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Former Tottenham and Arsenal defender Sol Campbell has once again tried to get himself some attention in the media before the derby this weekend.

The much-anticipated North London Derby takes place on Sunday, and Tottenham Hotspur are desperate to avoid a fourth straight defeat to Arsenal while also chipping away at the rivals’ four-point cushion at the top of the Premier League table.

Thomas Frank already tasted a North London derby win, albeit in a pre-season friendly, where Tottenham were 1-0 winners in Hong Kong, and the Dane will be hoping for something far more meaningful this time around.

One player who’ll be central to that mission is Micky van de Ven, who has been outstanding at the back this season, but is also Spurs’ top scorer with 6 goals, including that outrageous, Puskas-level solo strike in the Champions League against FC Copenhagen.

We haven’t seen him fully open the throttle in defensive recoveries like he did under Ange Postecoglou’s high line, but fans won’t mind if it keeps his hamstrings intact after the struggles of the last two years. In fact, he’s already close to matching last season’s minutes, and we’re barely past November.

Van de Ven is well known for his recorded top speed of 37.38 km/h, which made him the fastest player in Premier League history since those numbers were first tracked. Even if he hasn’t had to use it much yet on the defensive end this season, that pace would definitely come in use when dealing with Arsenal’s pacey attacking threats, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze.

Sol Campbell compares himself to Micky van de Ven

Speaking on talkSPORT’s YouTube channel, Sol Campbell was asked if he knew any centre-back as quick as Micky van de Ven, to which he replied within a fraction of a second:

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“Sol Campbell,” he laughed, before explaining,

“I think you guys have to remember how quick I was. And yes, we didn’t have all the technology around, but I was rapid. You can look at all the stats and things like that… rapid.”

“Also, I could move at the same time, not just in a straight line. You’ve got to be able to change direction as a top centre-half. Definitely, he’s (Van de Ven) one of the quickest out there and a top centre-half, imposing as well, great left foot. Yeah, he’s scored that amazing solo run as well.”

Campbell even claimed he had his own version of that Copenhagen goal.

“I remember doing one of those at the 1998 World Cup, England vs Colombia, but I couldn’t finish it with a goal though.”

Sol Campbell reveals who he is supporting in the North London Derby

Sol Campbell is hardly a favourite among Spurs fans after leaving Tottenham for Arsenal on a free transfer back in 2001, despite being the club captain at the time and having publicly promised to stay.

He went on to win two league titles at the other side of North London, including playing his part in the Invincibles season, and he has been firmly associated with them ever since.

He has often tried his best to keep things neutral when asked about the derby, though he has previously leaned Arsenal’s way. However, this time, in the same chat, he played it differently.

When asked who he was supporting on Sunday, Campbell simply laughed. “No one,” he said, before joking about wearing a beige shirt (a mix of Tottenham’s and Arsenal’s colours) and adding,

“Just be in the middle, nice and easy… sit on that fence.”

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, but the Serie A club will not allow him to leave the club without a fight.

Tottenham Hotspur welcomed two new midfielders during the summer transfer window, covering both the club’s defensive and attacking needs.

Joao Palhinha came in as a replacement for Yves Bissouma and the Portuguese star has been a hit since moving to North London. He has already reclaimed his crown as the best tackler in the Premier League since he made his debut in English football.

Xavi Simons was the second midfielder to join Spurs in the summer and he got off to a slower start than Palhinha. However, the 22-year-old is growing in confidence and looks better with each passing game.

Tottenham are unlikely to sign Scott McTominay in January

Spurs could look to add to their midfield once more when the transfer window reopens and they have already registered their interest in Scotland international Scott McTominay.

However, according to Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Tottenham are unlikely to agree a deal for the player who used to play his football in the Premier League. One factor for this is because his price tag may have risen after his sensational strike which helped the Scottish national team qualify for the World Cup next year.

Transfer Correspondent Pete O’Rouke said: “I don’t see any move (away from Napoli for McTominay) in January, and in all honestly, I think it’ll be very difficult to prise him away from Napoli.

