Sport Witness

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been speaking about his year with Spurs and his return to the Uruguay national team.

The 28-year-old addressed both his personal form and the targets ahead of the 2026 World Cup. His comments were given to AUF TV, as relayed by ESPN Uruguay.

Bentancur first reflected on what it means to be back with the national side after missing the previous call-ups. He said: “It is always beautiful and a source of pride to come to the national team and represent our country. The last time I had the chance to come was when we secured qualification for the World Cup, so we are very happy.”

He also described spending the October international break in Uruguay after Tottenham gave him a week off, adding that it allowed him to “recharge energy” and spend time with his family.

Tottenham player sounds content on and off pitch

When asked about Uruguay’s short-term plans before the World Cup, he admitted that the last edition had been disappointing. “Obviously the last World Cup was not what we all expected, but we also know it is football. Now we go with short-term objectives, winning match by match, reaching the highest level possible and, of course, dreaming of the World Cup,” the Spurs midfielder said.

Bentancur then highlighted what he misses most from home. “The family. Then the countryside, eating barbecue with my family or having some mate with my grandmother. My daughter loves Uruguay, she loves horses, and she asks every day about her grandfather to see when we are going back to ride horses,” he explained.

The Spurs man has enjoyed a strong 2025 at club level and continues to be a key figure in Tottenham’s midfield, with his international return now forming part of his build-up to next summer’s tournament.

Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur used his latest interview with AUF TV, highlighted by ESPN Uruguay, to give a clear picture of where he stands after an eventful year.

His comments centred on three themes: Tottenham’s evolution under Thomas Frank, his physical and competitive form, and the achievements he values most in a year that included European success and World Cup qualification.

Life under Thomas Frank

The Spurs midfielder spoke with clarity about rhythm, consistency and a sense of stability that has shaped his season.

He began by assessing Tottenham’s progress since Frank replaced Ange Postecoglou. Bentancur said: “We have a new coach, and I think we have improved a lot. We started the season very well, including the UEFA Super Cup. We played a great match against PSG. They equalised at the end and we lost on penalties… but I think we have taken a step forward, and the team is competing very well.”

His evaluation reflects a squad that feels more structured and more aggressive in decisive moments, with midfield balance identified as a key improvement.

Back in shape

He then shifted to his personal level of performance. The Uruguayan explained: “We are back in the Champions League, which is important. And I am enjoying it to the fullest. Physically I feel very good, I am playing almost all the matches. Now I have rhythm and I hope it continues like this.”

That rhythm has been visible across Tottenham’s domestic and European schedule. Bentancur has regained continuity after previous seasons of injuries and interruptions.

A year of milestones

The midfielder also listed the achievements that marked his year. “In football terms, winning the UEFA Europa League with Tottenham and qualifying for the World Cup. And on a personal level, having my family healthy, having all my family together and enjoying those small moments,” he said.

His mix of sporting success and personal stability sets the tone for his preparation ahead of 2026.

Randal Kolo Muani’s situation at Tottenham Hotspur could impact his chances of making it to the next World Cup with France.

That’s according to journalist Harold Marchetti, who analyses the striker’s poor start to the season for Le Parisien.

Kolo Muani joined Tottenham on loan from Paris Saint-Germain on September 1st.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus. He was keen on returning last summer, but the Serie A side failed to find an agreement with PSG. The 26-year-old had no future in Paris, allowing Spurs to sign him.

Didier Deschamps left the frontman out of his squad in September. Later that month, he picked up an injury after making his debut for Thomas Frank’s side. He was out for over a month and missed October’s international break.

Earlier this month, Deschamps included him in his list for November’s fixtures. Kolo Munai suffered an injury in Tottenham’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United. This forced him to withdraw from the squad.

Marchetti was asked to analyse Tel’s chances of representing Les Bleus at the 2026 World Cup and that’s when he talked about the difficult situation at Tottenham.

“Not indispensable, but useful! Les Bleus’ top scorer in 2024, he has often stepped up when it mattered most. When he’s on form, he brings that extra bit of attacking spark that is so valuable,” he said.

“His difficult spell at PSG and his competition at Tottenham, particularly with Richarlison, show that his status remains fragile.

“But it’s precisely this aspect of being a ‘player who has to prove his worth in every match’ that makes him a valuable asset. [He’s] capable of breaking the deadlock and changing a match in a matter of moments.”

“In short, Les Bleus can easily do without him. When he is there and confident, he’s a real asset.

“And for a team that likes to keep its options open, a striker capable of surprising opponents is always an asset. As your well-meaning friend suggested, I too would not be surprised to see him on the list next May.”

Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are in the picture for Club Brugge’s Aleksandar Stanković.

