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Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace are both interested in players on each other’s rosters

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Tottenham Hotspur will be keeping a close eye on Premier League rivals Crystal Palace as we head into the January transfer window.

The Eagles are currently wrapped up in a complicated contract situation involving Jean-Philippe Mateta, which has cast doubts over his future at the club.

Conversations between the club and player over a new deal have recently stalled, with reports suggesting Mateta is ‘in no rush’ to put pen to paper at Crystal Palace. This could force the Eagles to open the floor to offers for the 28-year-old, who has scored seven Premier League goals so far this season, including a hat-trick against Bournemouth.

Tottenham make Jean-Philippe Mateta a ‘priority’ transfer target

Spurs will certainly be on high alert as Mateta’s contract talks remain deadlocked as things stand. Thomas Frank is looking to sign a new striker in January and this could well be their big opportunity.

That’s according to Football Insider, who report that Tottenham are ‘keen to exploit’ the current standstill in conversations between Mateta and Crystal Palace. The Frenchman has become a ‘priority’ target for the January window as Frank looks to boost his output in attack.

Spurs have started to rely on Richarlison again up front but they are still eager to provide competition for the Brazilian and give themselves extra options to rotate between.

Mateta’s situation could well fall right into the lap of Spurs but they also have a player Crystal Palace have been keeping tabs on.

Crystal Palace target Brennan Johnson at Tottenham

Interestingly, it has emerged that the Eagles are interested in signing Brennan Johnson from Spurs. The Telegraph has reported that the Wales international is on the club’s list of ‘potential January signings’ as they look to further stack their squad as they make Champions League football a priority.

The report claims that Palace will need to find out their rivals’ stance on Johnson within the team before they can consider a move. However, he has been in and out of Frank’s starting line-up this season, suggesting the manager isn’t totally convinced on including Johnson in his plans.

Johnson has started 11 Premier League games this season but he has also made several cameo appearances, including three outings made up of ten minutes or less.

With his future seemingly swaying towards the more uncertain side, Tottenham and Palace could find a way to both get what they want with a player swap deal. In an ideal world, it would be easy to just swap out players in this manner but of course, it’s never that easy.

However, both sides fit a potential switch rather well. Mateta is dragging his feet over a new Palace deal and Tottenham are very keen on signing him in the new year. Meanwhile, the Eagles have their eye on Johnson and his inconsistent starts under Frank suggest he often isn’t one of the first names on the team-sheet these days.

Crystal Palace are monitoring their Premier League rivals for a potential January swoop

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Crystal Palace are on the market for a new winger in 2026 and Tottenham Hotspur star Brennan Johnson has made it onto their shortlist.

The Eagles are looking to bolster their squad in the new year as they push for Champions League qualification at the end of the season. Oliver Glasner’s side are currently fourth in the Premier League table after a solid start to the campaign, and they want to see their run of positive form continue.

Palace finished 12th last season but after their FA Cup glory, their hunger for further success has become clear.

Crystal Palace linked with Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson

According to The Telegraph, Johnson’s name is featured on the list of Crystal Palace’s ‘potential January signings’. They have been monitoring a number of wingers to boost their attack and the Wales international is among those who has grabbed their attention.

Johnson signed for Spurs during the 2023 summer window in a £47.5 million transfer. He made the move from Nottingham Forest, where he established himself as a star for the future.

Thanks to his impressive performances for his boyhood club, the 24-year-old secured his move to North London. However, since his switch to Tottenham, he hasn’t been able to fully secure a permanent starting role. This season especially, Johnson has made just six starts in the Premier League and has been limited to short cameo appearances on several occasions.

However, his name is firmly etched in to the club’s history thanks to his winning goal in the Europa League final. Johnson scored 18 goals in all competitions last season, including his winner against Manchester United to see Spurs lift their first major trophy in 17 years.

Palace must wait to find out Tottenham’s stance on Johnson before they can consider a move for him, though.

What has been said about Brennan Johnson?

Johnson recently impressed with a goal and an assist on international duty with Wales, during their 7-1 win over North Macedonia.

