we take a look at Perisic's situation and his options for the future. 

Perfect option

Perisic seemed a smart acquisition for Tottenham when they signed him on a free transfer last June. 

He had excelled as a wing-back with Conte at Inter and then under new manager Simone Inzaghi. 

Perisic scored ten goals and assisted nine more for the Italian giants in the 2021-22 season prior to moving to London. 

Such a productive player looked the perfect option in Spurs' 3-4-3 formation, providing competition and guidance for the much younger Ryan Sessegnon. 

Yet despite a bright start, the move did not turn out as planned. His desire to push high up the left flank saw Heung-Min Son forced inside, reducing the South Korean's goal threat. 

Perisic also struggled with his defensive responsibilities, particularly after a gruelling World Cup campaign for Croatia in which he helped his nation to a third-place finish. 

World Cup

Tottenham's season eventually spiralled into disaster with Conte being sacked and the club finishing outside of the European places. 

Postecoglou's arrival now raises doubts over Perisic's future. The Australian is likely to play with a 4-3-3 formation, as he did at Celtic. 

It would seem highly unlikely that the veteran would be used as a left-back in a four-man defence, especially with Destiny Udogie arriving to compete with Sessegnon and Ben Davies in that position. 

That leaves Perisic as an option within Tottenham's front three, which should not be ruled out. 

Despite only scoring once in his debut season, the Croat did assist 12 goals for Spurs. 

Many came from set-pieces, where both his delivery and heading ability were vital ingredients in one of the few areas in which Tottenham excelled. 

Though his form fell away, he did play nearly every available minute for Croatia at the World Cup. Mainly used as a left winger, he scored once and assisted three times.

Inter return

With no European fixtures for Tottenham and a regular international schedule, Perisic would have the benefit of a more relaxed season should he stay at the club. 

He would be competing with Son and possibly others for the left-wing spot, while also providing cover on the right and as a striker.

In April there were reports that Perisic was keen on returning to Inter, but that would depend on Robin Gosens departing and the Champions League finalists not opting for a younger replacement. 

With one year remaining on a Tottenham contract where he is paid a reported £180,000 per week, the club could choose to release him on a free if he is keen to leave. 

The alternative is to hold on to Perisic, who could be a valuable option from the bench as Spurs look to get back on track.