Hotspur HQ

Spurs loan watch: Teenager shines in League Two

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

On Saturday afternoon, Tottenham Hotspur loanee George Abbott and his Notts County side were in League Two action, as they faced Fleetwood Town up in the North West.Â

As always, the Spurs youngster was named in the starting XI by Notts manager Stuart Maynard — his 26th League Two start of the season, and 28th across all competitions — with it being his 30th overall appearance for the club.Â

How things went for George Abbott and Notts County in League Two

After just 16 minutes of the game, the Magpies managed to spring a quick counter, leading to Abbott being through on goal. From there, the teenager kept his composure despite pressure from defenders, firing an effort past the goalkeeper from just inside the box.Â

That gave Notts the lead until midway through the second half, when Fleetwood equalised from the spot. Things would go from bad to worse just two minutes later, when the hosts took the lead — turning the game completely on its head in a three minute spell.Â

Then, with a minute of normal time remaining — Abbott was found inside the box with a scooped pass. From there, the midfielder drilled a ball across goal, where Notts striker Alassana Jatta was on hand to tap the ball home, and make the game all square again.Â

That was how it ended, a 2-2 draw for Abbott’s side. Not a disaster result, but fairly frustrating all the same — particularly given the high standards they have set so far this season.Â

If there was any player that deserved to have been on the winning side, it was most certainly Abbott. During the 90 minutes, he recorded; 76 touches, four chances created, two big chances created, four shots, one foul drawn, two clearances, one blocked shot, three interceptions, and a tackle — all on top of a goal and an assist.Â

After this return, the 19-year old now recorded four goals and four assists from a central midfield role in League Two. He has also registered five big chances created, 1.6 interceptions per game, and 2.4 tackles per game. He does a bit of everything.Â

As for his side, despite this draw they remain fourth in League Two, with 58 points from 33 games — six points above eighth place, with vastly superior goal difference. They are three points behind third placed Doncaster Rovers, with a game in hand and comfortably better goal difference.Â

Next up is a home game against Barrow on Tuesday evening, for a 19:45 GMT kick off. As implied above, they could go into the automatic promotion spots should they pick up all three points.

Source

Cristian Romero in preliminary Argentina squad

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Over the weekend, Tottenham Hotspur central defender Cristian Romero was named in Argentina’s preliminary squad by manager Lionel Scaloni, for World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Rodrigo Bentancur’s Uruguay later on this month.Â

Before we get into the nuts and bolts of this — it is important to note two things. First of all, and to state the obvious — the player has not picked himself. Second of all, this is a preliminary squad that will be cut down. There is the possibility that they will wait to see if he plays for Spurs before then, and decide to keep or cut him from the squad accordingly.Â

Cristian Romero in preliminary Argentina squad for World Cup qualifiers

Nevertheless, as you can imagine — this has gone down like a lead balloon on social media within the fanbase, whom are far from happy. The defender has played 15 minutes since the defeat to Ipswich Town in November. So since that game, he has played 30 more minuted for Argentina than Spurs — despite no international break in four months.Â

That is not to attack and slander the player, it is just analysing the facts on offer, and showing why the fanbase are getting pretty frustrated with the situation at hand.Â

Earlier on this year, it was reported that Spurs were willing to make Romero the club’s highest paid player, in order to try and fend off interest in his services from elsewhere.Â

Regardless of your thoughts on Heung-Min Son — whether you think he’s finished, declined, not good enough to start, any or all of that — he objectively does not deserve to earn less money than Romero, given everything he has done for the club over such a long period of time.

It is not to say that the Argentine is a bad player, far from it. However, as always, availability is the best ability. What is the point if you can only play for a quarter of an hour in four months? Compared to the skipper who, after missing a few games early on, is playing every week despite being in his 30’s now.Â

This is not to say the injuries are Romero’s fault, at least certainly not entirely his fault. Whether it be Ange or the medical team, the likelihood is he hasn’t had the absolutely optimal physical care to be available during this time.Â

In any case, let’s see if he is available against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday evening. He seems to have been back training for a minute now, so there will be plenty of frustration if he is not at Ange’s disposal for a huge game. That said, if he is not 100%, then no doubt it should wait, as annoying as it would be.

