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Thomas Frank makes hilarious Micky van de Ven snub joke after Tottenham wondergoal

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Tottenham Hotspur fans will love what Thomas Frank said about Micky van de Ven after the centre-back’s brilliant solo goal against Copenhagen.

Once every few years, a player scores an unbelievably audacious goal that becomes a ‘I was there’ moment for supporters.

The sensational solo goal by Heung-min Son against Burnley, which won the Puskas Award in 2020, was one such moment, and Van de Ven produced something very similar against Copenhagen.

The centre-back picked up the ball at the edge of his own box and ran past almost the entire Copenhagen team before calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net.

Thomas Frank jokes Micky van de Ven can continue ignoring him after Tottenham goal

This goal from the Dutchman came just a few days after a controversial incident, which saw Van de Ven and Djed Spence snub Thomas Frank after Tottenham’s loss to Chelsea.

Speaking after his side’s win 4-0 over Copenhagen, the Spurs boss joked that the 24-year-old can continue to ignore him when he is unhappy if it means he is going to produce special moments like the one on Tuesday.

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When asked if Van de Ven’s goal was the best he had ever seen from a defender, Frank said (via Football.London): “I definitely need to think a little bit about that. But it seems like we had Lionel Messi turned into Micky van de Ven, roaring down from his own goal all the way to the other end and scored a fantastic goal.

“I think he’s our top scorer in all competitions, so he can keep going. He can keep walking past me if he’s angry after a game!”

Van de Ven and Djed Spence have apologised to Frank

Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash, Frank revealed that Spence and Van de Ven apologised to him unprompted following the snub.

The Tottenham boss praised the pair and suggested that their decision to apologise shows that they care about the team and the club.

However, it is fair to say that what Van de Ven produced against Copenhagen is the best kind of apology that the Dane could have asked for.

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Rival fans left in awe as Micky van de Ven puts himself in Puskas contention with Tottenham wondergoal

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Tottenham Hotspur have found their spark again in Europe, but one moment from Micky van de Ven stole the headlines, leaving rival fans stunned across social media.

Tottenham Hotspur returned to winning ways in their midweek Champions League tie against Copenhagen.

Four goals and a clean sheet are impressive for Thomas Frank’s side, who have been under growing pressure following a spell of inconsistent results this season.

However, the pick of the bunch came from Micky van de Ven, whose solo wonder strike saw the Dutchman glide past almost the entire Copenhagen team.

Starting deep in his own half, the defender powered through the midfield, brushing aside challenges before coolly slotting beyond the Danish goalkeeper.

It was a goal that mirrored Heung-min Son’s Puskas-winning strike a few years back against Burnley, when the Korean winger weaved through several Burnley players from his own half before finishing with class.

Rival fans react to Micky van de Ven goal for Tottenham

Rival fans have now given their reaction to Van de Ven’s effort, with many left stunned by the defender’s attacking instincts.

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Taking to X, several supporters shared their thoughts. One fan exclaimed: “Is that Gareth Bale?” while another asked: “A centre-back dribbling and moving at that pace – is he capable of playing further up the pitch?”

Another fan added: “Sometimes I feel like this dude could be a winger, his attacking play is incredible.” One more stated: “Why do Spurs always get defenders that turn into super strikers? Gareth Bale vibes.”

A final user compared him to one of football’s greats, writing: “Bro turned into Messi for a moment.”

Van de Ven’s goal adds to his growing influence for Spurs

It might be too early, but that strike is already a serious contender for the Puskas Award this year.

Micky van de Ven has always been known for his electric pace, but this season, he appears to have elevated his game to another level.

The centre-back has now added goals to his repertoire, netting six times in all competitions for Spurs, making him the club’s highest scorer this season.

His ability to surge from deep and finish so convincingly is rare for a defender, and it gives Tottenham an unpredictable edge going forward.

If Spurs can keep him fit, he could well prove to be a genuine difference maker in both boxes, as his mix of athleticism and composure continues to shine under Frank’s system.