After the match, the winger admitted to BBC Match of the Day Wales: “I think I always feel like I have a point to prove. I'm someone who can be quite tough on himself. I just always want to go out and perform my best.”

Pundits have also raised similar concerns recently, with Clinton Morrison stating that it seems Johnson doesn’t have enough faith in himself.

"Brennan Johnson has to do better. When you have pace like that, he has to have a trick and he doesn't believe in himself enough. He has some talent, though,” Morrison said back in February when Tottenham beat Manchester United 1-0.

Johnson may still be figuring himself out but he has received plenty of praise over the years. Back when he was still with Nottingham Forest, Matt Holland lauded one of his performances as ‘magnificent’ after he scored both goals against Everton in a 2-2 draw.

“This is special. It’s fantastic from Brennan Johnson, the one-two and the touch. It gets a little bit stuck under this feet but he’s got the quality to curl it into the top corner. Magnificent from Brennan Johnson,” Holland told Premier League Productions (via TBR Football).

Thomas Frank has provided the Tottenham injury latest ahead of Sunday’s clash with Nottingham Forest.

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Tottenham are back in action on Sunday when they face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, hoping to continue a recent upturn in results. Spurs are coming off the back of a comfortable Champions League win over Slavia Praha, adding to a win and a draw in the Premier League last week.

With seven points from the last nine available across all competitions, Tottenham seem to have rediscovered their confidence of late, and while Forest have proven a little harder to beat under Sean Dyche, they are still battling relegation, making this a good opportunity for Spurs to extend their good recent form.

Speaking ahead of the Forest game, Spurs boss Thomas Frank issued an injury update and confirmed there were no fresh issues from the Slavia Praha clash. "Everyone that was available for Slavia will be available for Forest,” he said.

Asked about Brennan Johnson, who has been dealing with a knock, he added: “I expect him to be available for Forest, he trained today." The Welshman should get the chance to take on his former club at his old stomping ground.

Speaking of Welshmen, Ben Davies is back and ready to go after a good few weeks out following an injury he picked up during international duty with Wales in October. "It’s Very important,” Frank added. It’s really good to have Ben back out there and playing minutes. His first of the season."

There is less news on striker Dominic Solanke, though, with the forward remaining absent without any clear timeline for his return. Frank said: “The injury he picked up in July, it's dragged on for while. When he is training fully, I'll have news."

The good feeling and facing Forest

Frank is expecting a tricky game against Forest, who are slowly embracing Dyche’s rough around the edges style. "They are very difficult to play against,” said the Spurs boss. “I expect a very difficult game. They are extremely competitive. I expect us to go there with confidence and belief, but I expect it to be incredibly difficult."

Asked about his own side’s lift in mood on the back of some positive results, Frank continued: “Wins and good performances always helps. It makes things lighter and more positive, of course that means something. It's an ongoing work to constantly improve."

Tottenham Hotspur are in action this week with clashes against Slavia Prague and Nottingham Forest respectively

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Tottenham Hotspur won 2-0 at home to Brentford over the weekend. Richarlison and Xavier Simons got their goals against the Bees at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Thomas Frank’s side are now sat in 10th place in the Premier League table after 15 fixtures.

Spurs are four points off the top four. They are back in action on Tuesday night with a Champions League clash against Slavia Prague before an away trip in the league to Nottingham Forest. In the meantime, here is a look at the latest injury news and return dates....

Tottenham Hotspur injury blow regarding Destiny Udogie

Destiny Udogie: Spurs’ left-back has sustained an injury and was left out against Brentford last time out. It remains to be seen how long exactly he could be out for. Frank simply said: “Destiny got an injury, unfortunately.” Expected return date: Unknown

James Maddison: The attacking midfielder won’t be seen until next season. He is sidelined with an ACL injury on a long-term basis. The club confirmed in August: “We can confirm that James will undergo surgery for a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee. His surgery will take place in the coming days, and following that, James will then begin his rehabilitation with our medical team.” Expected return date: 01/06/2026

Dominic Solanke: Frank has been tightlipped on when he will be back in action. The striker doesn’t appear to be too far away and continues to be assessed. His boss has said: “When they are ready to be close to joining the squad, then I will provide an update.” Expected return date: Unknown