Source

Spurs loan watch: Imperious display from defender

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

On Sunday evening, Spurs loanee Luka Vuskovic and his KVC Westerlo side were in Belgium Pro League action, as they faced OH Leuven away from home, for match day 28 of the season. Unfortunately, Alfie Devine was again missing through injury for this one.Â

In a tough, physical game, Westerlo could not get the win that their position in the league really could have done with — but from Vuskovic’s point of view, it certainly was not for the want of trying — putting in an incredible performance.Â

Luka Vuskovic shows why there is so much hype around his name

Throughout the game, the Croatian youngster recorded; six clearances, including one off the line, two blocked shots, three interceptions, 60 touches, one chance created, 10/10 accurate long balls (!), 10/11 aerial duels won (!), seven ball recoveries, one shot on target, zero fouls committed, two shots off target, and 1/1 successful dribble attempts.Â

So far this season, Vuskovic has had multiple top class performances, both defensively and offensively, but this was surely the best of the lot. 10/10 accurate long balls, whilst winning 10/11 aerial duels. Supreme defensively and on the ball. An absolute monster performance from a seriously talented player.Â

Said it a number of times before, but it really will be interesting to see what happens with him next season. The assumption before was that he would get a loan to a side in the top five leagues, but perhaps how he will become part of the Tottenham Hotspur first team — particularly with how many games Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero miss every season.Â

Nevertheless, there is no rush. At eighteen years old (and only just), there is so much time on his side. It is perhaps unrealistic to expect someone of that age to be able to play regular minutes in the Premier League — but he is doing his chances of that absolutely no harm at the moment.

Already a Croatia U21 international, despite being 17 during his appearances — it will be interesting to see whether or not he gets a call up for their upcoming Nations League games against France in three weeks time, where he could link up with former Spurs players Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic.

As for Westerlo, a disappointing result. They remain in the relegation round places, with just two games left to escape. They have 32 points from their 28 games, one point below Dender, who occupy 12th spot, the position Vuskovic’s side need to get to, to avoid the possibility of relegation.Â

Next up is a home game against Anderlecht and Jan Vertonghen on Sunday, for a 16:00 GMT kick off.Â

Source

Midfielder that Spurs hold option for impresses against Real Madrid

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Most of you will know by now that Spurs have an option to buy Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso — sometimes known mononymously as Johnny — this summer for around 25 million Euros, as part of the transfer that saw Giovani Lo Celso return to Betis permanently last summer, five years after departing the club to join Spurs in the summer of 2019.Â

Plenty of fans have hoped that the club would exercise their option to sign the player in the summer — with his tenacious profile seen as something that Ange’s side lack in the middle of the park.Â

On Saturday evening, the USMNT international was in action, as his Betis side took on La Liga and European defending Champions Real Madrid at home.Â

Midfielder that Spurs can buy this summer impresses against Real Madrid

It’s safe to say, there is now even more clamour for Spurs to bring him to N17, after a superb display against a top side in Real. During the game, Cardoso recorded; 64 touches, three shots, 2/4 successful dribbles, three clearances, five interceptions, and three tackles — helping his side to a huge 2-1 victory.Â

However, it was not just his all round display that helped Betis win the game. After Real had taken the lead after 10 minutes, the 23-year old midfielder headed home from a corner with a little over ten minutes of the first half remaining. Not long into the second half, they would take the lead — and saw the game out very comfortably from there.Â

Whilst Spurs do have an option to buy the player in the summer, they must act quick. There was reportedly interest in Cardoso’s services in the winter transfer window — and if someone offers the same, or perhaps more, than the amount Spurs have the option to buy him for — then there would be little to no incentive for the Seville club not to cash in.Â

So, will Spurs be serious? History would suggest not, they took until February to make their two outfield signing of the winter transfer window, and often leave deals until the last minute, but let’s see.Â

The midfielder’s current national team manager is former Tottenham Hotspur head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, so let’s hope if the player ends up having to decide between clubs, that the former boss can put in a good word for Spurs, and help sway him to North London.