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Thomas Frank responds to Jamie Carragher’s harsh ‘League Two’ Tottenham criticism

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After Tottenham’s thumping win over Copenhagen in the Champions League, Thomas Frank has reacted to Jamie Carragher’s criticism of his side.

Ahead of yesterday’s clash, Frank was under immense pressure, and based on the meltdown on social media, one would not have guessed that Tottenham were sitting fifth in the Premier League table and were unbeaten in the Champions League.

The Tottenham boss acknowledged that his side’s performance against Chelsea was not good enough, admitting it was one of the poorest attacking displays he has presided over across his managerial career.

However, Frank rallied against suggestions that he was a defensive coach and insisted that the Spurs would score goals when they click, and that is exactly what happened against Copenhagen.

Jamie Carragher slated Tottenham and Joao Palhinha in particular on Monday Night Football last week, with his comments including:

“A big problem for Thomas Frank and other managers who make that jump from a smaller team in the Premier League to one of the big boys, especially when they are seen as a pragmatic coach, is actually bringing the football to these teams.

“You might look at that result and think there’s not a lot wrong, but when you watch the game at the weekend, that was like watching a League Two team against a Premier League team in the FA Cup.

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“When you look at the stats, there was a huge contrast with the ball, and that is the biggest challenge for any coach making that jump from one of the teams in the bottom half of the Premier League to one of the big boys.”

Thomas Frank takes aim at Jamie Carragher after Tottenham criticism

When Carragher’s comments about Tottenham after their loss to Chelsea were put to the 52-year-old, he remarked that it is far easier for pundits to criticise from the outside.

Frank insisted that the important thing was for his side to bounce back from Saturday’s performance, praising the response of his players against Copenhagen.

When the Spurs boss was told that Carragher had said Tottenham lacked courage, confidence and ability against Chelsea, he responded (via Football.London): “Yeah, I didn’t see his comments. So 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. Put it this way, I know it’s easier to be that than stand down there.

“I saw a good performance today, which I’m happy with. We talk a lot about bounce-back mentality, because in life and football, there will be setbacks. Every team will experience that. And it’s how we react to that to come out after a bad game or a bad spell and come back to it. That’s part of a good team. I’m very happy with the response the players came up with today.”

Frank explains why Spurs deserve credit for thumping Copenhagen

Some will feel that Tottenham only beat a relatively minnow, and point to the fact that Spurs were massive favourites against Copenhagen anyway.

However, Frank insisted that the Danish side are a well-organised outfit and confidently asserted that not many sides in the Champions League will beat them as comprehensively as his team did.

The 52-year-old added: “I think we controlled the game from minute one to the end, more or less. There was, of course, a little bit about the red card and making the side that should not be a problem.

“And then we won a very good win in the Champions League. And it’s never easy. I know Copenhagen hadn’t had a good start, but I just know they are, in general, very difficult to play against. And I’m pretty sure we’ll not see them lose 4-0 again in the Champions League.”

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Three winners and three losers from Tottenham’s 4-0 thrashing of Copenhagen

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There was a lot of quality on display as Tottenham Hotspur obliterated Copenhagen, despite being reduced to 10 men.

Tottenham Hotspur returned to winning ways in the Champions League, comfortably brushing aside the champions of Denmark. It was a strong all-round performance, with Spurs looking dangerous in attack and easily maintaining a clean sheet.

Here are the three winners and losers from Tottenham’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Copenhagen.

Xavi Simons ran the show for Tottenham

No player created more big chances than Xavi Simons on Tuesday night. The 22-year-old was a threat from very early on until he was taken off after 60 minutes.

Simons’ standout moment was his assist for Brennan Johnson’s goal. He played a stunning ball over the top, which caused the Copenhagen goalkeeper to leave his area and attempt to make a challenge, allowing the Welshman to score into an empty net.