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“He’s a key man for Antonio Conte’s side, he proved that last season with 12 goals as he was named MVP in Serie A.

“His transformation has been unbelievable since he left Manchester United. He now looks like a huge loss to United, and a lot of people will be questioning why they let him go.

“I think his price tag’s probably gone up after that unbelievable overhead kick against Denmark in midweek as well.

“He’s got goals in him, McTominay, there’s no doubts about that, he’s got four goals and one assist for Napoli this season, and Tottenham we know are looking for more dynamism in their midfield and to add more goals as well.

“So you can see why he would tick a lot of boxes, but it seems a real tall order, I think, for Tottenham to prise McTominay away midway through the season. It’ll be interesting to see what happens in the summer.”

McTominay would have been a good Rodrigo Bentancur replacement at Spurs

It is interesting that Tottenham are still said to be interested in McTominay after handing Rodrigo Bentancur a new contract. He would have been an excellent player to replace the Uruguayan, but Spurs are looking to bring him to the club in addition to Bentancur.

Any move for McTominay could disrupt the ongoing developments of Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr, which is far from ideal.

However, McTominay is a top player and would be a good signing if Tottenham are able to get a deal over the line in the future.

Thomas Frank has revealed what the Lewis family have told him about their ambition for Tottenham Hotspur.

Since Daniel Levy’s exit from Tottenham, there have been plenty of reports suggesting that the Lewis family are keen to usher in a new era at Spurs, where on-pitch success would be prioritised.

However, Tottenham fans will be sceptical until they see the club’s owners put their money where their mouth is.

There are positive signs in that respect as ENIC have injected £100m of equity into the club, which the supporters would be hoping is a sign of things to come.

Thomas Frank is confident of backing from the Tottenham owners

The Tottenham boss has now revealed that the Lewis family have assured him that they are ‘all in’ and are determined to make the club successful.

The 52-year-old is confident that he and the other staff at the club will get the backing they need to fulfil the club’s big ambitions.

When asked if he expects the Lewis family to push Spurs onto the next level, Frank told Football.London: “They definitely said they are all in for the club, that they want to be here for the long term and they want to have success.

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“We’ll see what happens in the future, but I’m confident they will back us to do everything we can to build a successful club.

“I’m very good at talking up here, but it’s about showing it out there on the pitch consistently after setbacks. The same with them. In the best positive way, that’s what we need to do together.”

Pressure is on ENIC ahead of the upcoming transfer windows

Tottenham’s owners have rejected several expressions of interest in the club, making it clear that Spurs are not for sale.

Given that they do not want to sell to rich benefactors, it is now incumbent on them to provide the investment necessary for the club to push onto the next level.

They are trying to set the narrative of this being a new era, despite them having owned the club for two-and-a-half decades, and that will not fly with the Tottenham supporters unless they back their words up with actions.

Emerson Royal has made a claim casting doubt on whether Tottenham Hotspur actually wanted to sell him to AC Milan.

Since the departure of Kyle Walker, a number of right-backs have come and gone at Tottenham Hotspur without making the impact they would have hoped.

Spurs have notably had Serge Aurier, who would often display bombscare tendencies to commit individual errors on the pitch. There was also Matt Doherty, who struggled to build on his impressive early form at the club.

Another name that Tottenham supporters will remember without all that much fondness is Emerson Royal.

The Brazilian defender was likeable enough as a person, but his football skills for the most part seemed almost non-existent while he was at Spurs.

Emerson Royal claims Tottenham never wanted to sell him

Emerson has explained the difficulties he faced after leaving North London to sign for AC Milan. The defender feels he became a victim of his new club’s supporters because they constantly reminded him of the reputation he developed at Tottenham.

However, Emerson does not believe this is fair because he improved at Spurs as time went on. The right-back has even claimed the club did not want to let him go when he departed for Italy.

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He told Gazzetta dello Sport: “I arrived in Italy with a slightly strange feeling right from the start,” he said.

