Tottenham refused to let Radu Dragusin leave the club during the January transfer window and he could now be set for a run of games in the starting XI
Thomas Frank has paid tribute to Radu Dragusin as the Romanian prepares to embark on a run of games in the Tottenham starting XI.
The former Genoa central defender has endured a rollercoaster ride since joining Spurs in January 2024 and has not long returned from a long-term knee injury.
Captain Cristian Romero is now banned for the club's next four Premier League matches and with Kevin Danso also sidelined with a toe injury, Dragusin should partner Micky van de Ven at the back or start in a three-man defence.
Frank has praised the 24-year-old, stating ahead of Tuesday's game against Newcastle: “I think he has done great to come back, he has looked good the two games he has played and he looks strong and I like that. I think as a defender he is very good. He is alert.
"His movement, the way he anticipates the different situations, the way he tries to do the principles I really like and he is really competitive in every aspect. He is fine, he is strong and he is ready to go again tomorrow.”
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Dragusin was hot property during the January transfer window when he attracted interest from a cluster of clubs including Roma, Fiorentina, RB Leipzig, Juventus and Napoli.
Roma had a loan offer rejected and Dragusin's agent Florin Manea was hopeful his client would be allowed to leave the club.
But things change quickly at Tottenham and the Romania international will now receive a respectable amount of minutes and it's up to him to keep his place in the side.
He has also been added to Spurs' Champions League squad for the knockout stages after missing the first half of the season through injury. Spurs also have a north London derby against Arsenal on the horizon.
Young left-back Souza also made his debut from the bench in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Frank is hopeful the Brazilian will now be ready to help Spurs from here on in following his January switch from Santos, adding: “He did very well, I’m very happy for him.
"Coming from Brazil, 19-years-old, to Tottenham, to the Premier League, getting his debut in one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. That’s a big thing so I hope he and his family are proud.”