It was the midfield’s best showing since moving to Tottenham, and he was unlucky to be subbed off as early into the game as he was.

Micky van de Ven scores yet again

Spurs supporters have already been left stunned by the goalscoring ability of Luka Vuskovic, the Tottenham defender on loan at Hamburg.

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However, it seems the club already had a centre-back capable of scoring goals for fun in Micky van de Ven, who already has a mindblowing six goals in all competitions this season.

The Dutchman’s latest is likely the best goal he will ever score, as he took the ball through most of Copenhagen’s team and finished the move with a well-placed strike.

van de Ven’s run began on the edge of his penalty box, yet he was able to dribble the length of the pitch without needing any support. It is about time pundits begin recognising him for what he is – one of the best defenders in Europe.

Destiny Udogie played well for Tottenham

Life has not been easy for Destiny Udogie, who seems to pick up an injury every time he gets into some good form.

Worse still, it has been revealed that the Italian was allegedly threatened at gunpoint by a football agent last month.

Despite this, he returned to the starting lineup and had a solid game for Tottenham, winning all his ground duels and playing plenty of balls into the final third. Right now, it feels like Udogie has the edge over Djed Spence at left-back when he is fully fit.

Now, let’s take a look at the three losers from Tottenham 4-0 Copenhagen…

Brennan Johnson is suspended after his red card

Brennan Johnson scored his fourth goal of the season against Copenhagen, showing he is a bigger threat than Mohammed Kudus in front of goal.

However, the Welshman was sent off for a completely unnecessary challenge. Although there is room for debate about whether it was worthy of a red card, he did leave the ground with his studs raised.

Tottenham looked a much better side after this incident and doubled their lead, which is not great for a player who is often criticised for his lack of contributions across a 90-minute match.

As a result of his red card, Johnson is now suspended. This will allow Wilson Odobert to build on his performance against Copenhagen, as he also made the scoresheet. The France U21 international appears to be above Johnson in the pecking order at the moment, and the sending off will only strengthen his standing in the Tottenham first-team squad.

Richarlison failed to hit the target

Randal Kolo Muani looked incompetent in front of goal in the first half, but he warmed into the game and earned himself an assist.

Richarlison only played around 20 minutes, but this was enough time to miss two big chances, including a penalty which had been won by Dane Scarlett.

The Brazilian did strike the woodwork twice, but this is not good enough if he wants to reclaim his place as a regular name in the starting lineup. Winning one of six ground duels is also a bit concerning.

Jamie Carragher was wrong to criticise Joao Palhinha

Jamie Carragher slammed Joao Palhinha for being unable to break lines with his passes following Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.

The Liverpool legend was highly disrespectful in his comments, claiming there is a reason no Premier League club wanted to sign Palhinha and why he was not starting at Bayern.

Fast forward a day, and the Portuguese midfielder came off the bench and scored his fourth goal of the season for Tottenham. If he played for Liverpool, Carragher would probably be raving about how great he is.

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Xavi Simons goes from Tottenham struggles to setting a Champions League record vs Copenhagen

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Xavi Simons has been off the pace at Tottenham Hotspur, but he delivered his best performance to date in a Spurs shirt on Tuesday night.

Tottenham Hotspur are back in business with a convincing victory in the Champions League, after two frustrating draws away from home in the competition.

Xavi Simons was one of many Spurs players to impress against Copenhagen and he recorded a superb assist for the opening goal.

Unfortunately the midfielder was substituted on the hour mark to make way for Joao Palhinha, in a tactical switch after Brennan Johnson was sent off.

Xavi Simons created lots of Tottenham chances against Copenhagen

Despite Simons’ exit half an hour before the referee blew his final whistle, the 22-year-old impressed with his ability to create chances.

Squawka revealed that no player has created more big chances in a single Champions League game than Simons, who provided three significant opportunities for his teammates to score.

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The Dutchman made 20 passes into the final third and created four chances on top of the three big chances he crafted.