“From the start, every time I said or did something, I was talked about more than Cristiano Ronaldo… but in a negative way. I felt like I had to always do twice as much to be accepted, and then still not be accepted.

“That video was manipulated and made to look recent when I arrived at Milan, but it was an old video. It dated back to a difficult time we went through with Conte.

“Fans comment on everything, that’s normal. But when I chose to leave Tottenham, the club tried to keep me because I had improved so much. And I had an excellent relationship with everyone.

“I’m someone who doesn’t get hit easily, because I know my worth. But it’s not nice to arrive and feel that wave of hatred without even having stepped onto the pitch and played even a minute.

“I have family and friends: they’re the ones who suffer the most. It certainly wasn’t a pleasant situation. You never want to hear certain things while you’re trying to do your job to the best of your ability, whatever it is.”

Spurs have not missed Emerson Royal

Despite Emerson’s revelation, Tottenham are doing just fine without him. In fact, Pedro Porro is the best right-back the club have had for a good number of years and with Djed Spence and Archie Gray as backup options, Emerson would have never got a game if he stayed.

This can be further illustrated by the fact he left AC Milan after just one season and now plays for Flamengo in his home country.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly shown interest in a highly sought after midfielder, but his rumoured transfer fee could prevent a January deal from taking place.

Tottenham Hotspur made an excellent deal with Bayern Munich in the summer to bring Joao Palhinha to North London. The tough tackler has become one of Thomas Frank’s most important players, contributing both goals and defensive brilliance in the heart of midfield.

Spurs could look to sign another pivot midfielder when the transfer window reopens. In fact, Tottenham have been linked with Morten Hjulmand since the beginning of this year.

It was recently reported that Spurs are leading the race to sign the Sporting CP player, despite interest from clubs across Europe.

Tottenham suffer blow in Morten Hjulmand pursuit

Record, as relayed by Sport Witness, have delivered an update on Hjulmand and it is not good news for Tottenham.

Sporting are interested in bringing in new arrivals in January. However, there are no plans to sell any members of their first-team squad, including the midfielder, who is seen as a main asset.

Any potential January sale of Hjulmand is viewed as non-negotiable and he has a £71m release clause in his contract, which Sporting do not expect any club to pay midway through the season.

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Despite this, there could be ‘greater openness’ for a deal next summer, so Spurs could still have a chance of signing the 26-year-old further down the line.

Tottenham must prioritise their attacking needs

Spurs would likely benefit from signing another midfielder, but there are far greater needs in the Tottenham first-team squad, particularly on the left wing.

Frank already has Palhinha and Archie Gray, while Yves Bissouma is still at the club after his move to Turkey fell through last summer.

Spending £70m in an area where there is no pressing need is not a sensible option and Tottenham must focus mainly on seucring a new player in attack.

Michael Dawson believes that he played with one of the greatest players of the modern era during his time at Tottenham Hotspur.

Dawson may not have been the most naturally talented centre-back, especially compared with some of his former Tottenham teammates, such as Ledley King or Jonathan Woodgate.

However, the Englishman was a fan favourite at White Hart Lane as his commitment was second to none, and he was a real leader on the pitch.

The centre-back spent nine seasons at Tottenham, making 324 appearances for the club, and he played alongside several world-class players, but he admits one was head and shoulders above the rest.

Michael Dawson is a big fan of Gareth Bale

Dawson saw Gareth Bale’s rise from an injury-prone and inconsistent left-back to one of the best attacking players in the world from close quarters.

The 42-year-old insisted that his former Tottenham teammate hit the same levels as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi at his peak.

Dawson told BetMGM: “Playing for an amazing football club like Tottenham, you are very fortunate to share a pitch with some incredible players, but if I had to pick one that really stood out to me, it would be Gareth Bale.

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“I only played with him for a short space of time, but what he went on to achieve at Real Madrid and some of the things he did when he got into the team under Harry [Redknapp] were amazing.

“He was a world-class footballer and for me he was in the [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo bracket. It wasn’t for as long as the other two, but Gareth was a superstar who could win you a game like you were playing in the park on a Sunday morning.