Inter Milan sold the 20-year-old to the Belgian club for €10m in July. He has cemented his place in Belgium and made 21 appearances so far.

Gazzetta dello Sport state the defensive midfielder’s ‘stellar performances’ have attracted Tottenham and Newcastle United interest.

The Serie A side will have a say on his future as they have a €23m buyback option next summer. The clause will rise to €25m in 2027.

Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s future beyond this season at the San Siro needs to be evaluated. The Serbia international could be an option to replace him next season.

The Nerazzurri are expected to benefit one way or the other. Gazzetta state: ‘Whatever happens, it will be a success for Inter: both in the event of a return and in the event of a permanent transfer. Worth its weight in gold.’

Tuttosport cover Spurs and the Magpies interest in the youngster and what Inter could do. They report the Italian club will consider exercising the buyback clause.

Should Stanković were to return, Tuttosport claim he’s unlikely to be an immediate starter at Inter. They could also bring him back to raise money as he’s attracting interest from several clubs.

It’s claimed there’s interest ‘particularly in the Premier League, [with] Tottenham and Newcastle above all’. If Inter decide to sell, it will be for much higher than €23-25m, to make profit.

Inter manager Cristian Chivu already managed him for the youth team. He has his eyes on the Serbian and could have a say on his future.

Tottenham Hotspur youngster Luka Vuskovic continues to make a big impression in the Bundesliga. In fact, his transfer to HSV Hamburg has been labelled a 10/10.

Transfermarkt have comments today from the Done Deal podcast. They’ve been rating the Bundesliga transfers this season.

Vuskovic made the move int eh summer, joining HSV on loan from Tottenham for the season. He had initially spent pre-season in Thomas Frank’s squad before being send out on loan for the campaign.

He’s made an instant impact at the German club and established himself as a key player in their defence despite being just 18 years old. He’s already been named Rookie of the Month twice as well.

Rave reviews have already been plentiful, with may expecting the Croatian to go onto big things with Tottenham in future. For now, the focus is on his performances with HSV. He is likely to be a key player throughout the season.

His development while playing for them has already been impressive. The Done Deal team are certainly impressed by what they’ve seen.

“What could an 18-year-old center-back, making his debut in a top five league with a newly promoted team, have done better?” asked podcast host Fabian Knottnerus.

“Anyone who, at just 18 years old, stabilizes HSV’s leaky defense – which it truly was at the start of the season – carries the team on his shoulders, and is now named ‘Rookie of the Month’ for the second time in a row, absolutely deserves a 10/10 rating from me.”

“It’s truly incredible how this young man is playing,” added co-host Lennart Gens.

Khalid Boulahrouz is confident that Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven is the right candidate to replace Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool.

Boulahrouz represented Chelsea, VfB Stuttgart, Sporting and others during his playing career. He has also played for Netherlands between 2004 and 2012.

ESPN NL spoke to the former defender to discuss Van de Ven’s rise at Tottenham and the Liverpool star.

The 24-year-old mainly operates in the heart of defence for the north London club. He and Cristian Romero are the first-choice centre-backs for Spurs. Boulahrouz is pleased with the Netherlands international’s performances for Tottenham and his country.

“He really stands out. He’s physically strong and incredibly fast. Opponents know that, so they don’t even try to get past him anymore. He could be better on the ball sometimes; he makes the occasional mistake. But overall, I think he’s fantastic,” he said,

For the Netherlands, Ronald Koeman has mainly used Van de Ven as a left-back. Arsenal’s Jurriën Timber has partnered the Liverpool captain in the middle of Ornaje’s defence in recent months.

Tottenham player is “ideal successor”

Van Dijk, 34, has a contract at Liverpool until 2027.

According to Boulahrouz, Van de Ven is the ideal target to take his compatriot’s place at Liverpool and with the Netherlands. He’s encouraged Arne Slot’s side to spend money to take the defender away from Tottenham.

“I think he’s the ideal successor to Virgil van Dijk, both for the Dutch national team and Liverpool,” Boulahrouz explained.

“The question is, of course, what Virgil will do after the World Cup. When you’ve been playing in the Premier League for years, your body has taken a beating. You might start longing to take it a bit easier.

“And Liverpool is not crazy: if you’re looking for a world-class left defender and you have enough money, you’ll quickly end up with Van de Ven.

“The same goes for the Dutch national team. I think Koeman has long since realised that Van Dijk’s successor is already there.”

Van de Ven’s contract expires in 2029 and recent claims from the UK have reported that Tottenham want to offer him an extension.

Sweden national team official Stefan Pettersson has said Tottenham Hotspur’s Lucas Bergvall had to be withdrawn after a ‘setback during training’.

