The Spurs Web

Paul Merson believes that Ange Postecoglou is doing himself no favours with the kind of statements he is making. The former Arsenal man also predicts the score for Bournemouth vs Tottenham.

Ange Postecoglou is dealing with a major injury crisis

Postecoglou is not one to complain, but Spurs have been one of the worst hit sides by injuries at the moment, with the Australian missing several of his key starters.

The Spurs boss might feel that it would be unfair to analyse their recent performances against Roma and Fulham without taking into account the personnel that his side are missing.

However, the Premier League does not stop for anyone, and with a difficult game away at Bournemouth coming up next, Spurs somehow have to muster up a response.

Paul Merson shoots warning to Ange Postecoglou

Postecoglou insisted after his side’s 2-2 draw against Roma that playing entertaining football is as important to him as getting results.

Merson took issue with the Tottenham head coach’s statement, insisting that he is in the job to get results, not to play eye-catching football.

Speaking ahead of Spurs trip to the Vitality Stadium, the former Arsenal midfielder told Sportskeeda: “What Tottenham do we have here? They are a mixed bag and that’s the problem. We don’t know what we’ll get from Spurs and that’s why they are a football pundit’s worst nightmare! Tottenham could win 3-0 or go on and lose this game 3-0, either way, we wouldn’t be surprised because that’s just how they are.

MORE SPURS STORIES

“Spurs were expected to kick on after that 4-0 win over Manchester City. But they have actually been quite disappointing in draws against mid-table sides like Roma and Fulham.

“Ange Postecoglou stressed his desire to remain entertaining instead of closing out games after the draw against Roma. He needs to be careful about what he’s saying, you are there to get results not to entertain everyone.”

Paul Merson predicts Bournemouth vs Tottenham

Merson does not expect Tottenham to finish in the top four, declaring that both Manchester United and Chelsea are better placed to fight for Champions League qualification.

The pundit also backed Andoni Iraola’s men to turn over the Lilywhites at home on Thursday and to further pile the pressure on Postecoglou.

The pundit added: “I don’t think Tottenham are favourites to finish in the top four this season. I expect Manchester United to get it right under Amorim at some point, even though they have a lot more to work on.

“Manchester City may be struggling, but you’d be shocked if they don’t finish inside the top four. I expect Arsenal to remain consistent and then you’ve got Chelsea, who also look good at the moment. It will all come down to consistency in the end. But I just don’t think Tottenham hold the edge over Chelsea as things stand.

“I don’t usually go against Tottenham a lot in my predictions, but I’m changing that here because they’ve been frustrating to watch since that win over City. I’m backing Bournemouth to get the win on home turf.”

With a squad stretched to its limit and results beginning to waver, could the problem be from the choice of summer transfer dealings under Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham?

Tottenham have endured a stuttering start

Thirteen games into the 2024/25 Premier League season, Tottenham Hotspur sit seventh in the table with 20 points.

Six wins, two draws, and five losses mark a notable decline from last season, where the Lilywhites had already accumulated 26 points and held fifth place.

The difference is striking, and it reflects a team struggling to maintain consistency.

The challenges Spurs face are compounded by a significant injury crisis. First-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, key centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, and backup striker Richarlison are all sidelined.

Even Dominic Solanke, the team’s primary goal threat, missed the last match due to illness. Additionally, promising squad players like Mikey Moore and Wilson Odobert have been hit by setbacks.

This has left Spurs heavily reliant on unproven talent, as evidenced by their recent bench selection, which included just two players with Premier League experience.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The parallels with past injury crises at other clubs—such as Manchester City without Rodri or Liverpool during Virgil van Dijk’s long-term absence—highlight how debilitating these situations can be.

But Tottenham’s problems are not solely down to bad luck; they also stem from questionable squad-building decisions.

Did Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou get summer strategy wrong?

To understand the current predicament, we must examine the squad’s depth—or lack thereof.

From the table, we can see that Spurs have a pretty solid starting eleven but a really poor squad depth, as certain positions just do not have enough cover or, shall I say, quality cover.

And this is where the problem lies. The quality of the players Ange Postecoglou brought in this summer—apart from Solanke, the new additions simply do not elevate the team.

The strategy for last summer was clear: sign young players and develop them into first-team regulars.

