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Steven Caulker has revealed that Harry Kane was nowhere near the best player across his age group in the Tottenham academy but reveals that one thing always stood out about the striker from a young age.

Kane will arguably go down as Tottenham’s best player in the Premier League era and one of the best to ever grace the English top flight.

The striker not only became Spurs’ and England’s all-time leading goalscorer, but he is almost certain to have broken Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League record by now if he had not left England.

After the 31-year-old recently won the first trophy of his career as Bayern Munich secured the Bundesliga title, one of his former Tottenham Hotspur teammates has made a very interesting revelation about the centre-forward.

Steven Caulker says Harry Kane did not stand out in Tottenham academy

Caulker, who was just one year behind Kane while coming through the ranks of the Tottenham academy, has revealed that the striker was not anywhere near as talented as the best young players in the Spurs youth set-up.

However, he revealed that the striker’s mentality was second to none from a young age, which is why he has gone on to achieve so much in the game.

The former Tottenham centre-back wrote on his LinkedIn: “Harry Kane wasn’t the best player in our youth team. In fact, at the time, I’m not sure I would have even put him in the top five. For context, I came through the Spurs academy, where they produced a phenomenal amount of talent in a really short space of time.

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“Kyle Walker, Kyle Naughton, Danny Rose, Andros Townsend, Ryan Mason, Adam Smith, Jake Livermore, Tommy Carroll, Alex Pritchard, Nabil Bentaleb, and myself all went on to play in the Premier League.

“Plus many other talented players who went on to play professional football at various different levels. Harry was in the year below me, and if I’m honest, he rarely stood out to me as having anything special.

“One thing I do remember, though, is his mentality. It was second to none. Roll on a few years and a few loan spells later, Harry got his break with Spurs.

“Harry has gone on to surpass all of us with his incredible individual achievements; the only player in the same bracket is Kyle Walker, who Spurs paid a lot of money for as a youngster.”

Kane’s journey is a lesson for Spurs when it comes to Dane Scarlett and co

It is worth pointing out that Kane failed to pull up any trees during his loan spell at Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich City and Leicester City.

His first Premier League start for Spurs did not come until April 2014, when he was already 21 years of age, and no one gave him a chance of becoming a first-team regular at the time, let alone one of Tottenham’s greatest ever players.

Barcelona’s pursuit of Pedro Porro just got a lot harder after Tottenham told them how much they would have to pay for the right-back.

Some sources have claimed over recent weeks that Tottenham may cash in on Porro this summer to relieve their financial pressures, and according to some outlets, Manchester City have their eye on Porro.

Last week, it emerged that Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are also plotting a move for the Spurs right-back, although the two clubs foresee him playing different tactical roles for their respective sides.

However, just a couple of days ago, it was revealed by CaughtOffside that Tottenham will only consider selling Porro for around €60m-€65m (£50.4m-£54.6m) this summer.

Barcelona have to be creative to sign Pedro Porro from Tottenham

This claim about Tottenham’s asking price has now been backed up by a fresh report in Fichajes, who say that the Lilywhites have no intention of listening to any offer of less than €60m (£50.4m) for Porro this summer.

This poses an issue for Barcelona, who had identified the Tottenham Hotspur man as an ‘immediate solution’ for their problems at right-back.

Given the Catalan club’s financial situation, it is said that they have to ‘manoeuvre precisely’ if they want to present a formal offer that will give Spurs something to think about.

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Hansi Flick’s men will have to make significant player sales and adjust the salaries of those on their books before they can push ahead with a move for the Spain international.

Two other clubs are still lurking for Porro

Fichajes also mention that Manchester City are continuing to track the 25-year-old, who came through their academy before making a switch to Sporting Lisbon.

Interestingly, the outlet claims that Bayern Munich are also considering making a move for the Tottenham full-back this summer.

It is alleged that the Bundesliga giants have the right to ‘completely strongly’ for Porro’s signing this summer.

