Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 AZ Alkmaar: Player ratings as Richarlison penalty ensures third Europa League win on the bounce

Tottenham Hotspur continued their brilliant run of form in the UEFA Europa League season 2024/25 with a 1-0 defeat of AZ Alkmaar on Thursday. Richarlison struck a penalty early into the second half which eventually made the difference between the sides. To make matters worse, David Moller Wolfe, was sent off for the visitors with only five minutes of normal time remaining. That makes it three wins from three in the competition for Ange Postecoglu’s side, who look well-placed to reach the knockout stages. Here are the player ratings:

Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings vs AZ Alkmaar

Goalkeeper

Fraser Forster – 7.5

Didn’t face enough challenge from the visitors, but made a few vital saves to keep his side in the game and earned a clean sheet it.

Defenders

Archie Gray – 6.5

Besides his unerring passing accuracy, there was minimal involvement from him.

Radu Dragusin – 6.5

With seven clearances, his vision was top-notch, but looked shaky sometimes and even made an error that nearly led to a goal for Alkmaar.

Ben Davies – 6

Good positioning and didn’t nothing wrong, but wasn’t exactly a shining figure for Spurs either.

Destiny Udogie – 7

Won six of his seven ground duels, blocked one shot and made two interceptions.

Midfielders

Lucas Bergvall – 7

Drove forward with great urgency and purpose, while also winning the penalty for Richarlison to fire home.

Rodrigo Bentancur – 6.5

Distributed the ball superbly to keep Spurs in control.

James Maddison – 7.5

Laid two key passes and four crosses while also winning seven ground duels, all of which is a testament to his work-ethic on the night.

Forwards

Mikey Moore – 5.5

Too sloppy on the ball and missed a big chance on the night too.

Richarlison – 8

Was having a frustrating game with most of his shots blocked, but took his chance from the penalty spot well.

Timo Werner – 7

Didn’t see much of the ball although looked dangerous whenever he was in possession, with his crosses and key passes; yet, was taken off at the break.

Substitutes

Brennan Johnson – 5

Couldn’t add any attacking flair or flamboyance; seemed like a far-cry from his self that was firing at all cylinders before the international break.

Dominic Solanke – 6

The former Bournemouth star created two chances and won four ground duels.

Dejan Kulusevski – 5

Struggled to win his duels and remained on the fringes for most of the time.

Pape Matar Sarr – 6

Distributed the ball well to ensure Spurs are on the frontfoot.

Wilson Odobert – N/A

Didn’t have much time to make a genuine impact.

Manager

Ange Postecoglu – 6.5

Not the best performance from his side, but the manager would still be happy with their win, their third on the trot in the Europa League.

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AZ Alkmaar Player Ratings vs Tottenham Hotspur

Goalkeeper

Rome Owusu-Oduro – 7

Made four saves in the game to frustrate their mighty hosts but was eventually beaten by a penalty.

Defenders

Seiya Maikuma – 6.5

Didn’t win any of his six attempted ground duel, was dribbled past twice, and made an error that led to a shot for Spurs.

Alexandre Penetra – 7

Won all four of his ground duels, made four clearances and blocked one shot.

Maxim Dekker – 6.5

Impeccable passing range and registered two blocks.

David Wolfe – 6

Was rather having a good game, plucking the ball off his markers and jumping into a few tackles, but got himself sent off towards the end.

Midfielders

Jordy Clasie – 6

Showed his extensive passing range but couldn’t help out defensively enough.

Sven Mijnans – 7

Laid four key passes and two crosses to emerge as his side’s creative inspiration.

Kristijan Belic – 7

Defensively resolute, making two clearances and three interceptions, but also lacked the pace on the ball many times as Belic was dribbled past thrice in the game.

Forwards

Ernest Poku – 6.5

Expert at plucking the ball off his opponents, but was never a direct threat.

Troy Parrott – 6

Mustered just a single shot in the game that was also blocked.

Ruben Bommel – N/A

Went off within 12 minutes of the kick-off with an injury.

Substitutes

Denso Kasius – 6.5

Threw his weight around in defense while also having the time to roam forward and add a new layer to Alkmaar’s attack.

Peer Koopmeiners – 5

Struggled to win his duels and was often off the pace too.

Mayckel Lahdo – 5

Made one shot and that was saved.

Dave Kwakman – 6.5

Passed the ball around accurately.

Mexx Meerdink – N/A

Didn’t have enough time to make an impact.

Manager

Maarten Martens – 6.5

A great effort from his side, as they managed to hold off Tottenham from open play.

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