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One Tottenham Hotspur star is in the form of his life and it has led to him being linked with some of Europe's biggest clubs

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Former Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Sheffield Wednesday man Chris Waddle admits he ‘can see why’ other clubs are interested in signing Spurs ace Mickey Van de Ven.

The 24-year-old Dutchman has started the season in some serious form. He has made 16 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals. In his 51 one previous games for Tottenham, he had scored just three goals.

Van de Ven’s stand-out goal for Spurs this season came in a Champions League win over Copenhagen as he ran the length of the pitch and fired a shot in at the near post.

"That could be goal of the season, definitely," manager Thomas Frank said after being asked about the defender's brilliant solo effort.

"It was like Lionel Messi transformed into a centre-back, the way Micky ran through everyone. Fantastic goal."

Chris Waddle on Mickey Van de Ven transfer links

Speaking to London World, Waddle said of Van de Ven: “He’s an important player for the Netherlands too, so they need him fit. You can see why other teams might be interested in bringing him in at the end of the season.

“But either way, he has to keep getting minutes on the pitch and right now he is a massive player with Tottenham.”

Van de Ven has proven a popular signing by Spurs. He joined the club in 2023 and is under contract until 2029. Speaking about him last year, former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp said: “He looks a great signing. What amazed me is during the Euros this year, he couldn’t get into the Dutch team.

“I was shocked. I thought ‘hang on, how are they that good that he can’t get into the team?’ Surely they will find a place for him somewhere, if you played three at the back, or you could play him at left-back even. He looks a Rolls-Royce, proper player.”

Who has been linked with Mickey Van de Ven?

Real Madrid , Liverpool , and Bayern Munich have all been named as interested parties in Van de Ven, per a report from Fichajes late last month. Spurs are said to value the defender at around £85m-£90m.

If he was to leave Tottenham for that fee, it would be a record deal for a defender with Harry Maguire the currently holding that title after he joined Manchester United from Leicester City for £80m.

The report from Fichajes notes: “Real Madrid is not alone. Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also closely monitoring the situation, making the competition for him real and fierce.”

Spurs will not want to lose Van de Ven but if it comes to a point where an exit looks inevitable, the interest from several of Europe’s biggest clubs could spark a bidding war and see Tottenham bank an even bigger fee than the £85m-£90m they are currently demanding.

The latest round-up from Tottenham Hotspur’s international stars

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European champions Spain took another positive step towards World Cup qualification with a comprehensive 4-0 victory away at Georgia.

It leaves Luis de la Fuente’s in-form side in pole position to secure their place in next year’s tournament in North America. Spain are three points clear of rivals Turkey with one match remaining - and currently boast a perfect 100 percent record of winning all five of their matches, scoring 19 goals in the process and without conceding.

Tottenham star Pedro Porro, who has started every match in qualification, enjoyed a productive afternoon as his side kept a clean sheet and continued to edge closer to qualification. He picked up 15th cap and counting for Spain, with nine of those coming in this calendar year.

Pedro Porro continues to impress for Spain

Pedro Porro, who cost Tottenham £39.7m when he first arrived in January 2023, is a player renowned for his attacking instincts and his tireless energy to contribute at both ends of the field. He’s been a near everpresent for Spain since failing to make the Euro 2024 squad - and will fancy his chances of being the team’s first choice starter in North America.

Porro played just 45 minutes of the contest as Spain overwhelmed Georgia before being replaced by Marcos Llorente but still did enough to earn rave reviews from the Spanish media.

Football Espana gave him a commendable 7/10 match rating. When describing Porro’s performance they commented: “Continues to impress at right-back, although he was taken off at half time with Tuesday’s showdown against Türkiye in mind.”

Spain are now one game away from securing their place in the hat for the World Cup qualification draw. They would have secured qualification automatically if Turkey had dropped points against Bulgaria but Hakan Calhanoglu’s cooly taken penalty and Atanas Chernev’s own goal ensured things went down to the last game.

Nevertheless, it’s fairly safe to assume that Spain will be playing in next summer’s tournament in North America. The only scenario that would prevent them comes if Turkey beat them by seven or more goals in the final game in Sevilla on Tuesday.

Thomas Tuchel scolds Tottenham defender

England manager Thomas Tuchel has criticised Djed Spence over his behaviour after ignoring Thomas Frank last month. Tuchel admits he was unimpressed by Spence’s behaviour during Tottenham’s defeat to Chelsea.