Dejan Kulusevski: The winger has been missed by Spurs over recent times. He remains in the treatment room with a knee injury. Like Solanke, it is yet to be known right now when his exact next game will be and his situation is ever-changing. Expected return date: Unknown

Other Tottenham Hotspur injury issues

Radu Dragusin: He featured in a U21s clash against Dagenham and Redbridge recently. The centre-back got some valuable minutes under his belt as he took a big step on his road to recovery. Spurs will continue to make checks on him as he looks to get back out on the pitch. Expected return date: 01/01/2026

Koki Takai: Like Dragusin, Koki Takai also played in the same development match. He hasn’t been seen since his summer transfer due to a thigh problem. The club have said: “Kota played his first minutes in a Spurs shirt with Radu Dragusin also stepping up his return to fitness this afternoon. The pair featured in a friendly for our U21s vs Dagenham at Hotspur Way.” Expected return date: 01/01/2026

Yves Bissouma: It has been a frustrating campaign for the ex-Brighton and Hove Albion man. He is currently unavailable. Frank has said: “Biss, unfortunately, had a situation with the national team, I think everyone saw that, so he got a ligament injury to his ankle that will keep him out for weeks.” Expected return date: Unknown

Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are all back in Champions League action this week

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Arsenal face an away trip to Belgium on Wednesday to play Club Brugge. They will be looking to bounce back from their Premier League defeat against Aston Villa over the weekend. The Gunners are top of the Champions League table after five games and have won every match so far.

Chelsea head to Italy on Tuesday evening to lock horns with Atalanta. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur face Slavia Prague at home. Here is a look at how many points the London trio need to get into the top eight....

How many points do Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur need to get into top eight of the Champions League

Based on last season’s final Champions League table, Arsenal only need one more point to get into the top eight. Chelsea need six more points, so two more wins. Meanwhile, Spurs require eight more points if they are to get in.

Champions League table top eight 2024/25

Liverpool, 21 points

Barcelona, 19 points

Arsenal, 19 points

Inter Milan, 21 points

Atletico Madrid, 18 points

Bayer Leverkusen, 16 points

Lille, 16 points

Aston Villa, 16 points

Current Champions League table top 20 2025/26

Arsenal, 15 points

PSG, 12 points

Bayern Munich, 12 points

Inter Milan, 12 points

Real Madrid, 12 points

Borussia Dortmund, 10 points

Chelsea, 10 points

Sporting Lisbon, 10 points

Manchester City, 10 points

Atalanta, 10 points

Newcastle United, 9 points

Atletico Madrid, 9 points

Liverpool, 9 points

Galatasaray, 9 points

PSV, 8 points

Tottenham Hotspur, 8 points

Bayer Leverkusen, 8 points

Barcelona, 7 points

Qarabag, 7 points

Napoli, 7 points

This season’s Champions League top 15 places predicted by Opta

As per Opta data via The Analyst, here is a look at the top 15 places predicted in the Champions League table...

Arsenal, 22 points

Bayern Munich, 18 points

PSG, 18 points

Real Madrid, 17 points

Inter Milan, 16 points

Manchester City, 16 points

Chelsea, 15 points

Borussia Dortmund, 15 points

Atletico Madrid, 14 points

Atalanta, 14 points

Liverpool, 14 points

Barcelona, 14 points

Sporting Lisbon, 13 points

Newcastle United, 13 points

Tottenham Hotspur, 13 points

Arsenal are being predicted to finish first on 22 points above Bayern Munich and PSG after their impressive European campaign to date. Mikel Arteta’s side are also hoping to win the Premier League title. They are two points above Manchester City in the league and three ahead of Aston Villa.

As for Chelsea, they are backed to end on 15 points in 7th position ahead of Borussia Dortmund on goal difference. Spurs are being tipped to accumulate 13 points along with Newcastle United and thus finish outside the top eight which would be a blow for Thomas Frank’s side. They will get a knockout play off at least, however - if the prediction comes true.