This approach might work for clubs like Dortmund or Brighton, but for Spurs—a top club in England competing in four competitions—it falls short. That’s why the squad feels stretched; the summer signings are not yet ready to provide first-team quality.

Bergvall is only 18, Gray is 18, Odobert is 19, and Min-hyeok Yang is 18. These are promising talents, but they are not ready to step into the first team at this level—not yet.

Currently, Spurs are still heavily reliant on last season’s core. Imagine a scenario where Bergvall, Gray, Odobert, and Yang were more senior and experienced; the squad’s depth would look entirely different, with quality options across the board.

It’s baffling that a club like Spurs operates in the transfer market as though they were Dortmund or Brighton, while rivals like Chelsea and Arsenal are signing established internationals to strengthen their squads.

Even more frustrating is the lack of a backup for van de Ven. It was foreseeable that he might pick up an injury, yet the club failed to secure an adequate replacement.

Ultimately, I think Ange and the club got it wrong this summer. Arsenal, for instance, signed Calafiori for £42 million—roughly the same amount Spurs paid Leeds for Gray. It highlights the stark difference in strategy and ambition.

January must be decisive for Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou

If Tottenham are to salvage their season, the January transfer window will be crucial. The current situation highlights a fundamental flaw in the club’s summer strategy: the prioritisation of potential over proven quality.

While developing young talent is an admirable goal, it should not come at the cost of immediate competitiveness.

The upcoming window must see Spurs target experienced, first-team-ready players who can provide the depth and quality needed to navigate the challenges ahead.

The club’s rivals, such as Arsenal and Chelsea, have demonstrated the value of investing in seasoned internationals, and Tottenham must follow suit if they wish to remain competitive.

Ultimately, the summer’s transfer activity feels like a missed opportunity. The young players brought in have potential, but in a squad already stretched thin, potential alone is not enough. Spurs cannot afford another window that leaves the team vulnerable; the stakes are simply too high.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on tying down Cristian Romero to a new deal but the Argentine’s camp have one main concern.

Cristian Romero an important part of the Postecoglou project

Romero is a pivotal member of Postecoglou‘s squad, not only being one of the most experienced players at Spurs but also being the vice-captain of the club.

The Argentine’s aggressive style of defending and his impressive passing out from the back are crucial to the way the Australian wants his side to play.

However, the 26-year-old now has just 18 months on his contract at Spurs and there has been plenty of speculation over his future of late.

Cristian Romero stance over Tottenham contract talks

TBR Football have now revealed that Tottenham have approached Romero‘s camp over a new deal as the Lilywhites are keen to tie the defender down to a long-term contract.

The North London club are reportedly prepared to make the Argentine their top earner and they hope that his entourage will sit down with them to hammer out an agreement in the New Year.

However, Romero’s camp are currently assessing the situation as the centre-back sees Champions League football as key to his future, with Spurs having played in the tournament just once since his arrival.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Romero’s list of admirers growing

It has been widely reported since the summer window that Real Madrid are keen on Romero. In fact, some sources allege that Los Blancos enquired about the defender in the last transfer window, only to be scared off by Tottenham’s £150m asking price.

TBR Football’s update claims that while Madrid continue to have an eye on Romero’s situation, they are not alone.

The likes of Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan are also thought to be keeping tabs on the Tottenham defender.

Micky van de Ven’s latest social media post would delight Tottenham fans, with the Dutchman providing a promising update about his recovery.

Micky van de Ven sidelined for more than a month

Van de Ven has not featured for Spurs since picking up a hamstring injury in Tottenham’s Carabao Cup win over Manchester City back in October.

Unfortunately for the Lilywhites, his absence has coincided with the foot injury of his fellow centre-back Cristian Romero, which has meant that Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies are having to hold the fort.

While the Romanian and the Welshman have given a decent account of themselves over recent weeks, Postecoglou will be desperate to have the former Wolfsburg man back.

Micky van de Ven’s promising update

It was revealed by Alasdair Gold last week that Van de Ven had stepped up his recovery and had been training outdoors and in the Hotspur Way gym.

However, Ange Postecoglou admitted following Tottenham’s 2-2 draw against Fulham on Sunday that the Netherlands international is yet to train with the rest of the squad.