Simons contributed in defence too, winning three of his five duels and making two tackles during the match.

Simons must build on this performance for Spurs

There has already been a Simons performance which looked like the turning point for the ex-RB Leipzig star. That of course was the 2-1 victory over Leeds United, when he looked very much at home in the attacking midfield role.

However, Simons’ displays since have generally been quite poor and he was subbed off against Chelsea last weekend, despite not even starting the game.

If Simons is to make a success of himself at Tottenham, he needs to build up a consistent run of performances.

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Kevin Danso did something heartwarming during Tottenham’s 4-0 win over Copenhagen

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Kevin Danso only played 20 minutes on Tuesday night, but he will have earned the respect of Tottenham Hotspur supporters with something he did late in the game.

Tottenham Hotspur ran riot in the Champions League, destroying Copenhagen in a comfortable 4-0 victory to move into the top eight of the league phase.

Kevin Danso was only able to make the bench, as Cristian Romero was brought back into the starting lineup immediately after recovering from injury.

Despite this, the Austria international did replace his captain after 73 minutes and something happened between himself and Dane Scarlett which will delight Spurs fans.

Kevin Danso congratulates Dane Scarlett after penalty win

Scarlett only entered the pitch after 80 minutes, but he was able to make an impression by cleverly drawing a foul inside Copenhagen’s penalty area.

Unfortunately for the 21-year-old, Richarlison took the spot kick away from him only to strike the crossbar. Had he scored, it would have been Tottenham’s biggest ever Champions League victory.

However, Scarlett was able to enjoy a moment of recognition from one of his teammates. Immediately after the award of the penalty, while other players celebrated and discussed who should take the spot-kick, Danso instead ran the length of the pitch to congratulate the young striker.

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Fans could see Danso wrap his arm around Scarlett and scream in celebration, which seemed to put a smile on the academy graduate’s face. It was a nice touch from the defender who has recently enjoyed a good amount of playing time at Tottenham.

Scarlett deserves another chance at Tottenham

Although Scarlett never really made waves while he was on loan away from North London, he has made the most of the limited chances afforded to him.

The centre forward registered a goal and an assist against Elfsborg last season and secured another assist the next month against Ipswich Town.

Scarlett had not played for Spurs this season until last night, but he has a goal and assist from three Premier League 2 appearances.

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Tottenham 4-0 FC Copenhagen Match Report as Micky Van de Ven puts his name in Puskas pot

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Tottenham Hotspur climb up to 7th in the Champions League table following their dominant 4-0 victory over FC Copenhagen in matchweek four.

With a point to prove after an awful performance that thankfully just ended 1-0 against Chelsea at the weekend, Thomas Frank’s men did exactly that. The home fans needed this kind of display after a woeful domestic run at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Four different scorers ensured Spurs returned to winning ways in Europe after back-to-back draws against Bodo/Glimt and Monaco.

With limited options available, Thomas Frank stuck with the strongest XI possible. Mohammed Kudus missed out with a knock, while Destiny Udogie and Cristian Romero returned to the line-up in place of Djed Spence and Kevin Danso.

First half: Tottenham 1-0 FC Copenhagen

It was a far livelier start from the home side than anything the fans had seen recently, full of energy and intent.

After Brennan Johnson’s heavy first touch denied him an early chance, he soon made up for it when a clever through ball from Xavi Simons split the Copenhagen defence, and the Welshman rounded the keeper before rolling the ball into the empty net from a tight angle.

Johnson nearly turned provider shortly after, darting down the right before lobbing a cross towards Pape Matar Sarr, who couldn’t quite direct his header on target.

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Xavi was at the heart of everything good for Spurs and was unlucky not to collect another assist when he slipped in Randal Kolo Muani, who dragged his effort wide from close range.

Credit to the Frenchman for finding himself in promising areas, but he unfortunately couldn’t apply the finishing touch, missing another glorious chance in stoppage time after heading over from Xavi’s cross.

