Ange on Radu: “He’ll play a big part in our season”

Ange Postecoglou was impressed with how Radu Dragusin stood up to the challenge of facing Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday.

Unfortunately, a dominant performance on Tyneside went unrewarded in a 2-1 loss in the Premier League as Alexander Isak tapped home the winner for the Toon 12 minutes from time.

Radu came in for injured Micky van de Ven - Ange's update on Micky here - and performed well, with a couple of recovery tackles as the home side threatened to break away particularly catching the eye.

It wasn’t to be on the day, though, and asked about Radu’s display, Ange told SPURSPLAY: “He did well. It’s a unique challenge here, the crowd create a strong atmosphere, and I thought he handled it well. They’ve got some threats up front, particularly Isak with his pace, and a couple of times he handled that really well. Overall, it’s great experience for him, still on 22, and he’s going to play a big part in our season. Getting through that will stand him in good stead.”

Ange was also asked about Radu in his post-match press conference, and replied: “I thought he was good. It was a great opportunity to expose him. I mean, he's only 22. He's still a young man, especially for a defender and I thought exposing him to this atmosphere and the threat, the particular threat that Newcastle posed with Isak up front, he had to be really concentrated, and I thought he was. I think he's going to play a big part in our season. Him coming through that, that whole experience, will set him up well.”