Source

Spurs loan watch: Weekend Preview

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Although there is no game for Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, nor any games in the Premier League this weekend due to the FA Cup fifth round - there are lots of game for Spurs loanees. Let's take a look at how things are shaping up for them. Â

How things are looking for Tottenham Hotspur loanees this weekend

In the Championship – Will Lankshear and his West Bromwich Albion side make the trip to West Yorkshire to face top of the table Leeds United – live in front of the Sky Sports cameras, at 12:30 GMT, for those of you in the UK. Meanwhile, Yang Min-hyeok host second place Sheffield United at 15:00 GMT on Saturday. At the same time, Ashley Phillips and Stoke City will be looking to bounce back from midweek defeat at home to Middlesbrough, when they host Watford. Â

Meanwhile, in League One – Josh Keeley, Jamie Donley, and their Leyton Orient side will host Charlton Athletic, in a huge six pointer regarding the play-off places. Matthew Craig’s Mansfield Town make the trip to Burton Albion, though he has not played for ages now assumably with an injury of some sort. Both games kick off at 15:00 GMT at Saturday.Â

Then, down in League Two – George Abbott and his Notts County team make the trip to the Coast to face Fleetwood Town – at 15:00 GMT on Saturday. They could go up to second in the league with all three points here. Â

North of the border, Alfie Dorrington and Aberdeen face Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership, as they look to bounce back from their midweek defeat away to Celtic - with this game kicking off at 15:00 GMT on Sunday. Â

Over in Europe – in La Liga, Bryan Gil and Girona will host Celta Vigo on Saturday, for a 13:00 GMT kick off. Meanwhile, on Monday evening – Alejo Veliz and his RCD Espanyol make the trip to Villarreal – for a 20:00 GMT kick off, as they continue to try and get further away from the relegation zone. Â

Finally, in the Belgium Pro League – Luka Vuskovic, Alfie Devine, and KVC Westerlo are in action away to OH Leuven on Sunday, for an 18:15 GMT kick off. Devine has missed a few recent Westerlo games with injury now – so hopefully he is back for this one. Â

Good luck everyone.

Source

Pundit provides update on potential new injury for Tottenham forward Mikey Moore

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Tottenham continue to struggle with their ongoing injury crisis, yet they remain optimistic.

However, when players are getting injured almost every three to four matches, it’s hardly a good omen.

Now, a new rumour has emerged suggesting that a Spurs forward has picked up an injury. But before diving into that, let’s review some of the latest injury updates from the past few weeks.

Wilson Odobert, a Tottenham winger, has been struggling to perform at his full potential. Now, a sports science specialist has suggested it may take him even longer to regain his peak form.

We also have reports on striker Richarlison, who, according to sources, could be sidelined for the rest of the season to ensure a full recovery.

Now, the latest concern revolves around forward Mikey Moore, who is reportedly dealing with an injury.

Mikey Moore could be dealing with a fresh injury setback

John Wenham, owner of the Lilywhite Rose podcast, spoke exclusively to Tottenham News and shared his thoughts on Moore’s situation:

"He might have suffered a small knock because you’ve got to remember before the game against City, Moore had started four out of five.

“Therefore, it would be unusual if he was suddenly left out of the squad, and he hadn’t suffered an injury of some sort. As a result, I wouldn’t be surprised if he has suffered a small knock," he said.

"However, I expect to see him return to the squad against AZ Alkmaar, because Timo Werner is of course now ineligible in the UEFA Europa League."

The forward joins Tottenham’s growing injury list

The 17-year-old is among the unfortunate players who have missed matches due to injuries or illness.

Earlier in January, Moore was a doubt for several fixtures after being struck down by a severe flu.