Paul O’Keefe, who remains well connected to sources in Hotspur Way, has now reacted to rumours that Lucas Bergvall might have an outside chance of being fit for the Europa League final. However, Ange Postecoglou has been quick to shut down the idea of an early return.

Tottenham received confirmation yesterday that Dejan Kulusevski’s season is over after the Swede underwent surgery as a result of the knee injury he suffered against Crystal Palace.

That came as a huge blow to Tottenham Hotspur, given that James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall are already on the treatment table.

Kulusevski’s injury has given Postecoglou a major tactical dilemma ahead of the final, as the Australian has to decide how to make do without a recognised number ten, but it has since emerged that Tottenham may have a ray of hope regarding Bergvall.

Paul O’Keefe reacts to shock Lucas Bergvall reports

On Wednesday, Marcus Buckland of The Tottenham Way podcast offered Spurs fans hope by claiming that he has heard that Bergvall has a chance of being fit for the final.

This information contradicted what we heard from Tottenham, as Postecoglou had previously said that the final had come too early for Bergvall.

O’Keefe has now revealed on social media that the Swede is “trying extremely hard” to recover before the showpiece final in Bilbao.

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Here is how the Tottenham insider responded to a question from a fan on the team that Postecoglou will field at Villa Park and on Bergvall’s fitness:

Unfortunately for Tottenham dreamers, Ange Postecoglou has poured cold water on Bergvall return rumours. The Spurs boss says the Swedish midfielder is still in a protective boot and remains a couple of weeks away from returning from his injury.

Tottenham should be wary of repeating Champions League final mistake

These Bergvall rumours may create a sense of Deja vu for Tottenham fans, as the club were dealing with a similar situation regarding Harry Kane ahead of the 2019 Champions League final, as the striker was recovering from an injury.

At the time, Mauricio Pochettino decided to play Kane even though the striker did not appear to be 100 per cent fit, and that cost Spurs dearly.

If Bergvall is not moving freely, it would be a massive risk to start him in a big final where the margins are small between the Champions and runners-up. Whatever the case, it appears the youngster will miss out on the squad either way, according to Postecoglou’s comments.

Ange Postecoglou could spring a tactical surprise in the Europa League final, with the Australian manager potentially reverting to a system that defined his early days at Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur are very much aware of what is expected of them come 21 May at San Mames Stadium against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final.

Given their abysmal league display this campaign, currently sitting in 17th place, winning the Europa League remains their only route to silverware and the only way they can salvage a poor domestic season.

Tottenham are unbeaten in their last six against Manchester United and are currently unbeaten against the Red Devils this season, winning three out of three.

That record in itself should inspire confidence, but it would be no easy task to secure a win against a Manchester United side who are also hungry for success.

Ange Postecoglou is without a creative 10 for Europa League final

If Ange Postecoglou is to deliver on his second season trophy claims, the Tottenham boss would have to do so without a few of his key creative players.

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As it stands, James Maddison, who grabbed the only goal against Manchester United in the reverse fixture in the league, is now out and is set to miss the remainder of the season.

Dejan Kulusevski, who has scored twice in his last three appearances against Manchester United, is also unavailable following surgery to his patella.

Lucas Bergvall, one of Tottenham’s brightest sparks this campaign, is currently injured and is also set to miss the Europa League final. Although rumours have done the rounds suggesting Bergvall could still feature, Ange Postecoglou has since poured cold water on the Bergvall rumours.

Inverted wing-backs could fill creative void for Tottenham

There is a clear gaping hole in the attacking midfield of this Tottenham team, one that needs filling.

Tottenham fans have been quick to name several players they feel would be ideal for the number ten role, with names like Heung-min Son, Dominic Solanke, Wilson Odobert and even Mikey Moore thrown into the mix.

We have also identified four players who could come into the side in place of Dejan Kulusevski, highlighting the pros and cons of each option.