“Exceptionally talented players don’t come around very often, and I was always of the belief that if they are of that sort of level, they carry their teammates forward, and he did that countless times.

“It was no real surprise what he did in England to me, it was how he was going to adapt in Spain. The trophies he won in his time there speak for themselves.”

Why Bale cannot be compared to Ronaldo and Messi

Bale was an athletic freak, possessed a wand of a left foot and was a clutch player, who would put his hands up in big moments.

One can argue that the Spurs legend hit almost the same levels as Ronaldo for a couple of seasons, including his final season at Tottenham under Andre Villas-Boas, who gave him a free role.

However, if they put their bias aside, most Spurs fans will admit that Bale belongs to the tier below Ronaldo and Messi, alongside the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Neymar, Mohammed Salah and a few others.

Messi and Ronaldo are in a league of their own, and their sheer longevity at the top of the game cannot be matched by any other player in the modern era.

Tottenham are weighing up another attacking option as they assess a player who has already caught the eye in the Champions League and is now firmly back on their radar.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a few transfer targets in recent months, including wide players.

Antoine Semenyo is said to be the priority signing for Spurs, with reports claiming that Tottenham are readying a £65 million bid for the Ghana international, inclusive of £5 million in add-ons.

The wide man, however, is not the only one linked with a move to Tottenham, with one French star now reported to be on the radar of the Lilywhites.

Tottenham explore Maghnes Akliouche transfer

According to Football Insider, Spurs are believed to be continuing to explore a move for AS Monaco midfielder Maghnes Akliouche as they look to add more flair and attacking quality to their squad.

The 23-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Tottenham last summer and was reported to have been valued at £47 million, which is significantly lower than Semenyo’s clause.

The French international has managed three goals and three assists in 15 appearances for AS Monaco so far this season, and he has already come up against Tottenham in a Champions League league phase tie where he impressed.

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Speaking on the links, journalist Pete O’Rourke explained why the player remains under consideration and highlighted what Tottenham will have seen from him.

He said: “I am sure he is on that radar for Tottenham, he was on the radar in the summer so they will continue to keep tabs on him.

“I was surprised that no top club did make a move for Akliouche in the summer window. He is a real top player who had a very good season for Monaco last year and he has started this season in good form as well.

“He also impressed against Spurs in that Champions League meeting between the two sides this season as well so it just showed what he can do against top opposition.”

Spurs assessment of Maghnes Akliouche and how he compares to Antoine Semenyo

Indeed, Tottenham had the opportunity to scout Akliouche up close in their UCL encounter, and they will have been impressed by his creativity.

There is an argument to be made that he was the best player in that league phase tie against Spurs, and he is for sure a solid alternative to Semenyo.

Ivan Toney is facing a massive financial crossroads as he weighs up a return to elite football, with the forward believed to be assessing his options as interest grows from Premier League clubs.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with Ivan Toney in recent months, with Spurs manager Thomas Frank refusing to downplay the speculation earlier this season.

The former Brentford man is currently playing in the Saudi Pro League, but with the 2026 World Cup finals on the horizon, there are whispers that he wants to return to regular football against elite opposition.

A move away from Saudi Arabia is far from straightforward for the 29-year-old, who is on £400,000 a week, and with Al-Ahli adamant that they will not sanction an easy exit for their star player.

Ivan Toney transfer would not be straightforward

The Sun now reports that if Toney is to return to the Premier League, he faces a £14 million dilemma as he attempts to rekindle his World Cup dream.

Toney’s £40 million switch from Brentford to Al-Ahli last year saw him sign a four-year contract worth £400,000 a week, which was tax-free.

But since he is a UK national, he is liable for back taxes to HMRC if he were to return to the country within two years, and as such, a move back to England will see Toney having to pay the tax due on 18 months of salary.

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The Englishman has interest from sides in the Premier League who are open to signing him in January, including Tottenham.

He has not received a call-up to the England squad since this summer, and it is clear he is down the pecking order in Tuchel’s England plans.