Frank was appointed at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium over the summer and was appointed to replace Ange Postecoglou. The London outfit got into the Champions League after they beat Manchester United in the Europa League final in Sevilla. It has been an inconsistent start to this term for them though both domestically and in Europe and they need to find more consistency.

Thomas Frank has confirmed one Tottenham star will be out for at least three weeks with an injury.

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Thomas Frank has confirmed that Tottenham will be without a key player until after the turn of the year. Spurs enjoyed a solid week last week, turning results around after a disappointing un of form.

Frank’s men scored late to take a point home from Newcastle United and then comfortably beat Brentford to move back within touching distance of the top four.

Attention now turns back to the Champions League, with Tottenham looking to snatch an automatic progression spot, currently just two points off the top eight. Slavia Praha are next up in North London on Tuesday night, but they will not be helped by the absence of one of their key players.

Destiny Udogie, who Frank confirmed had a soft tissue injury over the weekend, has now been ruled out until January. Frank said in his pre-match press conference: “Destiny, as I said after the (Brentford) game unfortunately picked up a hamstring injury at the end of the Newcastle game, so he’s out until January, unfortunately. Brennan is touch and go."

Udogie will now miss games against Slavia Praha, Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Crystal Palace, while he will also likely miss the New Year’s Day game against Brentford.

Elsewhere, Dejan Kulusevski is still not ready to return from his long-term issue, with Frank adding: “Yeah, as I said, I will confirm when he's available for the squad. It's part of the recovery. There’s a plan for everything.”

Last but not least, asked about James Maddison, who was back doing light work outside from his potentially season-ending knee injury, Frank updated: “It's very early stages. It's still a long-term injury, so it's good to see him out there, but very early stages. There's no specific time frame. It'll be a long time, unfortunately, before he's available.”

Frank keen to seize momentum

Spurs seemed to spark some momentum last week with two positive results that saw them pick up four points from a possible six, and Frank wants his men to keep things rolling in the Champions League.

“It's always good to build on and get the momentum and get more consistent, good performances,” Frank said. “That's a big part of getting into that. We really try to build on that tomorrow night and have a good opportunity against a good Slavia Prague team that I’ve studied a lot and they make it difficult. They play a very direct, physical style.

“They have more or less man-to-man over the pitch, so that just makes it different. You can't relax at one stage of the game. When you're a little bit further up the pitch, you also have man-to-man over the pitch, so you're not as used to that bit. That can definitely, potentially, make it difficult for us. It's a game where we respect the opponent a lot, but it's about us. It's about us making sure we perform well and continue with the forwardness and directness we had in the offensive play.”

All the injury news surrounding Tottenham and Slavia Praha ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League clash in North London.

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Tottenham are back in Champions League action on Tuesday as this relentless section of the schedule continues. Spurs welcome Slavia Praha, otherwise known as Slavia Prague, to North London as they look to take a step towards qualification for the next round.

Thomas Frank’s men are currently in the play-off spots, but they are only a point off the automatic spots. Slavia Praha, meanwhile, are three points off the playoffs and likely need at least seven - if not nine - points from their remaining three games to progress.

Here we round up the early injury news surrounding both teams for this one. We have included all injuries, but we are not counting those not registered in the respective teams’ Champions League squads in the final count.

Oscar (Murphy Dorley) - Out

Oscar has a muscular injury that will almost certainly keep him out. He has been absent since early November, and he did not feature over the weekend.

Dominik Javorcek - Out (Also ineligible)

The left-back is out with a knee injury and was not included in this season’s Champions League squad, with a return in the new year likely.

Petr Sevcik - Out (Also ineligible)

Sevcik is out as he looks to return from an ACL injury by the end of the year. He is not in the Champions League squad.

Destiny Udogie - Out

Frank has confirmed: “Destiny got a soft tissue injury, unfortunately..” Asked about the time scale, Frank added: “Not too long.”

Dominic Solanke - Out

Frank has said: “Dom is not ready yet. We want to be absolutely sure, as sure as we can be, that there is no setback going forward. I'm confident he will soon be ready, but I will not put a time frame on it.” Solanke is expected to be out for another 10 days or so. Frank added recently: “When they are ready to be close to joining the squad, then I will provide an update.”