Spence, who helped Tottenham win the Europa League last term, has three caps for the Three Lions, but was unable to add to that total during the victory over Serbia after being left on the bench.

When discussing Spence, Tuchel told Mail Sport reporter Craig Hope: “Yeah I didn’t like it. Because the players know they are not only national team players when they are in the 10 days in camp, they are always national players and the standard of behaviour is always important.”

Tuchel says he never considered dropping Spence from the squad because of the incident and adds that he’s not directly addressed the issue with the player in person.

England face Albania away in their final qualification match, leaving Spence with another potential window of opportunity to stake a claim for a starting spot at the World Cup in North America next summer.

A handful of stars from Arsenal and Tottenham were in international action on Saturday evening

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Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães is a huge doubt for next weekend’s pivotal North London derby after suffering a groin injury while on international duty.

The Brazilian international, who has arguably been the best-performing central defender in the Premier League this season, pulled up off the ball just before the hour mark in his side’s 2-0 win over Senegal in London and received treatment to his right thigh before being substituted.

"Bad? I don't know. He had an injury in his adductor," said Ancelotti, via BBC Sport. "The medical staff has to check tomorrow.We are really sorry for this, really disappointed. When a player has an injury, you hope they can recover well and soon.”

It marks the latest setback in a difficult week for Mikel Arteta and his team. The Arsenal boss is already coming to terms with Riccardo Calafiori, who was withdrawn from international duty with Italy due to fitness concerns, meaning The Gunners could enter next weekend’s derby match with gaps in both central defence and left-back.

"We tried Calafiori, he had a few issues," Gennaro Gattuso told Sky Sports Italia before Italy's match against Norway on Sunday.

"I thank him for his commitment. He stayed here for a week, he could have played perhaps, but it wouldn't have been fair to him or Arsenal."

Leandro Trossard struggles as Belgium drop points

Belgium missed the chance to wrap up qualification for the 2026 World Cup after being held to a disappointing 1-1 against Kazakhstan at the Astana Arena.

Trossard was included in the starting lineup but failed to make much of an impact as teammate’s Hans Vanaken first half header cancelled out an opener from 17-year-old Chelsea-bound striker Dastan Satpayev.

The former Brighton wideman only received a rating of 6.6 with WhoScored and was substituted off the pitch for Alexis Saelemaekers in the 71st minute.

Belgium remain top of Group J and will cement qualification with a win at home to Liechtenstein on Tuesday.

Tottenham Hotspur star shines with assist on international duty

Tottenham central defender Kevin Danso enjoyed an excellent evening for Austria as they earned a routined 2-0 win away against Cyprus.

Danso produced a dominant performance for his side as the hosts failed to register a single shot on target on the Austria goal. He also played a part in Marko Arnautovic’s second strike of the match by winning his side a penalty in the 55th minute.

Austria are top of their group and in pole position for World Cup qualification. If they avoid defeat in their upcoming home match against nearest rivals Bosnia, they’ll confirm their place in next year’s tournament in North America.

Elsewhere, it was also a productive night for Arsenal playmaker Mikel Merino. He was included in the starting lineup as Spain secured an emphatic 4-0 win away at Georgia to sustain their 100 percent record in World Cup qualification. Merino played for 62 minutes but was replaced by Fermin Lopez midway through the second half after picking up a yellow card.

Spain are on the verge of qualification. They simply need to avoid losing by a seven-goal margin when they face Turkey in midweek.

Micky van de Ven has had mixed reviews from his latest performance for the Netherlands

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Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has been called out by national media following his latest performance for the Netherlands.

The Oranje played out a 1-1 draw against Poland in their World Cup qualifying clash on Friday. The result was enough to all but secure Ronald Koeman’s side in the tournament next year but some individual performances far from convinced local press.

Oranje need just one point from their upcoming clash with Lithuania to mathematically secure their spot at the 2026 World Cup. However, even if they lose their last game, closest opponents Poland would need a hefty win over Malta to oversee the current 13-goal difference between the two.

Van de Ven played at left-back against the Poles, as he has done for the last few international camps, but his efforts drew contrasting reviews from the media.

Micky van de Ven slammed by Dutch media for Poland display

Van de Ven was awarded a 7/10 rating by Voetbal International - the highest of their defensive scores. However, other outlets were not as generous with their analysis.

