Mikey Moore, Werner, Richarlison - Who is Heung-min Son's best Spurs back-up? - Opinion

Following a disappointing defeat to Ipswich Town on Sunday, with increasing injury issues and a tough run of fixtures to come for Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham, the upcoming international break may be a welcomed reprieve for Spurs fans.

With 66% possession and 17 shots compared to just eight from the visitors (Sofascore), Tottenham dominated the game, however, a combination of poor defending and a lack of creativity in attack ultimately saw Spurs hand yet another London rival their first league win of the season.

Despite Tottenham’s 23 league goals this season, in recent games against both Ipswich and Crystal Palace, they have failed to make their dominance count, missing out on what on paper should be easy points against relegation-threatened teams.

With the recent return of Heung-Min Son, a frontline of Son, Dominic Solanke, and Brennan Johnson looks to be Postecoglou‘s go-to trio at the moment. However, with each of Timo Werner, Richarlison and Mikey Moore all picking up minutes in recent weeks, who actually has the best claim to be Tottenham’s fourth-choice forward?

Timo Werner

There’s no doubt Werner has been a polarising figure for Spurs fans, spurning an array of chances already this season and failing to produce much in return until facing Manchester City in the Carabao Cup, with the forward netting what looked like a much-needed goal.

Upon Son and Odebert’s injuries, the German appeared to be Ange’s “first choice” backup having already appeared 13 times this season (Transfermarkt), however, the steady breakthrough of Moore means Werner’s place in the team is hardly guaranteed.

To the eye test, there’s no doubting the forward’s threat, with Werner’s pace allowing him to terrorise defences, regularly seeing him presented with good chances, however, the German’s finishing leaves a lot to be desired, lacking the cutting-edge expected of captain Son.

Against Man City alone, although scoring, Werner should and arguably could have had a hat-trick, missing two “big chances” according to Sofascore.

That being said, Werner does regularly pose a genuine threat to Premier League opposition – evidenced in his performance in the win over Manchester United, and with a tough run of Europa League fixtures and a Carabao Cup quarter-final on the horizon he is more than likely to pick up appearances for the Lilywhites.

Hopefully, his recent strike will instil some much-needed confidence in the German, as if he could discover some of the form that initially helped secure his move to Chelsea back in 2020 there’s no doubting the value he could add.

Richarlison

Following his £60m move from Everton back in the summer of 2021, it still feels as though Richarlison has never quite got going in a Spurs shirt.

With just 16 goals and nine assists in 73 appearances for Tottenham, it’s no secret the Brazilian has struggled for form, however, his return of 11 goals in the league last season was a marked improvement on his debut campaign.

Unfortunately, Richarlison has struggled for fitness this season, being sidelined for over a month in a period where he would likely have featured more heavily owing to the absence of Dominic Solanke, and once again finding himself back on the treatment table.

However, the forward did get off the mark for the season against AZ Alkmaar recently, cooly dispatching a penalty that akin to Werner against City was a much-needed, confidence-boosting goal.

Moreover, unlike Werner and Moore, Richarlison favours playing centrally and can offer cover to both Son and Solanke ahead of an upcoming busy schedule.

Although again his end product is sometimes lacking, there can be no questioning Richarlison’s commitment to the badge, with the forward being a hard-working, pest-like presence that can unsettle any opposition.

As mentioned, perhaps the biggest issue for the Brazilian is his fitness, and moreover lack of it, with Richarlison yet again sidelined following his recent return to the side.

When he is fit, Richarlison has certainly proved a useful asset for Spurs, so fans will be hopeful of seeing the forward back in action sooner rather than later.

Mikey Moore

Being perhaps the most promising academy player to emerge for Tottenham since a certain Harry Kane, Moore’s introduction to the first team has certainly been exciting for Spurs fans.

Moore’s work in the youth set-up is nothing short of stellar, scoring 14 goals and netting eight assists in last season’s under 18’s Premier League, with the forward also becoming Tottenham’s youngest-ever Premier League player last season debuting against Manchester City back in May.

Already earning eight first-team appearances in 2024/25, at just 17, there’s no question of the teenager’s potential, with the forward impressing with his pace and direct dribbling, with team-mate James Maddison even comparing Mikey Moore to Neymar (Sky Sports).

Granted, Moore is yet to provide a goal contribution this season, however, his raw talent combined with a clear drive to succeed shows the markings of a top player and at his age, every minute of first-team football should see him continue to improve.

All-in-all, when you weight up the pros and cons, Mikey Moore‘s potential seems a far more worthwhile investment than the struggling Werner and Richarlison. If I had my way, he would be Sonny’s back-up for the rest of the season.

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