However, while it would be great to see Postecoglou try to get creative with his forward players, putting them in the ten role, there is another tactical approach that could also be on the cards.

This approach would see Postecoglou revert to his inverted wing-back system, where his two full-backs operate as tens when in possession, to mitigate the absence of his recognised creative players.

This is not a far-fetched approach, as it was one of Postecoglou’s trademark tactical ideas in his first few games in England.

In recent months and weeks though, the manager has moved away from that setup and has instead made use of his full-backs in a more traditional manner, overlapping their wingers.

As it stands, Pedro Porro and Heung-min Son are currently the most creative players available for Tottenham, with the full-back returning nine assists, while the winger has eleven.

Of course, Porro has done a lot of damage with his crossing from deep in that right half-space, and one could imagine if the Tottenham boss would be tempted to push him a little further up the pitch in the Europa League final.

Tottenham Hotspur are continuing to keep their recruitment strategy focused on young, emerging talents, and the latest name on their radar is one who nearly joined another Premier League side just months ago.

Tottenham Hotspur would need to make the UEFA Champions League if they are to attract top talent next season and if they are to bolster their spending power this summer.

We have seen a shift in transfer strategy in recent windows by the Lilywhites, with the north London club targeting youngsters with potential.

Signings of Lucas Bergvall from Djurgardens IF in the Allsvenskan League and Archie Gray from Leeds United in the Championship are examples of teenagers now starting to reach their potential.

Reports now suggest that Tottenham have set their eyes on another teenager, Clement Bischoff, one who was close to joining Brighton earlier this year.

Tottenham scouts watch Clement Bischoff

This report comes from TBR Football, who have stated that following Clement Bischoff’s failed £6 million move to Brighton, several Premier League clubs have shown interest in the youngster.

Tottenham Hotspur are one of three English clubs that have shown interest in the teenager, with TBR Football having also revealed that the Lilywhites have watched Clement Bischoff in action since the Danish season resumed in March.

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The 19-year-old currently has two goals and ten assists in 38 matches for Brondby this season, and his form is now attracting interest from several major European clubs.

Chelsea and Manchester City also monitoring Bischoff

Spurs are not the only English sides to have shown interest in the youngster. TBR Football has also revealed that Chelsea, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest are interested in the teenager, and that these teams have scouted the player since the start of the Danish league in March.

It has also been reported that Eredivisie sides Ajax and PSV Eindhoven have been keeping tabs on the young winger’s progress, along with Monaco and Borussia Dortmund.

Bischoff’s impressive form for Brondby has seen him get called up to Denmark’s Under-21 squad, where he has already registered his first assist.

Ange Postecoglou says that Tottenham Hotspur have meticulously planned their preparations for the next five days leading up to the Europa League final and also reveals when he will finalise his starting eleven for the clash.

All of Tottenham Hotspur’s focus is on the big clash against Bilbao, with the current Spurs side having the opportunity to bring the first trophy to the club in 17 years.

Several Tottenham players have admitted that they are determined to make history next Wednesday after what has been an extremely challenging season for everyone involved in Hotspur Way.

However, before the Lilywhites can cast their minds to the final, they have the small matter of a Premier League clash at Villa Park this evening, with Unai Emery’s side needing three points in their own quest for Champions League qualification.

Ange Postecoglou reveals what Tottenham will do ahead of the Europa League final

The Tottenham boss has confessed that the club’s entire program, including all the minute details on workload, training and travel, has been mapped out to ensure the players are in prime condition when they step onto the pitch at San Mames next Wednesday.

However, Postecoglou confessed that he will only make a final decision on the starting eleven for the final following the clash against Villa.

When asked about Tottenham’s preparation for the Europa League final, the Australian said (via Football.London): “We’ve kind of mapped it out. It’s a day-to-day proposition, and a lot will depend on who plays and what I decide about tomorrow night and who plays and who doesn’t, then making sure the guys who don’t and will potentially be involved on Wednesday, we get some good training into them because I think that’s important.