That’s according to Sportbladet, who relay comments made by the national team official on the 19-year-old’s situation.

On November 1st, the midfielder was forced off the pitch during Tottenham’s league defeat to Chelsea due to concussion. He missed the north London club’s next two matches.

That didn’t stop new Sweden manager Graham Potter from including Bergvall in his squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland and Slovenia.

Earlier this week, the former West Ham United manager was optimistic of the midfielder returning to full training on Thursday. He was waiting for clearance from the medical staff.

That didn’t happen and instead Sweden confirmed that the Tottenham player has left the national team camp on Thursday. They called up Newcastle United’s Emil Krafth as his replacement.

On Thursday, claims from the Swedish press reported Bergvall left because of the same concussion issue. Pettersson confirmed the problem recurred during a training session with the national team.

“Lucas was of course very disappointed,” he said.

“We had agreed with Tottenham’s doctor to do some tests during the week and then drive at full speed so that Lucas would feel it properly. When there was a reaction, there was no hesitation. We don’t want to take any risks.”

The Sweden international’s situation will be concerning for Thomas Frank’s side.

Newcastle United defender Emil Krafth is set to join up with Sweden on Friday in a late call up to replace Tottenham Hotspur youngster Lucas Bergvall.

Svensk Fotboll update on the situation today. They explain that Tottenham’s Bergvall has withdrawn from the squad due to ongoing concussion impacts. He left the group on Thursday.

He has been made unavailable due to the concussion he suffered in Tottenham’s loss to Chelsea on November 1st. He’ll now leaving the Sweden set up in Marbella and returning to Tottenham for continued rehabilitation.

Newcastle United defender Emil Krafth is the man chosen to replace him. He will link up with the squad in Geneva on Friday after being called up by manager Graham Potter. He was not initially part of the plans for this international break.

Whether his inclusion means a change in plans in terms of system for Potter remains to be seen. Either way, Bergvall is out and Newcastle’s Krafth is now in and will link with the squad tomorrow.

Sweden meet Switzerland on Saturday in the penultimate match of their World Cup qualifying campaign. They need two wins and for other results to go their way in order to make the play-offs.

Thomas Frank, like other managers up and down the Premier League, will have his fingers crossed over injuries this international break.

At what is a crucial time of the season, picking up further issues due to national team matches would not be ideal. That’s even truer at a time when many Premier League managers already have injuries to deal with.

One player Thomas Frank will have been most concerned about is Lucas Bergvall.

The 19-year-old has missed Tottenham’s last two matches following a head injury protocol process.

Earlier this week, Sweden manager Graham Potter explained the 19-year-old wasn’t able to take part in full training. Potter hoped that Bergvall would be given the clearance by Thursday, and sounded confident about that.

Instead, the Tottenham player has withdrawn from the squad entirely.

Tottenham player returning to club

Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet report he’s been forced to leave the national squad.

According to their information it’s due to the same concussion issue, although no further information is added.

Of course, if there’s any doubt whatsoever around the Tottenham youngster then the withdrawal is the correct decision. Thomas Frank and his medical team can take over from here.

Tottenham Hotspur co-sporting director Fabio Paratici has insisted he is doing everything to plan for manager Thomas Frank.

Gianluca di Marzio cover comments from the Tottenham chief today. He appeared on Italy’s Sky Sports Insider show to discuss all things Spurs and his career.

Paratici officially returned to Tottenham last month as the club’s new co-sporting director. He had initially resigned in 2023 after receiving a 30-month worldwide ban from football stemming from financial regularities during his time at Juventus.

That didn’t end his association with Tottenham, though. While serving his ban, he worked in an unofficial consultancy capacity with his former club.

That means he was a part of the process that saw Thomas Frank hired this summer as Ange Postecoglou’s replacement. Although, how much of an influence he had on bringing him in from Brentford isn’t clear.

Either way, the focus is now on providing him with the best squad to get Tottenham back on track after finishing 17th last season. And Paratici is willing to admit as much, insisting his style of football is now Frank’s.

“I believe blindly in the director-coach relationship: as a director, you almost have to renounce your footballing ideas to embrace those of the coach you have,” he said about the Tottenham boss.

“My football today is that of Thomas Frank. I’ve always discussed football a lot with my coaches, and I’ve learned a lot from them: they’re extremely knowledgeable. When you go into a discussion with them, you have to be an expert, or they’ll destroy you.

“Managers must support them and tolerate them in what they think is the right thing for them. We’re there to help them, not to question them.

“The role of manager is fundamental, because they have to ensure that everything works well. They have to put everyone in the best possible condition to perform at a high level.”