Football Oranje docked him a point, issuing a 6/10 rating with a positive and negative take from his performance.

“One excellent run forward in the first half drew a dangerous foul and he looked good when on the ball. Was given trouble at times by Matty Cash but overall played okay.

Van den Ven’s struggle to deal with Aston Villa star Cash also cropped up in a review from Voetbal Primeur, who could only award the Spurs man a 5/10 rating.

“In the first half, the left-footer launched his trademark rush, crossing the entire pitch just like he did in his wonder goal for Tottenham Hotspur. This is in stark contrast to the rest of his performance.

“Van de Ven repeatedly lost Matty Cash and at times played very weak defence against Poland's most dangerous man. However, the fact that Cash was able to appear so freely seems also to be due to Koeman's flawed tactical plan.”

According to Sofascore statistics, Van de Ven was dribbled past once and made an error that led to an opposition shot. However, Fotmob report the Spurs man completed 100 percent of his passes and long balls and put in three defensive contributions, while completing the most dribbles of any other player on the pitch.

Xavi Simons left out in latest Netherlands clash

Tottenham teammate Xavi Simons did not make it off the bench against Poland, as Koeman left him as an unused substitute.

The Dutch midfielder made the highly speculated transfer to Spurs over the summer for £52 million from RB Leipzig.

Despite his impressive form in Germany, which included a 10-goal and seven-assist Bundesliga return last season, Simons has struggled to showcase his creativity at his new club. The 22-year-old has just two assists for Tottenham so far this season, which may be impacting his role for the Netherlands.

How Tottenham Hotspur players fared in their latest performances for their countries this week

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A handful of Tottenham Hotspur players were in action for their respective countries on Friday as the World Cup qualifiers continue.

Arsenal also had Jurrien Timber on the pitch for the Netherlands, while Piero Hincapie was in action for Ecuador in a friendly against Canada.

The rival clubs still have another week to wait before the Premier League returns, and the North London Derby awaits them when it does. Arsenal will host Spurs for the first NLD of the season, hoping to keep their unbeaten streak at the top of the table ticking.

Luka Vuskovic and Croatia qualify for World Cup

Croatia have secured their place in the 2026 World Cup after their 3-1 win over the Farao Islands on Friday. It was a sensational evening for Tottenham’s Luka Vuskovic, who is currently on loan with Bundesliga club Hamburg.

In what was just his second cap for Croatia, Vuskovic was given his first start for his country, featuring alongside former Spurs stars Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic. The 2018 runners-up will return to the world’s biggest stage next year, ending the Farao Islands’ hopes of a play-off spot in the process.

Vuskovic joined Hamburg on loan over the summer and has since admitted he ‘doesn’t know’ when he will return to Tottenham, having expressed interest in playing in Germany for another season to play with his brother Mario. Vuskovic is yet to make his first senior appearance for Spurs.

“I would like to play with him one day, I hope that works out. I would like to stay at HSV for another season and play with my brother,” the 18-year-old told Croatian outlet MAXSport last month.

Xavi Simons benched in Netherlands draw

The Netherlands couldn’t bag more than a 1-1 draw on Friday as Memphis Depay’s goal cancelled out Jakub Kaminski’s opener for Poland.

Xavi Simons was named among the substitutes for the Dutch side but did not make it off the bench as Ronald Koeman opted to rely on others. However, Spurs teammate Micky van de Ven played the full 90 minutes, as did Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber, who made up the Dutch backline alongside Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida.

Despite the draw, the Netherlands remain top of Group G on 17 points, with a three-point cushion over closest rivals Poland. The result has as good as booked the Oranje’s place in next year’s World Cup.

Jamie Donley and Northern Ireland secure play-off spot

Northern Ireland’s hopes of automatic World Cup qualification were dented by Slovakia on Friday but they have done enough to ensure a place in the play-offs.

A stoppage time goal from Tomas Bobcek puts them level on points at the top of Group A with Germany, behind only on goal difference.

Tottenham’s Jamie Donley was brought on late in the game to replace Stevenage’s James Reid. Donley is currently out on loan with Stoke City until the end of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a new Premier League target after suffering a new contract blow

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Tottenham Hotspur’s season under Thomas Frank has been difficult to define thus far, as the Lilywhites sit in fifth place in the league despite some poor home form which culminated in the side being booed off the pitch after a 1-0 derby defeat to Chelsea.