But Van de Ven’s latest social media post suggests that he is indeed inching closer to being back. The defender took to Instagram to write: “On the way”.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tottenham will take things slow with Van de Ven

Given Van de Ven’s importance to the side and his history with hamstring problems, Postecoglou will want to take things slow with the Dutchman and give him all the time he needs to fully regain his strength.

Besides, Ben Davies has not put a foot wrong in the 23-year-old’s absence, which is why there is no reason to rush him back into the side.

Tottenham Hotspur have endured a challenging season thus far, plagued by injuries and inconsistency. With December fixtures looming, a critical question emerges: what personnel tweak can Ange Postecoglou make to his side? We have one name in mind – Djed Spence.

Tottenham’s season of injury woes

Tottenham’s campaign so far has been a rollercoaster of emotions for their fans, with high points marred by a growing list of injuries and inconsistency in performances.

Ange Postecoglou’s side has suffered a raft of setbacks, losing crucial players across the pitch, which has left them scrambling to maintain balance.

Their first-choice goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario, is out injured, alongside key defenders Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.

Attacking options have also been reduced with Wilson Odobert undergoing surgery, while promising youngster Mikey Moore has been sidelined due to illness.

Dominic Solanke’s recent illness added further woes, leaving the team stretched thin across all competitions.

Pedro Porro, Tottenham’s full-back, has been one of the few constants, logging a hefty 1,166 Premier League minutes so far.

MORE SPURS STORIES

His contributions in attack, including two goals and an assist, have been commendable, supported by underlying stats that place him in the 93rd percentile for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes among full-backs (fbref).

However, questions are beginning to surface about his defensive output and the toll of playing too many games without rest.

Is fatigue catching up with Pedro Porro?

While Porro’s attacking stats show he has been effective in the final third, his defensive contributions have drawn criticism.

Based on the games I have watched, Porro has struggled in key defensive moments, with lapses in concentration costing Tottenham dearly in matches against Ipswich Town and Brighton.

His inability to mark the back post effectively or track runners has left gaps for opponents to exploit.

Porro’s defensive metrics underline these issues. According to fotmob, he has won only 49 per cent of his duels and 30.8 per cent of aerial battles, with a worrying 15 instances of being dribbled past.

These struggles suggest that fatigue might be playing a role, especially with Porro having also featured heavily in Tottenham’s Europa League campaign, bringing his total minutes to 1,436 this season.

With such a heavy workload, the question arises: who can step in to give him a much-needed rest? In my opinion, Djed Spence, a player who has seen just 65 minutes of action this season.

Despite his limited game time, I believe Spence offers potential solutions to Tottenham’s defensive frailties, but Postecoglou has been reluctant to shuffle his backline, perhaps wary of further destabilising a defence already missing key personnel.

However, I believe now is the perfect time to make some changes to the team. After all, what’s the worst that could happen?

We’re already struggling for consistency, unable to put together a decent run. As a fan, I’ve come to terms with the fact that we either win big or lose.

Injecting some freshness into the squad isn’t a bad idea. Just look at Pep Guardiola and Manchester City—he benched Ederson when the goalkeeper wasn’t performing up to expectations.

While it didn’t immediately lead to a win, Pep understood that a change was necessary and hoped it would spark improvement. Ange could take a similar approach.

What could Djed Spence bring to the Tottenham table?

Djed Spence, acquired to add depth and competition at right-back, has yet to truly showcase his abilities in a Tottenham shirt. However, a deeper look into his per 90 stats provides insight into what he could offer.

Despite a low volume of minutes, Spence ranks in the 84th percentile for successful take-ons and the 98th percentile for blocks, demonstrating his capability in one-on-one situations and his defensive awareness.

He also boasts an impressive clearance rate, sitting in the 79th percentile, and wins 75 per cent of his aerial duels.

These metrics suggest that Spence could provide a more balanced option in the right-back position, particularly in matches where Tottenham need to shore up defensively.

His progressive carries and decent touch rate in the attacking penalty area (54th percentile) also indicate he has the potential to contribute going forward, albeit not as explosively as Porro.

Djed Spence’s defensive contributions (per 90)

Given Tottenham’s gruelling December fixture list, with games coming thick and fast, it would be prudent for Postecoglou to rotate and manage his squad more effectively.

Resting Porro and giving Djed Spence a chance in the Tottenham XI could not only rejuvenate the team but also provide Spence with the opportunity to prove his worth.

