Ange Postecoglou has no option but to unleash his Tottenham game-changer after Everton debacle

There is so much riding on Ange Postecoglou's team selection on Thursday evening when Tottenham return to action in the Europa League. Last involved in the competition in early December following a 1-1 draw at Rangers, Spurs really need to pick up maximum points this time when they take on Hoffenheim in Germany.

Not only do the north London club need a win to bolster their hopes of securing a top-eight finish to see them advance through to the knockout round, they also need a win to lift morale after falling to a 3-2 defeat at Everton on Sunday afternoon. The scoreline completely flattered Tottenham; they were so poor on Merseyside, and perhaps lucky to not trail by four or five goals at half-time.

Late strikes from Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison made the score look a lot more respectable than it was on a truly dismal day for the club. Spurs' latest defeat has only increased the pressure on the shoulders of Postecoglou, who now desperately needs wins against Hoffenheim and Leicester City in what is a pivotal week for himself and the football club.

Amid the struggles of the whole team in the first half, with senior stars Son Heung-min and James Maddison doing nothing of note in the final third to trouble the Everton backline, Postecoglou sent on Richarlison at the break to try and make a difference. The Brazilian, as ever, battled away and got a goal to his name in stoppage time with a finish from close range to set up a tense finale.

Spurs now more than ever need the Brazilian's battling qualities from the first whistle in their quest for results, with the attacker likely to be one of the first names on the teamsheet on Thursday evening in Hoffenheim. Richarlison wasn't the only substitute to make an impact coming off the bench as Mikey Moore also did likewise.

The teenager only got 17 minutes to his name but he made his limited time on the field count with his first assist for the senior team. It was a peach of an inswinging cross as well from the 17-year-old as he picked out Richarlison at the far post to give Spurs some late hope.

Moore also had a hand in Kulusevski's exquisite equaliser but it unfortunately did not go down as an assist as his shot cannoned off Vitalii Mykolenko and into the path of the Swede. Although Moore officially only gets one assist rather than two, it does not take away from what was such a bright cameo appearance as he really gave Everton something to think about.

Previously having very little of note to do in terms of keeping Spurs quiet, Moore caused the Toffees some big problems in the closing stages with his pace, trickery and direct running. He also combined a number of times with Djed Spence down the left flank as they formed a really good understanding and partnership together.

On a day when senior stars such as Son and Maddison did not impact proceedings, Moore did more than both combined in a fraction of playing time. His exciting display only raised the question as to why he was not introduced sooner, possibly even at the same time as Richarlison when Tottenham had nothing to lose due to the three-goal deficit.

Regardless of the fact that Spurs are going to be short on wide options for the Hoffenheim game with Brennan Johnson and Timo Werner unavailable, Moore should be one of Postecoglou's first picks for the attacking positions due to his fearless nature and youthful exuberance. At a time when the head coach is under severe pressure, the Tottenham academy ace may well turn out to be his saviour if he unleashes him from the off against Hoffenheim and Leicester City.

It surely is a no-brainer in such a crucial period for Postecoglou and the club.

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