However, it is understood that the £14 million sum is what the former Brentford striker will have to sacrifice if he comes back to the Premier League this season.

The financial reality of Spurs signing Ivan Toney

This will be the only way for the Englishman to return to the league and secure consistent game time, improving his chances of receiving a World Cup call-up before the finals in 2026.

A move to Tottenham has been reported, but there is also interest from Everton and West Ham United, who are monitoring Toney’s situation.

Arsenal’s impressive home form after international breaks raises an uncomfortable warning for Tottenham as the north London rivals prepare to meet once again.

Tottenham Hotspur are currently in fifth place in the Premier League table, eight points away from north London rivals Arsenal, who are sat in first.

Spurs will be hoping to cut down that eight-point gap to five, while also putting a dent in the title aspirations of their biggest rivals.

Indeed, it is always a big encounter when these two sides meet, and following the November international break, both sides will be locking horns for the first time this season.

Arsenal form after internationals is a concern for Tottenham

This league fixture comes after an international break, and the record Arsenal have following an international hiatus will be of great concern to Tottenham.

Every season, there are usually at least four international breaks, each coming in September, October, November and March or April.

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In each league fixture after the break, Arsenal always seem to pick up a victory.

Last season, the Gunners won three of four matches immediately after one of these breaks, defeating Tottenham in September, Nottingham Forest in November and Fulham in April.

At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal are equally as formidable when playing there after a pause in football because of international games.

The Gunners have won seven of their last eight home games, scoring 21 goals in the process with wins over Tottenham and West Ham United.

Spurs and their post-international break record

Spurs will be hoping to spoil the show at the Emirates when they come visiting on Sunday evening.

Tottenham enter this league fixture as the side with the best away record in the first division of English football, having not lost a league game on the road.

Spurs also have an equally solid record after international breaks, but it is not as good as their rivals.

Since the 2015/16 season, Tottenham have played 18 games after the break and they have won 12, drawn 3 and lost 3.

Home games after international break since 2015/16

Sol Campbell has revealed how his Arsenal teammates reacted to the Tottenham Hotspur fans after he returned to face his former club for the first time in 2001.

However, the Spurs fanbase are no closer to forgiving the retired defender than they were all those years ago.

Campbell himself is clearly still bothered by the treatment he was given when he returned to White Hart Lane. After all, barely a month seems to pass by without the most obnoxious man in football bringing up the abuse he suffered at the hands of Tottenham supporters.

Sol Campbell’s teammates helped him prepare for Tottenham reunion

Campbell knew there would be anger directed at him when he lined up against Spurs, but he did not expect it to to reach such extraordinary levels.

He did seek to prepare for the torrents of abuse he would face, thanks to the help of his Arsenal teammates.

Campbell told Four Four Two on behalf of Paddy Power: “It was just the lads mucking around in training, a bit of banter. But yeah, I think they [his Arsenal teammates] were trying to prepare me for what was to come.”

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“I actually think the reaction inside the ground shocked a lot of my Arsenal teammates. I’d expected it, of course. And the lads knew I would be booed, but none of them anticipated just how bad it would be.

“After the game started it really hit them. I think that’s when they knew just how much I was going to be dealing with, that day. That’s when they woke up.

“Personally, I don’t think many of them would have been able to take as much abuse as I took during that game. I don’t think they could have. They were strong guys and incredible players. But to take that level of abuse in one game isn’t something everyone can deal with.

“It was a horrible atmosphere, even more so than during normal North London Derbies. It was a level of hatred that lingered in North London for a long time afterwards.”

Spurs must reignite their disdain towards Arsenal

It must be said that there has been behaviour towards Campbell from some Tottenham supporters which crossed a line. Things such as hurling objects are barbaric and have absolutely no place in football, or society in general.

However, Tottenham need to remember what it means to inflict pain on their rivals. In recent years, both the derbies against Arsenal and Chelsea have seen pitiful efforts from the Spurs team as they have often failed to get results.

Likewise, the atmosphere, particularly at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, has been anything but intimidating.