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“Our programme at the moment, all things being equal, we do the Villa game, won’t get back until late, Saturday will be a sort of rest day for the players, we’ll train Sunday, a good session for us and then train here Monday morning and fly to Bilbao on Monday afternoon. Have a run on the pitch the night before the game on Wednesday.”

Postecoglou reveals if he has a special speech planned for the final

The Tottenham head coach’s pre-match talks have almost acquired a legendary status, with several Spurs players waxing lyrical about the way he can grab the room.

Just a few days ago, January signing Kevin Danso described Postecoglou’s speeches as “amazing”, admitting that he feels extremely pumped up when he sets foot on the pitch after listening to the Australian.

However, Postecoglou insists that he has no pre-planned speeches for the final and that his message will depend on reading the room ahead of the big game.

The 59-year-old admitted that Spurs are trying to insulate their players from the outside noise and pressure as much as possible before the showpiece event in Bilbao.

When asked if he has a special speech prepared for the final, Postecoglou said: “My experience of those things, you’ve got to read the moment. It’s hard to pre-plan because it may be a catalyst for something that happens, whatever the need is for the players.

“My role is to take it day by day and try to read what the players really need. It’s about them, and certainly, once the Villa game is done, our focus turns to the main game. Every day will be important in preparing the players for that, and what they need and what that looks like intuitively, I usually just go with my gut.

“There’ll be a couple of things planned we need to make sure we do, and some of it is protecting the players, because there are a lot more demands. We’ve had media all week, and I’m sure they’re getting inundated with ticket requests, and a lot of it is logistically to make sure what we have around the players insulates them from being taken away from what’s important, and that’s preparing for a big game.”

Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Heung-min Son will get minutes against Aston Villa and has explained why he has not yet decided if the Tottenham captain will start the Europa League final.

A fully fit and firing Son walks into the Tottenham Hotspur team for the final, not only given the fact that he has been a big-game player over the years, but also because of the experience and the leadership he brings to the side.

However, the South Korean only returned from his foot injury in the 2-0 win against Crystal Palace, and with just five days to go until the Europa League final, he is in a race against time to get his sharpness back before the showpiece event in Bilbao.

A couple of days ago, Postecoglou confirmed that Son will get minutes at Villa Park, and the Australian has now hinted at what the 32-year-old needs to do to secure his place in the starting eleven for the final.

Ange Postecoglou is thrilled to have Heung-min Son back but remains cautious

The Tottenham boss admitted that it is a major boost to his side to have their captain back ahead of the Europa League final against Man United.

However, one again, the Australian insisted that he would not decide on the starting eleven for Bilbao so soon, hinting that Son’s performance against Villa may influence his final decision for next Wednesday’s game.

When asked about having Son back, Postecoglou told Football.London: “It’s absolutely fantastic to have him available. He has the experience and he does have that creative ability, but the game tomorrow night, we need to get him some match minutes and see how he is,” said the head coach.

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“I’ve never tried to look too far into the future in terms of what we might do, but if nothing else, this year has taught me that our planning is pretty much a day-to-day proposition. Let’s get through training today, and let’s get through the game tomorrow. Post-game tomorrow, we can start looking at those kinds of things.”

Son is desperate to hoist the Europa League trophy at Bilbao

Over his decade-long stay at the club, the Tottenham captain has been involved in three finals, all of which have ended in heartbreak.

He is thus determined to put things right against Man United, with Son admitting that the Europa League final is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to write his name into Spurs folklore.

Having been burned by losing Dejan Kulusevski to an injury, Ange Postecoglou has hinted that he is not prepared to risk too many key players this evening at Villa Park, just five days ahead of the Europa League final.

The Tottenham boss faces a big dilemma ahead of the final: On the one hand, some of his key players have not played at all since the second leg of the semifinal against Bodo/Glimt. Those players could thus be a little rusty going straight into the final on the back of no football for two weeks.