If Tottenham are to navigate their current injury crisis successfully, every player in the squad must be ready to step up, and now might be the perfect time for Spence to shine.

Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham head to the south coast on Thursday night, eyeing a vital three points against a high-energy Bournemouth side.

Tottenham have endured a mixed run of results lately, but a trip to Bournemouth offers a chance to reignite their charge for a Champions League spot.

Meanwhile, the Cherries have proven they can punch above their weight, with wins against Arsenal and Man City this season. This clash between two forward-thinking sides promises to be an entertaining affair full of goals, drama, and key battles.

What time does Tottenham v Bournemouth kick-off?

How both teams go into Tottenham v Bournemouth

Bournemouth have been one of the most entertaining teams this season, and their recent performances show why. Inconsistent but full of energy, Andoni Iraola’s men are the Premier League’s distance kings, covering more ground than anyone else.

They are riding high after a thrilling 4-2 win over Wolves, with Justin Kluivert bagging a hat-trick, notably all from the spot. Their main highlight? Beating Arsenal and Manchester City at home—clearly a team not to be underestimated. However, their defensive woes continue as they’ve failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches. Despite sitting 13th, Iraola’s men trail the top four by just five points.

Tottenham’s season has been a rollercoaster ride of thrills and spills, with Ange Postecoglou’s side delivering highs like the 4-0 thrashing of Manchester City, but also baffling lows such as the shock defeat to Ipswich at home. Spurs have won one, drawn two, and lost two in their last five matches, this fixture cannot get more unpredictable.

Tottenham Team News

Spurs remain without goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, with Fraser Forster deputising. Micky van de Ven and Richarlison are still sidelined, and Rodrigo Bentancur will serve the third of his seven-game suspension. However, Cristian Romero could make his return, having edged closer to fitness.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Dominic Solanke, who missed the Fulham game due to illness, is expected to be back and will aim to deliver against his former club.

Bournemouth Team News

The Cherries have been plagued by injuries, with Alex Scott (meniscus) and Julian Araujo (hamstring) ruled out. There’s no clarity on Luis Sinisterra’s availability, but Antoine Semenyo returns from suspension and will add pace to the attack. Lewis Cook might also be in contention to feature.

Predicted Tottenham Line-Up

Forster; Porro, Dragusin, Davies, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bissouma, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son.

Our Prediction

This game has goals written all over it. Iraola has admitted that attacking small spaces isn’t their strength, making it crucial for Spurs to close down spaces and force them into tighter areas. With Ben Davies’ exceptional awareness and Radu Dragusin’s composure, we’ve hardly seen any through balls successfully breach the Spurs defence when this duo has paired up.

On the flip side, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, with a non-penalty xG of 4.13, will be a menace, but his lack of precision in passing (78.5% accuracy) could let Spurs off the hook.

Key battles will include Udogie vs Semenyo, with the Tottenham left-back needing to use his recovery pace to shut down Bournemouth’s flying winger. Up front, Brennan Johnson is the one to watch. With 10 goals this season, he joins Haaland as one of only two Premier League players to score 10+ non-penalty goals across all competitions.

Spurs’ unbeaten run at the Vitality in recent years and their superior firepower make them favourites, but Bournemouth’s giant-killing credentials mean they will simply be no pushovers.

Prediction: Tottenham 4-2 Bournemouth

Goals, drama, and perhaps even a controversial VAR decision—it’s all set to be a classic under the lights at the Vitality!

Tamworth boss Andy Peaks has spoken on the recent FA Cup third-round draw against the Lilywhites, he says “we are buzzing” as his National League side prepares to host the match.

A small town with big ambitions

For Tamworth FC, a club deeply rooted in the English Midlands, the draw against Spurs is nothing short of a dream.

The Lambs, as they are affectionately known, currently compete in the National League—the fifth tier of English football—after earning promotion from the National League North last season.

Although their league campaign has been a mixed bag, sitting 16th with seven wins from 19 games, their FA Cup form has been a different story entirely.

Peaks’ men have already dispatched League One sides Huddersfield Town and Burton Albion, the latter in a dramatic penalty shootout led by their goalkeeper and captain, Jas Singh, who doubles as a building surveyor.

For the people of Tamworth, this third-round tie is more than just a football match—it is an opportunity to showcase their town and club on a national stage.

