Tottenham Hotspur made quite the statement on Sunday afternoon to cap off the Premier League weekend, decimating a third opponent this season with a 3-0 scoreline. Coming into the game, Everton had one of the best attacks in the Premier League with veteran signing Jack Grealish, but Spurs completely neutralized it.
And they did so without captain Cristian Romero, one of the best in the Premier League, as he has been out since the previous weekend with a late scratch against Aston Villa. Micky van de Ven was the star of the night with two goals, but it was actually the third center back who stole Tottenham hearts.
Kevin Danso has proven to be quite the 20 million euro coup for Spurs since joining the Lilywhites in the January 2025 transfer window from Lens, because whenever he's been called upon to shore up the back, the Austrian international has risen to the challenge every time.
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is certainly taking notice of Danso's performances and importance to the team, and a press conference ahead of Wednesday's huge League Cup clash against fellow Champions League side Newcastle, the Danish manager offered high praise for the third choice center back for Spurs.
A huge key to victory for Tottenham vs. Everton
Frank said, via The Spurs Web, "He deserves praise. Every coach will love him, great character and personality. He was good and calm on the ball. Some strong battles with Beto, from crosses and set pieces he had a magnet head. He did well."
Danso absolutely did well. He did more than well against Everton, completely neutralizing Beto from the game and taking the entire Everton attack out of the equation. The 27-year-old center half was totally no nonsense in his approach, shutting down passing lanes and scarcely needing to put a tackle in, such was the efficacy of his marking.
With Romero still returning from injury and unlikely to play against Newcastle while being questionable for the weekend clash against rivals Chelsea near the top of the Premier League table, Danso will remain crucial for Spurs and an expected starter.
Frank seems to trust Danso fully when needed in the starting lineup, and there's only been a drop off from an attacking perspective without Romero's progression. But even that gap was bridged a bit against Everton via better play from the midfield. Plus, Danso is a nifty passer in his own right and has the added weapon of Rory Delap-esque long throws.