Now, it seems he could be joining the injury list alongside Dominic Solanke, who has been out for a while but is expected to return to training soon—something hinted at by Solanke himself on social media.

While there has been no official confirmation yet, Moore’s absence from the recent match against Manchester City suggests the reports could be accurate.

We’ll have to wait for further updates in the coming days to get more clarity on Moore’s condition.

Source

Tottenham hero Harry Kane urged to sign for Arsenal

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Despite Tottenham’s narrow defeat to Manchester City, there are clear signs that the team is getting back on track.

Ange Postecoglou seems to have found a way to get his side playing well again, and a large part of the fanbase is encouraged by what they’ve seen on the pitch.

Meanwhile, speculation over potential departures and signings is heating up, with Fabrizio Romano providing the latest on a Spurs player who could be on the move this summer.

We also recently reported that Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on Micky Van de Ven as they monitor Tottenham’s squad.

For now, though, the focus shifts to a pundit who has suggested Harry Kane should join Arsenal rather than return to Spurs.

Journalist suggests Harry Kane could make shock move to Arsenal

Journalist Simon Jordan, writing for Daily Mail, suggested that the perfect move for Arsenal at the end of the season would be to sign Harry Kane.

"If Arsenal fans feel deflated at the end of the season for again finishing Premier League runners-up, which they should! I’d suggest the perfect tonic for them would be to sign Harry Kane," the journalist began.

"A flight of fancy? Perhaps, it depends on how deep the England captain feels his attachment to his former employees, Tottenham Hotspur. But professionally, it would make sense for all sides.

"Arsenal would get the prolific goalscorer to help them take the final step, and Kane would give himself the best chance of winning a league title in this country as well as surpassing Alan Shearer as the Premier League’s leading marksman," he pointed out.

Nothing suggests that Kane wants to leave Bayern

It's impossible to get inside the mind of a professional footballer and assume what they would or wouldn't want, but it seems highly unlikely that a club icon like Harry Kane would agree to return to the Premier League to play for his former club’s historic rival.

At the moment, there is no indication that Bayern Munich is interested in parting ways with Kane, nor that the English striker wants to leave.

Bayern is generally in a relatively good moment, and unless a major surprise happens, this season will likely be the one where Harry Kane finally lifts a league title—specifically, the Bundesliga.

Source

Report: Tottenham does plan to renew midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur's contract

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Tottenham Hotspur has suffered a series of injuries to its squad, but gradually, players are making their return.

Injuries have been a constant presence throughout the season, leading some fans to question what should be done with the more inconsistent players.

However, not all news concerning absentees is negative, as one example is forward Dominic Solanke, who is expected to return soon.

Similarly, there’s the case of Cristian Romero, the defender who has been out for a considerable amount of time but according to recent reports, is already back training with the first team.

Among the many players who have been inconsistent is Rodrigo Bentancur, whose future at the club has been uncertain, but new information has emerged regarding his situation.

Tottenham preparing contract renewal for Rodrigo Bentancur

With Rodrigo Bentancur’s contract entering its final stages, rumours of a potential renewal surfaced earlier this week.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, it’s a reality that Spurs have started working on renewing the contract of the Uruguayan midfielder, as they do not want to allow him to enter the final year of his contract.

The report also states that manager Ange Postecoglou has expressed his support for this move and sees Bentancur as a 'key' part of Tottenham’s future plans.

A few days ago, Postecoglou was asked about the speculation surrounding a possible new contract, and although he neither confirmed nor denied it, he hinted that the midfielder is a crucial part of the team.

Rodrigo Bentancur's inconsistency at Tottenham

Ange Postecoglou admitted that he understands Bentancur has struggled with consistency over the past year due to injuries but believes the player is now returning to his previous form.

In addition to his injuries, let’s remember that Bentancur was also suspended for several matches in November of last year following a sanction imposed by the Football Association due to an issue with his teammate Heung-Min Son.

So, while an official confirmation of the new contract has yet to be made, it seems likely that it will happen, and we’ll likely see a newly-renewed Bentancur at Spurs for more time.