Defeat to the Blues that day was the low point of a largely positive season which has also included good form in the Champions League, while Frank’s side remain on course to challenge for a return to Europe’s premier club competition through league position for next season.

Off the pitch, however, Spurs were given a blow following reports that Morgan Rogers has signed a new contract at Aston Villa. The 23-year-old had been admired by Spurs for some time but a deal was viewed as difficult to obtain over the summer, while this latest news suggests that Rogers is set to remain at Villa Park for the long run. But Spurs might already have an alternative target lined up.

Spurs linked with move for Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye

One Premier League star whose stocks have only continued to rise so far this season is Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye, who has dazzled for David Moyes’ side to attract the attention of some of the division’s biggest clubs.

The 25-year-old is known as a silky dribbler but has already bagged four goals and an assist so far this season, having quietly registered nine league strikes last term in his first season in the top flight of English football, having joined Everton ahead of rival suitors Crystal Palace. Spurs are reported to be one of the clubs who have taken an interest in the Senegalese.

Former Everton and Scotland winger Pat Nevin wrote for BBC Sport: “I often think of players who would be even more impressive playing with better sides, teams who have more of the ball and spend more time in the attacking third. Watching Everton's Iliman Ndiaye so far this season, I suspect he could do a phenomenal job if he was playing for Manchester City, Chelsea or Arsenal, he is that good.”

Ndiaye might already be better than Xavi Simons

If Ndiaye is destined for bigger and better things, Spurs would be smart to target a move for the 25-year-old now before his price tag continues to rise further. The Toffees might demand up to £70million for their prize asset according to TEAMtalk, citing price tags for comparable players in the current inflated transfer market.

But just by looking at Ndiaye’s performances since he arrived at Everton, there is a fair argument to make that he would be a worthwhile investment. In comparison with Spurs’ marquee £52m signing Xavi Simons, who has registered zero goals and one assist in the Premier League so far this season, Ndiaye is more of a game-changer, takes more risks with the ball and is more of an effective contributor to goals at present.

It has not been an easy start to the season for ex-Bundesliga playmakers, as both Simons and Florian Wirtz have struggled to adapt to the pace and intensity of the Premier League. This is nothing new, as the English top flight has always been difficult to adapt to for some of Europe’s biggest names from on the continent, but it is all the more striking now with the massive transfer fees involved and the increased PSR risks faced by clubs.

All things considered, Ndiaye is currently a better player than Xavi Simons. He may not have as much experience as Simons on the biggest European stages, but he has more than shown his credentials for getting there in the near future. The things the Everton man can do with the ball are rivalled by very few, and it would be no surprise to see Spurs and several of Europe’s biggest clubs battling it out for his signature in 2026.

The Republic of Ireland picked up a 2-0 win over Portugal on Thursday evening in a stylish performance.

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Cristiano Ronaldo was the headline maker as Portugal were handed a surprise defeat by the Republic of Ireland on Thursday night but some familiar Premier League names were on the receiving end of big praise for their efforts in the match.

The Manchester United legend was sent off for the first time in international football as Portugal fell to a 2-0 defeat at the Aviva Stadium, missing out on the chance to secure World Cup qualification. Ronaldo was shown a yellow card for an elbow on Dara O’Shea, which was then upgraded to a red after a VAR intervention.

The forward’s first red card in 226 Portugal appearances turned heads but so too did ex Tottenham Hotspur striker Troy Parrott and Brentford duo Caoimhín Kelleher and Nathan Collins.

Ex Tottenham Hotspur striker on target against Portugal

Parrott stepped up to fill the boots of injured Evan Ferguson and did so in style, continuing the form that has seen him score 13 goals in 14 games for AZ Alkmaar this season. The forward bagged a first half brace to help his nation to the win.

Rating the player a 9/10 for his performance, Balls.ie wrote: “Parrott looked lively in possession in the opening exchanges, creating real problems for Portugal. He was rewarded for that bright start with the game’s opening goal. His second goal was even better, producing a stunning solo effort to double Ireland's lead. A real coming of age performance.”

It may be somewhat painful for Tottenham Hotspur fans to see their former man in such fine form. Thomas Frank’s side are currently dealing with injuries to Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke, with Richarlison struggling for form in front of goal.

