Wilson Odobert: What Spurs Really Bought; Pace, Pressing, and a High-Ceiling 1v1 Threat | OneFootball

Wilson Odobert is rapidly emerging as one of Europe’s most promising young wingers. He is a  product of the esteemed Paris Saint-Germain academy, Odobert has carved a path through senior football with stints at Troyes, Burnley, and, most recently, Tottenham Hotspur.

He is known for his explosive pace, direct dribbling, and versatility across the attacking front, the young Frenchman embodies the modern wide attacker: a blend of traditional wing play and inside-forward flair.

BACKGROUND

Wilson Odobert was born on November 28, 2004, in Meaux, France. He began his journey at USF Trilport, a local club, before his talent earned him a place in prestigious PSG academy.

Being in PSG youth system helped Odobert as he was provided high-level coaching from a young age. His time in Paris honed his dribbling, pace, and attacking instincts, setting the stage for his transition to senior football.

As a France youth international, Odobert has consistently showcased his potential on the international stage, representing various age groups and catching the eye of scouts across Europe.

HIS PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY TO TROYES

Odobert’s professional career began at Troyes in Ligue 1, where he made his senior debut in the 2022–23 season.

During his time at Troyes, he featured in 32 games, scoring four league goals. His performances demonstrated a maturity beyond his years, as he adapted to the physical and tactical demands of top-flight football.

While his goal tally was modest, his ability to influence games through dribbling and direct play marked him as a player with significant potential.

‎FROM TROYES TO BURNLEY

In the summer of 2023, Odobert made the move England, joining Burnley in the Premier League.

At just 18, he quickly became a regular in the Clarets’ squad, featuring in 34 games during the 2023–24 season. His impact was immediate, as he etched his name into Burnley’s history books by becoming the club’s youngest-ever Premier League goal scorer.

The French Winger contributed four goals and a couple of assists, showcasing his ability to create decisive moments in a challenging campaign for Burnley, who were relegated to the Championship.

MOVING FROM BURNLEY TO TOTTENHAM

His performances in a struggling side highlighted his resilience and ability to perform under pressure.

On August 16, 2024, Odobert’s career took another significant step forward when he signed a five-year contract with Tottenham Hotspur. The move to a top-six Premier League club underscored his massive potential.

At an early stage of the 2024–25 season, Odobert has primarily been used as a substitute, with occasional starts, particularly in cups and early rounds of the Europa League.

STYLE OF PLAY AND AREA OF IMPROVEMENT

The French winger is the archetype of a modern wide attacker, capable of playing as a left-winger, right-winger, or inside forward. His right-foot allows him to cut inside effectively from the left, creating shooting opportunities or threading passes into dangerous areas. His playing style is defined by several key strengths.

The 20 year old quick first step and close control make him a nightmare for defenders in one-on-one situations. His ability to change direction rapidly and accelerate past opponents creates overloads on the flank, making him a potent weapon in transition.

Odobert thrives in systems that prioritize quick transitions from defense to attack. His instinct to carry the ball forward and drive at defenses suits counter-attacking teams, where his pace can exploit spaces behind opposition lines.

Despite his age, The young Tottenham winger has shown a desire for producing clinical moments, as evidenced by his record as Burnley’s youngest Premier League scorer. His ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations bodes well for his development as a goal-scoring winger.

Odobert’s ability to play across the attacking front whether as a traditional winger, inverted winger, or even a more central attacking midfielder makes him a flexible option for coaches. This adaptability allows him to fit into various tactical setups.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

While Odobert’s raw talent is undeniable, there are areas where he must refine his game to reach the elite level, Odobert’s goal and assist numbers remain modest, reflecting a need to improve his final ball (crosses and through passes) and shot selection. As he matures, increasing his output will be critical to securing a starting role at a club like Tottenham.

The physical demands of the Premier League and top-level European football expose Odobert’s slight frame and occasional lapses in defensive intensity.