Second half: Tottenham 4-0 FC Copenhagen

All that slick build-up play finally got the scoreline it deserved just 5 minutes into the restart. Kolo Muani chased a long Pedro Porro pass, blocked the keeper’s attempted clearance, and, instead of volleying into an open net, he brought it down before squaring it for Wilson Odobert to roll it home.

But if anyone thought that would slow them down, they were wrong, as moments later, Micky van de Ven produced something you simply can’t describe properly in words.

Picking up the ball on the edge of his own box, he charged through half the Copenhagen team, before bending a finish past the goalkeeper that even Son Heung-min would’ve applauded.

Before the celebrations had even settled, Spurs bagged a fourth. Odobert led another Spurs’ counter-attack and picked out Romero charging into the box. The captain played it across to Joao Palhinha, who tapped it into the net via the keeper’s hand.

Kolo Muani could’ve easily joined the scoresheet after all his hard work, but his one-on-one effort was saved well by the goalkeeper. He was then replaced by Richarlison, who didn’t have much better luck, crashing a header off the crossbar from Porro’s perfect delivery.

Late on, Dane Scarlett did well to burst into the box on his Champions League debut before being fouled for a penalty. But when Richarlison stepped up, he rattled that same crossbar again.

FT: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 4-0 FC Copenhagen

Spurs Web man of the match: Xavi Simons

What’s next for Spurs?

If this is what Spurs look like when they go down to 10 men, maybe they should try it more often.

It was a well-picked starting XI that actually made a big difference because of how well the players complemented each other.

The midfield and defence looked sharper, finding Xavi Simons more often, and he did wonders with the ball this time, unlike in the last few games where he barely got involved and faced criticism for lacking creativity.

He would’ve easily bagged at least one more assist, maybe even a goal, had it not been for the red card that forced his substitution.

The most important thing, though, is that Spurs looked really good on the ball; playing forward, linking up through the middle, and showing real confidence again. Of course, the return of Cristian Romero played a huge part in that.

Now, the real challenge is to carry this energy into the Premier League at the weekend, when Spurs host Manchester United.

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Tottenham could receive a helping hand from Andre Villas-Boas in Samu Aghehowa deal

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The latest reports from Portugal reveal how much Tottenham Hotspur have to pay to sign Porto star Samu Aghehowa in January.

Over the last few weeks, Spurs Web has relayed several reports stating that Spurs are keeping an eye on Aghehowa, who is continuing to bang goals in with astonishing regularity at Porto this season.

According to some sources, Fabio Paratici will spearhead Tottenham’s pursuit of the Porto man, with the new Spurs sporting director thought to be a big fan of the Spaniard.

Spurs have now been told exactly what they need to do to get a deal for the 21-year-old over the line in the upcoming transfer window.

What is Porto’s valuation of Tottenham target Samu Aghehowa?

According to the print edition of Correio da Manha (as relayed by Sport Witness), Tottenham and Chelsea are the two clubs currently ‘in the lead’ in the race for the Spain international.

The outlet reveals that although Aghehowa’s release clause stands at €100m (£88.1m), Porto president André Villas-Boas, who previously managed Spurs, is willing to sell the striker for a cheaper fee.

This is because the Portuguese club are in a difficult financial position and needs to raise cash through player sales in January.

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The report alleges that Porto are ready to sell the former Atletico Madrid man for €80m (£70.4m), which would represent a club-record signing for the Lilywhites.

How much are Spurs willing to pay for Aghehowa?

A couple of days ago, a report in Fichajes suggested that Thomas Frank’s men see Porto star as a medium to long-term investment, and believe that he will be a good fit for the Premier League.

That report claimed that Tottenham are willing €70m (£61.6m) for Aghehowa in January, which falls short of what Correio da Manha believe to be Porto’s valuation.

If that is true, the big question is whether the two clubs can bridge the approximate £9m gap in their respective valuations of the striker.

