How Werner can prove to be the perfect fit at Spurs

Ange Postecoglou is set to hand Timo Werner another chance to prove himself in the Premier League.

The former Chelsea striker is on the verge of joining Tottenham on a six-month loan deal from RB Leipzig and he may be thrown straight in at the deep end.

As the North Londoners prepare to face Manchester United at Old Trafford this weekend, we take a look at what Werner can bring to Spurs.

Pace and power

The 27-year-old is known for his lightning pace and surprising strength for someone who stands at just 5ft 9in.

His trademark during his time at both Chelsea and Leipzig was to beat the offside trap and charge in behind the defence.

Germany's 57-cap international has been clocked at 11.11 seconds over 100 metres and could thrive in Postecoglou's aggressive system which favours a relentless press.

Werner tallied 44 goal contributions in 89 games at Stamford Bridge and has surpassed 100 strikes in the Bundesliga since returning in 2022.

The Champions League winner was heavily criticised during his time in England for a lack of composure in the penalty area but he will have plenty of opportunities to reconstruct his reputation in a free-scoring Spurs side.

Point to prove

While several pundits are unsure about the move, former Arsenal defender Paul Merson believes Werner can succeed at Spurs.

He said: "The thing that Ange likes is pace, he loves pace.

"I was a little harsh on him at Chelsea but the thing is he's lightning quick and it looks like he likes pace at Tottenham, buying the likes of [Brennan] Johnson.

"If he can time his runs right on a big pitch at Tottenham he will cause havoc. 

"But he was offside so many times at Chelsea for someone who is that quick."

Stop-gap for Son

With captain Heung-Min Son away with South Korea at the Asian Cup, Werner has the opportunity to hit the ground running.

His versatility means he can play as either a winger or striker and his arrival adds some much-needed depth to Tottenham's attack.

Similar to Richarlison, Werner's strengths perhaps lie in his off-the-ball work rather than what he does with it at his feet.

In the Bundesliga across the last two seasons, the ex-Stuttgart goalscorer has won possession across the middle and final third of the pitch 45 times.

He has also completed 32 take-ons and will not be afraid to run at his opponents.

Spurs struggled to attack the spaces in behind Burnley during their FA Cup clash last week and had Werner been on the pitch, the pressure would have been eased on a tired-looking frontline.

Until Son returns, the Lilywhites need someone hungry and experienced at attacking the space in the final third.

A change of scene and a system suited to his style of play could be enough for Turbo Timo to return to his best — with a place in Germany's Euro 2024 squad also sure to be on his mind.