Perhaps it’s slightly odd to label Dominic Solanke as ‘crucial’, given he’s only worn a Tottenham shirt for 90 minutes, but he’s already been sorely missed whilst injured.
Solanke immediately gave Postecoglou’s side a focal point, as would have been intended.
And although Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski have combined well to plug the gap, Spurs will be delighted to have Solanke back fit, whether he starts or not.
Of course, the importance of Micky van de Ven’s return needs no explanation, a player who is perhaps the first name on the team sheet since Postecoglou took charge.
Tottenham told they overpaid to sign Dominic Solanke this summer
Former Tottenham star Rafael van de Vaart, who enjoyed one or two strong moments in the derby himself over the years, has now been speaking to the Metro ahead of the game.
And when discussing the match, Van de Vaart took a moment to reflect on Solanke’s arrival this summer, who he believes cost far too much money.
Van der Vaart explained: “I have a lot of problems with the money these days, especially in England.
“For really, really normal players, you guys pay 50, 60 million pounds. It is unbelievable.
“So when I see a transfer for that money, I already think it is unwise. Because I don’t believe Solanke gets 40 goals. For that money that is what you should be looking for. It is too much for a normal player.