His recent hamstring injury underscores the need to build resilience to withstand the rigors of a long season. Like many young wingers, Odobert can occasionally overcommit to dribbling or take on one too many defenders.

Learning when to release the ball or opt for a simple pass is the next step in his development trajectory but this should come with experience and coaching as long as he gets more playing time.

TACTICAL ADAPTATIONS, PLAYER ARCHETYPE AND CONCLUSION

The French winger skill set makes him a versatile fit for various tactical systems.

In counter-attacking setups, his pace and directness allow him to exploit transitions, making him ideal for teams that prioritize rapid breaks or vertical passes into space. In high-pressing, possession-based sides, Odobert can adapt to pressing triggers on the wing and provide width in build-up play. However, to thrive in such systems, he must improve his link-up play with fullbacks and midfielders, ensuring he contributes to both attacking and defensive phases.

As an inverted winger, Odobert’s ability to cut inside from the left onto his right foot creates opportunities for shots or incisive passes. This role allows him to disrupt defensive structures and create central overloads.

Under Ange Postecoglou, Odobert  served as a rotational option, bringing dynamism off the bench or starting against specific opponents. His youth and raw potential make him a long-term investment, with a high ceiling.

In Thomas Frank, Odobert is primarily deployed on the left wing, where the Frenchman tucks inside to link with forwards like Mathys Tel  or Xavi Simons, emphasizing short passing, one-twos, and long-range shots over raw pace. This synergy has been evident in recent matches, with fans noting improved chemistry on Spurs’ left flank.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Wilson Odobert of Tottenham Hotspur controls the ball away from Tom Nixon of Doncaster Rovers during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Doncaster Rovers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 24, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

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‎PLAYER ARCHETYPE, COMPARISON AND CONCLUSION

Odobert blends the qualities of a traditional winger—beating defenders and delivering crosses with those of an inside forward, cutting inside to shoot or create. His profile is reminiscent of players like Kingsley Coman in his early Bayern Munich days or Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, both of whom combine pace, technical tidiness, and goal-scoring instincts. While not yet a prolific scorer like some of his peers,

The 20 year old athleticism and high-upside skill set make him a prime candidate for development into a top-tier wide attacker.

Beyond the provided details, Odobert’s move to Tottenham represents a strategic acquisition for a club looking to build a dynamic, youthful squad .The Premier League’s physical and tactical demands will test the French Winger ability to adapt, but Tottenham’s track record of developing young talents such as Son Heung-min and Dele Alli in their early years provides some indication for his growth.

Young players transitioning to the Premier League often face challenges with the league’s relentless schedule, and Tottenham will play a crucial role in ensuring his long-term fitness. Additionally, his experience in Ligue 1 and the Championship gives him a diverse footballing education, equipping him to handle different styles of play.

From a broader perspective, Odobert’s rise reflects a growing trend of French wingers with flair and style. Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, Désiré Doué are the next generation of French wingers who share similar traits such as Odobert. If he could follow in their footsteps with the right development, the Tottenham winger can positions himself as a potential future star for the French national team.

CONCLUSION

Wilson Odobert is a rapid and direct French winger with natural 1v1 ability and an eye for goal in transition.

While Still raw in terms of end product and physical consistency, he possesses the tools to become a top-level wide attacker with targeted development.

His journey from PSG’s academy to Tottenham Hotspur highlights his potential, and with time and coaching, he could emerge as a key figure in both club and international football.

The 20 year old career trajectory from a precocious talent in the PSG academy to a Premier League prospect at Tottenham underscores his potential to become a leading figure in European football.

His explosive pace, dribbling ability, and versatility make him a valuable asset, while his areas for improvement in the aspect of end product, physicality, and decision-making offer a clear roadmap for growth.

As he continues to develop under Tottenham’s guidance, Odobert has the opportunity to fulfill his promise as a dynamic, high-upside winger capable of leaving a lasting mark on the game.