With The Lamb Ground’s capacity of just under 5,000 set to be tested to its limits, the atmosphere promises to be electric as Spurs make the 118-mile journey north.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tamworth’s boss hopes his side can cause an upset against Spurs

The FA Cup draw delivered one of its classic pairings, pitting Premier League heavyweights Tottenham Hotspur against Tamworth FC. This is a game all Tamworth FC fans are excited for and their manager is just as excited.

Speaking to the BBC, as relayed by football.london, manager Andy Peaks, said: “Yeah, we’re happy with that draw, We want it to be at home, obviously a Premier League club of that magnitude is absolutely brilliant. We’re delighted with that.”

“It’s a huge step up to be honest, I’m not going to lie. The town will be absolutely buzzing for it. It’ll be sold out and it’ll be a great atmosphere so it’s one we can really look forward to.”

The game is set to take place on January 11, 2025, at The Lamb Ground stadium, without a doubt it represents a monumental moment for Tamworth.

David versus Goliath: Can Tamworth make history in FA Cup Tie against Tottenham?

This will be the first time Tamworth and Tottenham have faced each other, and the Lambs have never tasted Premier League football. Yet, their history is peppered with notable cup runs.

Peaks will undoubtedly draw on these experiences to galvanise his squad, reminding them that the FA Cup is a competition where the impossible often becomes reality.

As the countdown to this highly anticipated fixture begins, all eyes will be on The Lamb Ground.

Whether Peaks’ side can conjure a giant-killing performance remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Tamworth’s journey through this year’s FA Cup will be remembered as a tale of perseverance, passion, and the unyielding belief that anything is possible in football.

Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as the frontrunners in the race to sign highly-rated Lecce defender Patrick Dorgu, with several Premier League clubs closely monitoring his situation.

Tottenham have had success shopping in Serie A

Tottenham Hotspur have made a habit of dipping into the Italian market, with notable successes such as Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Cristian Romero, who have all played pivotal roles in recent campaigns.

Now, it seems the North London side are keen to repeat this formula, with Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu firmly in their sights.

Dorgu, a 20-year-old Danish defender, has rapidly risen to prominence this season, scoring three goals in just 12 Serie A appearances. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with clubs across Europe monitoring his progress.

According to GOAL, the young talent has been labelled ‘sensational,’ and Lecce are reportedly holding out for a fee of at least £30 million.

Tottenham are not the only Premier League side interested. Chelsea, West Ham United, and Nottingham Forest are also in the race, but TBR Football reports that Spurs are currently in pole position.

This is not entirely surprising given their track record of smart recruitment from Italy, though they will likely need to fend off serious competition if they are to land Dorgu.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tottenham lead the race for Patrick Dorgu

According to TBR Football, Chelsea’s interest, while genuine, has been tempered by the form of Marc Cucurella and Renato Veiga, reducing their immediate need for another defensive acquisition.

Meanwhile, West Ham and Nottingham Forest have both expressed a desire to bolster their backlines, but neither appears as advanced in their pursuit as Tottenham.

They also confirm that Tottenham’s interest is serious and that they hold the upper hand in any potential deal.

Whether that will translate into a completed transfer remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that the Lilywhites are keen to strengthen their ranks with a player of Dorgu’s calibre.

Why Patrick Dorgu fits Tottenham plans perfectly

Tottenham’s pursuit of Dorgu is as much about strategy as it is a necessity. Injuries have plagued their squad this season, particularly in defence, and securing a player of Dorgu’s versatility could be crucial.

With Destiny Udogie currently the mainstay at left-back, having competition in the form of Dorgu could push Udogie to new heights, ensuring he remains sharp and motivated.

I believe Tottenham’s interest in Dorgu signals their intent to remain competitive on all fronts. Should the deal go through, it could be one of the shrewdest moves of the upcoming transfer window, particularly if Dorgu fulfils his considerable potential in the Premier League.

Dejan Kulusevski has undergone a transformation this season that has been nothing short of extraordinary, but the Tottenham midfielder has now revealed the rigorous routine that fuels his success.

Dejan Kulusevski: A new level of influence at Tottenham

At 24 years of age, Dejan Kulusevski has emerged as a pivotal figure in Tottenham’s lineup under Ange Postecoglou, and it is not just the numbers that back his importance.

With two goals and seven assists in 19 games this season, his contributions in the final third have been invaluable, but there is more to his story than goals and assists.