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Five things we learned from Tottenham’s 4-0 Champions League win against Copenhagen

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Tottenham Hotspur secured a 4-0 win at home against Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday night as Thomas Frank’s side moved into the automatic qualification spots.

Let’s take a look at the five things we learned:

Tottenham really needed that positive and creative performance

Getting a victory in the league phase of the Champions League is always a big positive given how tough the competition is.

Tottenham Hotspur secured their second win in the tournament tonight after putting four past Copenhagen, and that has taken them into seventh place at least for now.

The cherry on the cake, however, is the manner in which Spurs have gone on to secure all three points, with Frank’s side putting in a positive and creative performance.

Frank’s side has often been labelled as pragmatic, a question he had to answer in his pre-match press conference, but tonight’s display is as positive as it gets for Tottenham.

Four in a single game is the most Spurs have scored in a single match under the Dane this season, and they managed that with ten men.

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The next step, however, is about being consistent and building on this performance. Manchester United are next at the weekend, and if Spurs can replicate a similar display, then it would be a step in the right direction.

Xavi Simons looked really sharp

Simons has come under fire in recent weeks since his move to Tottenham, with the midfielder often failing to impress in games for Spurs this season.

Coming into this tie, he had managed just one assist in 12 appearances, which is far from ideal for a player who is meant to shoulder most of the creative burden.

Today, however, Simons put on his best performance in a Tottenham shirt, grabbing the assist for Spurs’ opener with a nice through ball to Johnson.

He could also have gotten a couple of others had Randal Kolo Muani tucked away the two other big chances he created. It was indeed a positive, sharp display that should do the Dutchman’s confidence a lot of good.

Micky van de Ven recreates Sonny’s Ballon d’Or goal

Micky van de Ven has been in and among the goals for Tottenham this season, with the Dutchman scoring five in as many games.

While he has been scoring from corners, the Dutchman decided to up the ante today, and his strike was the pick of the bunch.

It was a solo effort reminiscent of Son’s goal against Burnley, which saw him win the Puskas Award.

Van de Ven ran from his defence, beating the entire Copenhagen team before slotting in coolly to make it three for Spurs.

Tottenham should definitely be looking to tie the defender down to a new contract, given his performances this season.

A nearly performance from Randal Kolo Muani

Kolo Muani was Frank’s choice up top this evening, and the centre-forward, who is only just getting up to speed, looked good, but it is clear he is not quite there yet.

He had two good opportunities to grab a goal of his own, but his headed effort failed to hit the target, while another great chance in the box went wide.

He picked up an assist for Odobert’s goal, and his pressing from the front was impressive. His link-up and hold-up play were also sharp, which is encouraging.

You get the feeling that when he has some sharpness and confidence, the goals will follow. Positive early signs, though.

Destiny Udogie provides much-needed natural width for Spurs

Today also saw Udogie get a start from the off, having missed the last few games because of injury.

The full-back looked really good from the left as he provided natural width for Tottenham when they looked to attack.

A left-footed full-back on the left surely offers greater balance, and that is what Udogie brings to this Tottenham team, something that has been lacking when Spurs use Djed Spence.

Most of Tottenham’s wingers love to take up inverted roles, and if that is the case, having a left-footed full-back who can play crosses in first time is a great asset.

His return could see Spence’s minutes reduce as competition for that spot is set to increase, but he is a great addition to this Tottenham side that often struggles for creativity.

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Tottenham player ratings from 4-0 win over FC Copenhagen as midfield star drops exciting 8.5/10

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The full-time whistle has blown between Tottenham Hotspur and FC Copenhagen in the Champions League, and the player ratings are in.

Tottenham full-time player ratings vs Copenhagen

Guglielmo Vicario – A very quiet first half from the Tottenham number one, before he went down with some kind of pain early in the second 45. This is the second time in as many games that Vicario has struggled with what seems to be a lingering injury, although he has played on both times. No real saves to make, but a good range of passing and two confident claims from corners. 6.