Brentford duo praised by Irish media

A product of the Spurs academy, Parrott only made four senior appearances for the club and was sent on loan spells to Millwall, Ipswich Town, MK Dons, Preston North End and Excelsior during his time with Tottenham Hotspur.

The Republic of Ireland were solid at the back too with Brentford duo Kelleher and Collins starring. The shot-stopper’s best moment came when producing a strong save to deny Goncalo Ramos. Balls.ie awarded the goalkeeper a 7/10 and wrote: “The Brentford man was largely untested in the first half, making a couple of routine saves from tame Portugal shots. Kelleher's long kick out of the hand were also a dangerous weapon, setting up a number of Irish attacks. Made one impressive save towards the end to maintain Ireland's lead.”

Meanwhile, Collins was also handed a 7/10 and praised for his ‘key role’ in marshalling the Irish defence and for producing ‘big blocks’.

In other news, Tottenham handed international injury blow as 'fantastic' player risks missing Arsenal.

Thomas Frank had hoped to have the midfielder eligible for a return against Arsenal next weekend.

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Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a fresh injury concern over the international break as Thomas Frank prepares for a meeting with rivals Arsenal next weekend.

Spurs are having to navigate life in the Premier League without several key first team players who are sidelined through injury. Those include Dominic Solanke, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

Frank was also without the services of midfielder Lucas Bergvall in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United last weekend. The 19-year-old had also missed out against Copenhagen following a concussion sustained in the defeat to Chelsea.

Tottenham Hotspur handed international injury blow

Bergvall has been following the protocols that come with a concussion injury but had been on track to return against Arsenal next weekend. That fixture will come three weeks after he was forced off on the seven minute mark against the Blues.

The player did not want to be substituted in that game and could be seen showing his frustration towards medical staff, but had the decision taken out of his hands. Bergvall was nonetheless called up to the Sweden squad for the international break despite being in the middle of his 12-day recovery period.

Sweden manager Graham Potter had hoped that the player would be able to train with his international teammates on Thursday despite being unable to head the ball, as per The Standard. However, he has now left the camp due to ongoing concerns over the concussion, as per The Standard.

In a statement, the Swedish national team said: "Lucas Bergvall will not be available to play in the men's national team's next two matches due to the consequences of the concussion he suffered in connection with Tottenham's league match against Chelsea on November 1."

Swedish FA executive Stefan Pettersson told Sport Bladet: "We had agreed with Tottenham's doctor to do some tests during the week and then run 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."

Thomas Frank on ‘fantastic’ Bergvall influence

Bergvall has been replaced in the Sweden squad by Newcastle United star Emil Krafth. It remains to be seen whether he is fit enough to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium next Sunday.

Frank has taken a liking to what the midfielder and has handed Bergvall minutes in all but one Premier League game when fit this season. The midfielder scored and assisted in the 3-0 win over West Ham in September.

After that win, Frank said: “Yes. First and foremost I think his performance was good today. I really like his energy, his pressing skill, his enthusiasm.

“I think he drags the team with him, in a kind of way. And there is so much he can learn and improve. So I think that is promising as well. Fantastic goal. Well-timed run. Top ball from Romero. And a well-executed header.”

In other news, Tottenham can sign 'remarkable' Joao Palhinha alternative for free next summer - opinion.

Thomas Frank could have a big decision to make next summer when it comes to the permanent transfer of a defensive midfielder at Tottenham Hotspur.

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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Joao Palhinha has had a mixed start to his loan spell in north London this season, scoring important goals for Thomas Frank but also coming under criticism from pundits.

The 30-year-old is on loan in the Premier League from Bayern Munich. Palhinha joined the Bundesliga giants from Fulham in the summer of 2024 on a £47 million move but struggled to cement a role in the starting XI in Germany.

Despite playing in defensive midfield, Palhinha has four goals across all competitions already for Spurs. He has netted against Manchester City and Wolves in the Premier League, as well as against Copenhagen in the Champions League and Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup.

Tottenham Hotspur star criticised by Jamie Carragher

Frank has praised the loanee’s impact but the player was criticised by former Premier League defender Jamie Carragher following the defeat to Chelsea. Carragher told Sky Sports: “For me, for Thomas Frank, that’s something he has to grow. One of his first signings is Palhinha. He is not capable, I don’t think, of doing this. There’s a reason why teams in the Premier League didn’t buy him from Fulham and there’s a reason why Bayern Munich bought him and didn’t play him. That would be a worry.