The Swedish international has covered 130.4km in the Premier League, a figure that ranks him third behind Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook, both of whom have played more minutes.

This level of work rate is indicative of a player who has not only embraced the physical demands of Postecoglou’s high-energy system but also excelled within it.

Kulusevski’s tactical intelligence and adaptability have shone this season as he transitions from his usual wide position to a more central role. His movement and vision have allowed him to create space and opportunities, making him a constant threat.

Yet, it is his stamina, underpinned by being among the top ten for sprints in the league with 251(BBC), that highlights his evolution as one of Tottenham’s most dynamic players.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The secret to Dejan Kulusevski and his Tottenham transformation

When asked about the changes behind his recent performances, Kulusevski opened up in an interview with the BBC, shedding light on the dedication that powers his game.

He said: “I do a lot. I eat very well, I drink a lot, I sleep as much as possible [and] I try not to stay on my phone. Everything that gives me energy – I do it.

“Like you said, it is difficult every three days to play 90 minutes but I do as much as possible. I try to do a lot of recovery, including ice every day so it is a lot of things.

“I have just one life, one career – I just want to maximise it as much as possible. When I am done with this, I will have no regrets. I am just giving everything I have now and we will see what it will take but I want to improve and see how far I can go.”

This relentless drive for improvement is reflected in every aspect of his game, making him an indispensable asset for Tottenham.

In his interview, Kulusevski discussed his new role in the centre of the pitch. When asked whether he had requested the position change from his manager, he responded: “The manager just put me there and I have played there before so it was no problem for me. It feels very good. I score and assist so from this position I am always dangerous.

“I want to improve and I want Tottenham to be number one so I have to be at my best to help the team as much as possible.”

A shift in role and a broader impact

With Tottenham aiming to challenge at the top, his form will be critical in maintaining their momentum. As Kulusevski himself puts it, “I want to improve and I want Tottenham to be number one so I have to be at my best to help the team as much as possible.”

The question now is just how far the Swedish star can take his game—and in turn, how far he can propel Tottenham. If his current trajectory is any indication, Spurs fans have every reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead.

Fraser Forster might be closer to the end of his career than the start, but the goalkeeper has not yet finished writing his final chapter and could have a key role to play in helping Tottenham Hotspur achieve success under Ange Postecoglou.

Who is Fraser Forster? Tottenham’s back-up goalkeeper

The role of a backup goalkeeper in the squad is quite a unique one in football.

Not only do teams need someone who is capable of stepping in and performing when needed, but they also require someone with the right attitude who continues being professional and a good teammate despite knowing he will very rarely play.

In Forster, Spurs have certainly found someone who is the right fit, with the experienced goalkeeper often seen chatting to his teammates on the bench and calming them down.

He is an extremely popular figure in the changing room and Ange Postecoglou has spoken in glowing terms about the example he sets with the way he trains.

However, the Tottenham man has had a distinguished career in his own right and at times, has been considered among the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.

Here is all you need to know about Forster’s career, his height, his salary and other details:

MORE SPURS STORIES

Fraser Forster’s Tottenham career so far

Forster joined Spurs as a free agent in the summer of 2022 after his contract at Southampton ran out, with the goalkeeper being signed to serve as Hugo Lloris‘ understudy.

He initially signed a two-year deal before signing a one-year contract extension in December of 2023, with his current deal taking him until the end of this season.

He made his competitive debut for the club on 9 November 2022 in their EFL Cup third-round defeat at Nottingham Forest and played his first Premier League game for Tottenham in their 2–2 draw at Brentford on 26 December.

Forster played quite a lot in the latter stages of the 2022-23 season, owing to Hugo Lloris’ injury woes, with the Englishman ending his first campaign at the North London club with 20 appearances.

His fortunes changed in his second season at the club after he made just one competitive in the Tottenham first team across the 2023-24 season after Tottenham were not involved in any European competitions and exited both domestic cups in the early stages.

However, with Guglielmo Vicario suffering an ankle fracture in November, Tottenham’s second-choice goalkeeper once again had an important role to play this season.

Fraser Forster’s professional football career highlights

Forster was born in Hexham, England and joined Newcastle’s academy at a young age. He did manage to be part of their first team, serving as the club’s third-choice goalkeeper in the 2007–08 season.

