Ange Postecoglou fully expects Brennan Johnson to become a future star for Tottenham Hotspur but admitted that the winger needs time to get used to his new surroundings.
Unlike some of Tottenham’s other summer arrivals, who have hit the ground running in North London, Johnson is yet to consistently showcase his best for the club.
The 22-year-old has shown glimpses of his quality in attack but has not yet delivered the kind of statement display to signal that he has arrived.
The Wales international cut a frustrating figure during the game against West Ham, with things not really clicking for him in the final third.
Postecoglou sees a big player in Brennan Johnson
Postecoglou has said that he has seen enough from Johnson to be confident that the winger will prove decisive for Spurs as he gets more game time under his belt.
The Tottenham head coach told Football.London about the former Nottingham Forest man: “He’s joined a big football club. You can’t play for a big football club and hide away. It doesn’t happen.
“You look at any player who goes to a big football club, that’s where they want to be, they want the responsibility, they want the limelight, they want to be the person who makes that difference.
“That’s why Brennan came here. He could have very easily stayed at Nottingham Forest where he was making a great career for himself, but he wanted to get out of his comfort zone because he had been there for so long and he chose to come to a big club. Well, that’s part of being at a big club. I know he knows that.
“But that’s not just an overnight thing. He’ll come to embrace that. We’ve seen elements of his game which are very, very exciting and we’ve got to get him to do that more and believe in himself more. I know that will come. I have full faith that it will come. I’ve seen that in him.
“But like any other process with young players and young people, they have got to get to that space. You try to help them to get there as quickly as possible but sometimes it takes a little bit longer.”
Another man who has failed to live up to his price tag at Tottenham is Richarlison, who missed another gilt-edged chance to bring the home side level against West Ham, planting a header wide from point-blank range.
Postecoglou remarked that the forward is now moving a lot more freely after successfully undergoing pelvic surgery, and backed the Brazilian to turn his future around.
The 58-year-old said about Richarlison: “It’s not about wanting him to step up. That’s the opportunity. With all footballers, that’s all you can really ask for.
“There’s nothing more that a club or a manager can provide for you than provide the basic framework of, ‘here’s an opportunity for you, your opportunity now exists to make your own mark and make an impact.
“It’s great to have him back. Fair to say he looks a lot freer and better physically than he did when he was struggling earlier in the year. It seems like the medical intervention has been positive for him. He’s short of some match fitness but it was good to get him on last night for a bit more time.
“We’re going to need him. We’re going to need all the guys. The group that we’ve got at the moment is what we’re going to have between now and the foreseeable future. They’re the ones that are going to have turn their fortunes around.”
Spurs Web Opinion
It is clear from Johnson’s body language that he is lacking a little in belief and confidence at the moment. The big price tag seems to be weighing heavily on the youngster’s shoulders but all he needs is a few good performances to perhaps start playing with a bit more arrogance.