“For Thomas Frank, going forward, when you think of pragmatic managers in the past who have made that jump from a smaller club to a bigger one, that has always been a problem. Can they coach the rotations, the build up play, to break the lines?”

Responding to that criticism, Frank said: "No, I didn't. I didn't see his comments so there's not too much to say to that. The pundits are pundits, they need to say something about the games. I've been a pundit myself sometimes, it's easier to be that than stand down there (on the touchline)."

Tottenham Hotspur have the option to make the loan move of Palhinha permanent come the end of the season for £27 million. Even if Frank is a fan of the player, he could be tempted by an alternative.

Brentford star could represent cheaper Joao Palhinha alternative

Prior to signing Palhinha this summer, Spurs were linked with a move for Brentford midfielder Yehor Yarmolyuk but a colleague of the Ukrainian could also tempt Frank.

Sky Sports have reported this week that Vitaly Janelt is unlikely to sign a new deal at Brentford this season, which would make him available as a free agent next year. That will surely pique the interest of Spurs and present a much more affordable option than Palhinha.

Frank is a big fan of the player too. After Janelt was named Brentford’s Players’ Player of the Year, the former Bees boss said: “It’s extremely impressive he is the first player to hit that landmark and it’s something he should be very proud of. I’m proud of it. He has been a key player for us since he stepped in the building.

“His development as a player and a person is quite remarkable. He is the go-to guy in so many ways. He is a very intelligent footballer, a fantastic character with leadership potential, and he makes our team better.”

In other news, Tottenham and Chelsea face transfer setback in pursuit of 'top international' striker.

Chris Waddle feels Mickey Van de Ven is possibly being better looked after this season after a number of injuries for the Tottenham man last season

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Former Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Sheffield Wednesday man Chris Waddle believes Mickey Van de Ven could possibly be ‘being looked after better this season’ as the defender continues to make a big impact for Thomas Frank.

The centre-back had to deal with a spate of injuries last campaign with four separate issues ruling the 24-year-old out for over 30 games in total.

He has yet to suffer any injuries this term and has been one of Spurs’ stand-out players under Frank. He has made 16 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals. In his 51 one previous games for Tottenham, he had scored just three goals. Waddle believes a bad injury is one of the only things that could halt the player’s progress.

Speaking to London World with SheKicks, Waddle said: “The most important thing for now is that he stays fit. He’s very quick, he’s a danger at set pieces, and he defends well. He’s improving and he’s staying injury-free right now, touch wood.

“This is the key for him. He comes in, looks the part, then is out injured. Sometimes that’s the problem for very quick players, they are vulnerable to hamstring problems, and I hope he’s past that.

“Last season he had a couple of hamstring problems, and with a new manager, the training is different. It might be less high pressure now, which could have been tough on him. Perhaps he’s being looked after better this season.”

Mickey Van de Ven impressive goal-scoring start

Van de Ven’s stand-out goal for Spurs this season came in a Champions League win over Copenhagen. The defender ran around 90 metres on his own and smashed the ball in at the near post.

"That could be goal of the season, definitely," Frank said after being asked about the defender's brilliant solo effort.

"It was like Lionel Messi transformed into a centre-back, the way Micky ran through everyone. Fantastic goal."

Premier League winner Joe Hart also hailed the goal, saying: "Wow, wow, wow. This is one of the best displays I've seen from a centre-half. Dominant. Saw his chance, charged through Copenhagen. They didn't even look like they wanted to challenge him. Petrified of his pace and power. He's on the edge of his box. How many around him? Four, five. Not standing a chance. Incredible finish at the end of that run.

"That's one of those that will shake the world. Everyone will see that goal; admittedly, this might not be the game everyone was watching tonight. That goal from Micky van de Ven, you'll see that over and over again.”

Mickey Van de Ven must be handed new Tottenham contract

Van de Ven joined Spurs on a six-year deal in 2023 but despite still having over three years on that contract, Spurs must consider extending his stay at the club. At the age of 24, he still has his best years ahead of him and Tottenham must do all they can to ensure he remains at the club.

According to Sky Sports, this is something already in the plans for Spurs who want to give the defender improved terms as “a number of clubs in England and Europe are understood to be keeping an eye on his situation.”