Dejan Kulusevski - Out (Also ineligible)

Kulusevski remains out, and while he is closing in on a return, he is not expected back until late December. Frank has said recently: “Deki is still not on the grass. We're working very hard to get him fit as quickly as possible.”

Radu Dragusin - Out (Also ineligible)

Dragusin is not expected back just yet, with another week or two expected. Frank has said: “Kota (Takai) played his first minutes in a Spurs shirt with Radu also stepping up his return to fitness this afternoon. The pair featured in a friendly for our U21s vs Dagenham at Hotspur Way.”

Yves Bissouma - Out (Also ineligible)

Bissouma picked up an injury in October and it’s unclear when he will return He suffered a knee ligament injury.

Kota Takai - Out (Also ineligible)

Takai is back in training, but he will need to build up his fitness after a long spell out.

James Maddison - Out (Also ineligible)

Maddison is out for much - if not all - of the season with a knee injury. It was confirmed in August: “We can confirm that James will undergo surgery for a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee. His surgery will take place in the coming days, and following that, James will then begin his rehabilitation with our medical team.”

Spurs are said to be interested in a player currently impressing on loan in Spain.

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Tottenham are said to be interested in offering a former Manchester United favourite a route back to the Premier League. It has been a mixed start to the season for Spurs, who started well, rising into the top four in the early weeks of the campaign.

Since then, Thomas Frank’s men have dropped down to ninth after a wobble, but they are now pulling themselves back towards an ultra-congested Premier League top seven. Spurs scored a late equaliser at Newcastle United during the week and followed up that draw with a convincing win over Brentford on Saturday.

Frank’s men are now back within three points of the top four, and they are certainly in the mix for European qualification, which is a big step forward from a disastrous domestic campaign last term.

But if Spurs want Frank to have Tottenham in and around the top four on a regular basis, they must back him with regular transfer investment, especially with the likes of Newcastle, Aston Villa and others regularly spending big during transfer windows.

A striker may be needed, although Randal Kolo Muani will get chance to prove himself between now and the end of the season, with the on-loan striker yet to fully convince. Elsewhere, Spurs could do with another dangerous attacker, and reports in Spain have linked them with a move for Barcelona loan man Marcus Rashford.

Rashford has enjoyed a strong season on loan with La Liga table-toppers Barca so far, scoring six times and providing 10 assists. Barca do have a £30million option to buy Rashford, but there is uncertainty over whether they will pull the trigger.

Fichajes and AS have reported that Tottenham are interested in Rashford should he not remain in Catalonia, and they are reportedly willing to offer him a ‘starring role’. Wages could be an issue, but given Barca’s financial issues, Rashford will likely have to compromise on the wage front wherever he goes.

Barca are likely to be Rashford’s first choice, but should the Spanish giants pass on the deal, Tottenham would be well-served chasing a deal, Rashford is in fine form, he knows the Premier League very well and he is in the prime of his career at 28.

Lineker on Rashford talent

Gary Lineker has described Rashford as an ‘immense talent’ this season. Speaking after the forward scored to defeat Newcastle United in the Champions League, Linker told the Rest is Football podcast: “He was left out, they brought him on at half-time and he got an assist.

“He nearly scored with a couple of good efforts as well, but the first goal from Ferran Torres… wow. That move was classic Barcelona. Of course [he’s still got it]. He’s an immense talent, Marcus.

“He’s had some dips in his career, like most of us do, and he’s been at a club that has had huge problems at Manchester United. It seems that most of the players that have left there have done particularly well subsequently.”

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has the chance to bring in some more firepower in the January transfer window

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Tottenham Hotspur are back in action this weekend with a home clash against Brentford. They lured head coach Thomas Frank away from the Bees over the summer. The Dane was picked as their replacement for Ange Postecoglou in the dugout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It has since been a pretty inconsistent start for the 52-year-old in North London and his side sit 11th in the Premier League table after 14 fixtures. They drew 2-2 away at Newcastle United last time out. Cristian Romero scored twice against the Toon Army in the North East.