Source

Former Tottenham goalkeeper makes a harsh claim about chairman Daniel Levy

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

While Tottenham battles to regain victories on the pitch, the club's chairman has been the subject of much criticism due to his poor management of the club.

At least, that is what the majority of supporters claim, to the extent that during matches, fans have voiced their dissatisfaction through chants and protests outside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, calling for Daniel Levy to step down from his position.

Undoubtedly, these have not been peaceful months for Levy, and although Tottenham's problems have been ongoing for years, it is now that people have lost their fear of expressing their discontent with the English businessman.

Now, a former Tottenham goalkeeper has slammed a comment about the chairman.

Paul Robinson discusses Daniel Levy and the growing discontent among fans

Paul Robinson, former goalkeeper for Spurs, recently shared his opinion in a brief appearance on Stadium Astro (h/t Tottenham News) regarding the issues facing the club.

"Fingers have been pointed at Daniel Levy. I think recruitment-wise, you look at the players they’ve got – the injury problems they’ve had this season have been well-documented – the players Ange hasn’t had at his disposal."

Robinson also explained that when the January transfer window arrived, nothing significant happened, and coach Ange Postecoglou was not provided with the players he needed.

So Ange Postecoglou is stuck. The manager they want—to see him through with his philosophy, with the way that he plays—but he has not got the formation,” the former goalkeeper claimed.

"You do not put a bid in—you ask how much they want for him, and then you either pay it or you do not. And that is where they have fallen down numerous times for me—in backing the manager with the squad depth and the players he needs."

Daniel Levy will not leave Tottenham in the near future

Despite what Paul Robinson and the supporters may think or want regarding Daniel Levy stepping down from Tottenham, this may not be what actually happens.

Some time ago, it was rumoured that Qatari investors were going to join Tottenham and that both ENIC and Daniel Levy would be relegated, but this was denied.

The club generates significant profits every year, so it would be surprising for the chairman to want to leave, something that was also rumoured at one point (if that was what the club needed), but of course, it was also denied—Levy has no intentions of leaving.

Source

Sports health specialist claims a Tottenham player is 'lacking match sharpness'

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Injuries at Tottenham are, unfortunately, a constant issue—so much so that they almost seem like part of the club’s identity.

For months, Spurs have endured a season filled with highs and lows across competitions, largely due to player injuries, a situation that has not gone unnoticed by the supporters.

However, there is still a glimmer of hope, as some injured players are gradually making their return to the pitch.

One such player is the much-anticipated forward Dominic Solanke, who recently hinted at his imminent comeback in an Instagram post.

Another key returnee for Tottenham is goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who, in his new documentary, revealed that he had undergone a second secret surgery.

Injuries seem to plague key Tottenham players, and according to a specialist, Wilson Odobert is no exception.

Wilson Odobert not yet fit to play a full match

Dr Rajpal Brar, a sports health expert, has stated that Wilson Odobert is highly injury-prone, having been sidelined for nearly four months with a previous issue.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Brar commented on Odobert’s fitness:

"Having been out of action for four months, he is significantly lacking match sharpness."

"He will need bounce minutes and then a run of games to get close to 100 per cent but he may not truly be close to that until next season," he explained.

Brar also noted that Tottenham have been 'gradually ramping up his minutes', but emphasised that Odobert is still not ready to play a full 90 minutes.

He suggested that it may take longer than expected for him to fully regain his fitness.

Tottenham must be patient with Odobert

The 20-year-old Frenchman has immense potential, and while his injury may have set him back, it is clear that once he regains his rhythm, Ange Postecoglou will be able to make full use of his abilities.

Earlier this season, the midfielder missed several key matches for Tottenham, but he may soon be able to contribute, potentially even in the upcoming Europa League clash against AZ Alkmaar—a fixture that, relatively speaking, should be less demanding than others.

So far in the 2024/25 season, Odobert has featured in six matches for Tottenham, playing a total of 248 minutes.

Source