Pedro Porro – A solid defensive performance, both when Tottenham had 11 and when they went down to 10. His long-range passing out to the left was also a real feature of the first half for Spurs. You can tell he loves playing alongside the combative and positive Romero – they complement each other so well. 7.5.

Cristian Romero – Keen not to let Micky have all the fun, Romero went on a roaming run of his own to set up Tottenham’s fourth goal. The Argentine is by far Tottenham’s most front-footed defender on the ball, always looking to make line-breaking passes. Spurs have missed that dearly in recent weeks. 8.

Micky Van de Ven – Wow. Just wow. Micky Van de Ven had a quiet first half, then Tottenham went down to 10 in the second. It seemed destined for a nervy, backs-to-the-wall final half-hour. Up step the Flying Dutchman who recreated Heung-min Son’s Ballon d’Or-winning goal against Burnley with a gut-busting run all the way from his own box to the back of the net. 8.5.

Destiny Udogie – Looked so dangerous at left-back with his overlapping runs. If he had a little more match sharpness, he probably would have grabbed an assist or two in the first 45. With Tottenham having no real touchline left-wingers, his natural width could give him the edge over Spence. 8.

Rodrigo Bentancur – The perfect example of why Tottenham only need one sitting pivot in certain games. Spurs had so much of the ball, Bentancur was more than enough of a midfield presence to keep things ticking over, serving as the connection between defence and attack. 7.5.

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Pape Sarr – Sat in alongside Bentancur off the ball, then burst into attack when Spurs turned over possession. Added an extra body in defence and an extra dimension in attack. It may not be his best position on the pitch, but he is a master of driving with the ball at his feet and gaining vital yards. 7.5.

Xavi Simons – A potential coming-of-age performance for Xavi Simons in midfield as we finally saw some of his famous creativity. Not only did he assist the first goal, but he laid two more sitters on for Kolo Muani in the first 45 alone. Looked far more comfortable in a free-roaming role tonight. Would have been given longer than 60 minutes on the pitch had it not been for the red card. 8.5.

Brennan Johnson – Opened the scoring for Tottenham by latching onto a ball over the top from Xavi Simons before touching it around the keeper and finishing into an empty net from a tight angle. Always looks at his best when he’s stretching the defence in behind like that, rather than coming to feet. It’s just a shame he saw red shortly after the second goal for a silly challenge from behind. We won’t mark him down too harshly since going down to ten men only seemed to improve Spurs. 7.

Randal Kolo Muani – It could and should have been a real confidence-building night for Kolo Muani in front of goal. Unfortunately, he managed to guide one great opportunity in the box wide, then head over the bar from an absolute sitter. Did extremely well to close the keeper down early in the second half before laying on an assist for Odobert, although you get the sense he lacked the confidence to volley in first-time into the empty net. Some nice stuff on the ball and worked hard for his teammates, but will need more of a killer instinct once he gets up to speed in order to keep his spot. 7.

Wilson Odobert – The first 45 was a half of wasted opportunities for Wilson Odobert, but it didn’t take him long to leave his mark in the second. The Frenchman was calmness personified when Kolo Muani rolled the ball back for him to tuck home into the far corner. Looked so much sharper in the second half on the break, ironically, when Spurs were down to 10 men. Was a crucial part of creating the fourth goal for Joao Palhinha. 7.5.

Substitutes:

Joao Palhinha – Came on shortly after the red card to keep things solid, with Tottenham down to ten. Jamie Carragher may say that Palhinha can’t pass forward, but the Spurs star can find the back of the net, grabbing Tottenham’s fourth goal on the break after a superb pass from Romero. 7.5.

Djed Spence – Gave Udogie a rest after 72 minutes. N/A.

Richarlison – Came on for Kolo Muani for the final 20 mins. Crashed a late header against the bar, then an even later penalty kick against the same bar. Not his most lethal cameo. N/A.

Kevin Danso – Came on for Romero with 20 minutes to go. N/A.

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