How Tottenham could line up with Timo Werner

Timo Werner's time in the Premier League hasn't gone entirely to plan.

The German arrived at Chelsea in 2020 off the back of a prolific season with RB Leipzig, but his rough edges were exacerbated by the pressures of leading the line for the Blues. In the end, a return to Leipzig two years later was not mourned by the Stamford Bridge faithful.

However, Werner was handed a shot at redemption by Ange Postecolou last January, with Tottenham signing the 28-year-old on loan until the end of the campaign. Despite missing the end of the season with injury, the speedy attacker clearly made a positive impression on those at Spurs, with the north London side arranging a season-long loan for the 2024/25 campaign.

But how did Werner get on during his return to England and where may he fit in for Spurs next season?

How did Timo Werner perform at Tottenham?

Werner was a firm favourite of Postecoglou's during the second half of last season, making 13 Premier League appearances prior to the injury that kept him out of the final five matches. In that time, he showed the same qualities and limitations as he had in west London.

Werner's speed and willingness to run in behind opposition defences certainly caused problems for Spurs' opponents, but often the 57-cap Germany international's endeavour was not matched by a clinical touch in and around the penalty area.

Operating as more of a facilitator than a goalscorer, Werner produced two goals and a further three assists in the top flight. His expected goals tally of 4.21 suggests that his wastefulness in the final third remains an issue in his game.

However, Werner still helped Tottenham achieve a top five finish last season, securing Europa League football in the process. With greater depth needed ahead of a European campaign in 2024/25, bringing the RB Leipzig man back to north London on loan next term seems like a sensible piece of business.

Where will Timo Werner line up for Tottenham?

While Werner has often been used as a centre-forward throughout his career, Postecoglou deployed him almost exclusively on the left side of attack in a 4-2-3-1 system. Such a role enabled him to use his pace to drive at full-backs, with the ability to cut inside and open play up as well as reaching the touchline.

Given Postecoglou has favoured him in this position and that Werner has once again struggled to find his ruthless streak, it seems unlikely that the Australian coach would use him as a lone striker despite his experience in such a role.

Instead, Richarlison, who was extremely impressive when fit for Spurs last season, is likely to lead the line, with potential for the Lilywhites to sign a new orthodox number nine in the upcoming transfer window.

If all Tottenham's attackers are fit then Werner's position in the team is far from guaranteed. Brennan Johnson and, of course, Heung-min Son have the ability to feature on that left flank, while Dejan Kulusevski is a great option on the other wing.

How Tottenham could line up with Timo Werner

Kulusevski - Richarlison - Werner

Kulusevski - Son - Werner

Johnson - Son - Werner

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