Tottenham Hotspur linked with Jan Paul van Hecke at Brighton and Hove Albion

Spurs could make a £40million bid for Brighton and Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke this winter, according to TEAMtalk. They are being linked with a move for the centre-back ahead of the upcoming January transfer window. He is under contract at the AMEX Stadium until the summer of 2027 meaning the Seagulls are under no immediate pressure to sell him just yet.

Van Hecke, 25, has become a key player for his current club over recent times and they won’t want to lose him, especially to a league rival. The Holland international, who has eight caps to his name, joined them back in 2020. Prior to his move to England, he rose up through the ranks at NAC Breda.

He was initially loaned out by Brighton to SC Heerenveen and Blackburn Rovers to get some experience under his belt. The Arnemuiden-born man then broke into their first-team in 2022 following his return from Ewood Park and he hasn’t looked back since. He has made 107 appearances in all competitions, 16 of which have come this season, and he has chipped in with four goals from the back.

Tottenham Hotspur should propose swap deal to Brighton and Hove Albion

Brighton will be reluctant to cash in on Van Hecke so Spurs should propose a player to them as part of a swap deal plus cash for his services. Ben Davies has been a great servant to the London outfit but his long-term situation is up in the air. His contract expires at the end of the campaign and he is due to become a free agent in June 2026 as things stand.

The 32-year-old would be a shrewd addition for the Seagulls if they brought him in as part of a potential Van Hecke sale. He could plug a gap defensively in the short-term whilst they weighed up possible long-term replacements. In addition, he is a vastly experienced operator at the top level and would be a useful character to have in and around the dressing room.

Davies graduated from the Swansea City academy before Spurs snapped him up back in 2014. He has since been with them for the last 11 years and has played over 350 matches. The Welshman needs to start thinking about the future though and it seems unlikely that he will be sticking around beyond this term under Frank.

Thomas Frank needs attacking impetus at Tottenham Hotspur in January but the club could also swoop for a Premier League defender.

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Tottenham Hotspur have had to lean on the goalscoring exploits of defenders at times this season with an underperforming striker force and another Premier League defender who has been among the goals may have caught the attention of the London outfit.

Thomas Frank saw his side pick up a much needed point in a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United on Tuesday evening. It was centre-back Cristian Romero who bagged a brace in that match and it wasn’t the first time a defender helped the team to points.

Micky Van de Ven has also come up with vital goals this term with six across all competitions this term. Those include a brace against Everton in October, as well as Champions League finishes against Bodo/Glimt and FC Copenhagen.

Tottenham Hotspur linked with £40m Brighton defender

While Tottenham Hotspur efforts in January are expected to be focused on adding creativity and a talisman, TEAMtalk today carries reports of interest in Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke. It’s touted that Spurs could bid £40 million for the 25-year-old.

The links come after the defender bagged a brace in the Seagulls’ 4-3 defeat to Aston Villa on Wednesday night. It’s added that Spurs explored a move for the Dutchman in the summer and that he remains a ‘player of interest’.

Brighton will not want to lose a player who has played every minute of the Premier League season so far and the south coast club are keen to extend the player’s deal, which currently expires in 2027. No extension could force Brighton to sell in 2026.

Seagulls hope for Van Hecke contract extension

The Seagulls paid just £3 million to sign the defender from Dutch side NAC Breda in 2020 and continue to merit their reputation for scouting the next wave of Premier League talent across the world. Speaking about the player and a potential new contract, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler said: “Hopefully he has a long and bright future here in Brighton.

“When you see his past, where he has come from, what he went through to where he is now, you see a really consistent development. That’s because of his attitude. That’s because of his mindset. His effort is always above the things you can expect as a coach.

“That makes his values so important to us. He’s a Dutch guy, so he’s very straight with you and honest with his opinion. I think that’s always powerful in the team.

“He’s one of my leaders, he’s in the leadership group. He has taken more responsibility and more ownership this season. I think that’s the next step for him, to not only be a great performer, but also try to be a leader in this club.”

In other news, Tottenham 'intensify' interest in star winger as Premier League rivals circle for major January transfer.