Enze Postecoglou reveals his faith in Brennan Johnson.
The Welsh international is a promising resource. At 6-foot-2, he has solid physicality and is versatile enough to play in all areas of the attack. Johnson’s best attribute is his blistering pace. He follows in the footsteps of Gareth Bale, Daniel James, and other ‘speed racers’ who have represented Wales in the past. He uses this to make an impact on the flanks and is also very good at drawing fouls.
He came up through the Nottingham Forest youth ranks. He progressed through the age-group teams and made his senior debut in the 2019-20 season. In 2020-21, he went on loan to Lincoln City, where he fulfilled his potential with 13 goals and 14 assists in 49 games, including cup competitions.
He has since become a ‘key’ part of Nottingham’s lineup. In 2021-22, he scored 16 goals and provided nine assists in 46 league games and two goals in three games in the promotion playoffs to help the club win promotion. His first taste of the Premier League (PL). Johnson’s abilities were on full display. In all competitions, he scored eight goals and provided three assists, establishing himself as a quality winger.
This performance earned him an offer from Tottenham Hotspur. Looking to bolster their attack, Tottenham paid a staggering €55 million for him, which was the third highest fee in the club’s history, behind only Tanguy Ndombele and Hicharisson.
Johnson joined Tottenham with high expectations. While he has been steadily racking up appearances, he has yet to live up to expectations. One goal and two assists in nine league games so far. Not only is his attacking output low, but his impact on the pitch has been minimal. In his last game against West Ham United, he carried the ball well, but his finishing was lacking.
Johnson needs to improve. Postecoglou expressed his confidence in him: “He joined a big club. Players who go to big clubs do so because they want to. They want responsibility, they want to make a difference. It’s the same reason Johnson came here. He could have easily maintained his position at Nottingham. But he stepped out of his comfort zone and headed to a bigger club. I know what he’s capable of. It doesn’t happen overnight. We are watching his exciting abilities every day. We believe he will become an even better player. I am also convinced. I believe in him completely.”