However, he never managed to make a senior appearance for his boyhood club, having several spells out on loan in League One.

It was during his loan spell at Celtic in the 2010-11 season that Forster first started hitting the limelight, with the goalkeeper impressing between the sticks at Glasgow.

Forster would go on to spend two seasons on loan at the Scottish giants, who then decided to sign him permanently in 2012, with the goalkeeper going on to play for the club for another two years, making 197 appearances in total in his first spell with the Hoops.

Then in 2014, Forster made the move from up North to way down South, sealing a return to the Premier League by signing for Southampton.

He established a reputation as one of the best shot-stoppers in the Premier League during his first three years at St Mary’s and was a regular part of the England squad during that time.

However, he was never the number one for the Three Lions, winning a total of just six caps for his country, the last of which came back in 2016.

Forster would return on loan to Celtic for the 2019-20 season before spending two more seasons with the Saints until his contract eventually ran out in 2022, making a total of 162 appearances for the South Coast club.

What did Lionel Messi say about Fraser Forster?

Back in 2012, Fraser Forster came up against Lionel Messi twice in the Champions League as Celtic took on Barcelona. At Celtic Park, the Scottish side managed to pull off a historic 2-1 victory, largely thanks to the goalkeeping heroics of Forster himself. After the game, Messi was full of praise for the shot-stopper, who made 13 saves that night.

He said (Mirror): “The performances of Fraser Forster against us were talked about for a long time.

“There was one game in Scotland where he was not human, it is the best goalkeeping performance I have seen. When Victor Valdes said he was leaving, we even talked about him playing here. I was sure that he would end up at Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United.”

Reacting to the comments years later, Forster told SpursPlay: “It’s impossible to put into words. We’d played them away, I think, two weeks earlier and we lost 2-1 in the last minute and I’d made saves, but the performance we’d put in away from home really carried us into the home one because we knew we’d have the fans with us.

“But yeah, it was just one of those nights where everything, you know. You make a couple of saves early and you’re like, come on, bring it on. That team as well, if you don’t enjoy playing those games, do you know what I mean?

“But the noise that night as well – obviously we ended up going 2-0 up and they scored right at the end but it was just, kind of, unbelievable. It was just one of those days when you’re in the zone and everything goes your way. You’re seeing the ball like it’s a gym ball and it’s just amazing.

“I think that after that night I didn’t sleep after the game, it was just amazing. I’m obviously fortunate to have played in those types of games and like I said before, half of my memories in that game are the atmosphere and the fans and lots of it is that rather than that save or this save. It was just – the occasion.

“It’s always nice when it’s someone in the game as well, it carries a lot more weight. But like I say, as well, that period put me in the England squad and it was an amazing time that I’ll remember forever.”

Fraser Forster’s trophies and honours

Forster’s first trophy in senior football was the League One triumph at Norwich City in 2009-10.

The most successful time of his career was unsurprisingly his spell in Scotland, being part of three title-winning sides at Celtic, while also winning the Scottish Cup twice and the Scottish League Cup once.

Forster also has several individual honours under his belt, being the Players’ Player of the Year at Norwich in 2009-10 and winning the same honour twice with Celtic during the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons.

The Tottenham man also holds the record for the most consecutive league clean sheets for Celtic with 13 and won the Premier League Player of the Month award with Southampton back in February 2016.

Fraser Forster’s personal details

Forster was born on 17 March 1988. He is one of the tallest players in the Premier League, standing at over 2 meters (2.01m), and weighs 93 kg.

His full name is Fraser Gerard Forster, he is married to Leah Totton, and they have two kids: Izzy Sr and Jr. Forster also has two dogs, which are both Maltese Shih Tzus.

Speaking to Tottenham’s official website, he revealed that ‘Billions’ is his favourite TV show of all time and named Denzel Washington as his favourite actor.

Tottenham’s number 20 has 209k followers on Instagram.

What is Forster’s net worth and salary?

According to OneFootball, Forster has a net worth of £31,876,000.

Much of it is due to his current huge contract with Tottenham Hotspur, which includes impressive wages of around £3,900,000 per year, which amounts to around £75,000 per week.

Will this be Forster’s final year at Tottenham?

Forster’s current contract at Spurs runs out at the end of the current season and with the goalkeeper turning 37 in a few months, this might well be his final season in the Premier League.