On the other hand, the Australian found out the risk of allowing his key men to get some minutes in their legs, with Dejan Kulusevski picking up an injury against Crystal Palace, which has ruled him out of the big clash at Bilbao.

Ange Postecoglou will not take any risks at Aston Villa

The Spurs head coach is thus stuck between a rock and a hard place, and admitting that under normal circumstances, he would give minutes to his key men in the Premier League clash this evening.

However, Postecoglou acknowledged that Tottenham are not in a position to take any more risks ahead of the final after already losing Kulusevski, Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison over recent weeks.

When asked if we could see some of his first-choice eleven feature at Villa Park, he responded (via Football.London): “Look, in a normal world you use this for sharpening up, but we’re not living in a normal world. That’s the reality of our existence at the moment, where we can’t lose another player to an injury.

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“It’s just too finely balanced for us considering what’s at stake. Villa are obviously going for Champions League football, and you see how important it is to them, and we’re doing the same.”

Postecoglou insists Tottenham are not hurting the integrity of the Premier League

Some understandably feel that the integrity of the Premier League is compromised by the fact that the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Man United are playing weakened sides.

Tottenham’s opponents, Aston Villa, are involved in a race for Champions League qualification, and some have pointed out that they would have an advantage, given that they will be playing a makeshift Spurs side.

When this question was posted to Postecoglou, he responded: “I’m not sure what people are talking about when they talk about the integrity of the game – I don’t know what that means.

“We have certainly put out teams this year that because of our injury situation were not the strongest we needed to put out there but we still needed to play those games and it’s the same with other clubs.

“I don’t even know why that question is being asked if I’m honest because if anyone thinks we are going to go out there and not do our absolute best to win – that’s the only time when integrity gets questioned.

“When we played Man City last year and apparently I was in the wrong for trying to win a game of football that’s where integrity comes into it, that’s why I was so strong on it.

“When you put a line-up out there you are trying to win a game of football but at the same time every club has got its own interests and you have to prioritise what’s important for your club.

“Champions League is very important for all those clubs fighting for it at the moment, I can see how important it is and every game and every decision is crucial but we are in exactly the same boat.

“We have got Champions League qualification plus a trophy to win. It would be negligent of me if I wasn’t doing the best thing for our football club to make sure we achieve that.”

Micky van de Ven has refused to label Tottenham as favourites over Manchester United ahead of the Europa League final despite Spurs’ treble win over the Red Devils this season.

Tottenham Hotspur must be laser-focused when they take on Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final at the San Mames Stadium in Spain.

Winning the Europa League would represent a major triumph for Tottenham, who currently find themselves languishing in 17th place in the Premier League table, with no hope of securing European football through their league finish.

A club of Tottenham Hotspur’s stature simply needs to be playing in Europe’s top-tier competitions, and with no other route back into the Champions League, winning in Bilbao is now the only option.

Micky van de Ven downplays Spurs advantage over Manchester United

Manchester United now await Tottenham in the final, having dismantled Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate in their semi-final clash.

However, their league form is every bit as bleak as Tottenham’s, with Ruben Amorim’s side currently sitting just one point and one place above the Lilywhites in the Premier League standings.

Spurs remain unbeaten against Manchester United in all domestic competitions this season, after beating them twice in the Premier League and once more in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

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Micky van de Ven and the rest of the Tottenham squad know that a fourth win over Manchester United would seal the trophy on Wednesday, 21 May.

Despite this, the Dutch defender has insisted that those past wins count for nothing now, stating there is no advantage to be drawn from earlier victories.

Asked if Tottenham had the edge over United, Van de Ven told Hayters: “I would not say it is an advantage because it is games in past so this is a game, it is a final and I know in a final anything can happen. We won three times against them so hopefully we can do the same thing for the final.”

Manchester United history looms over Spurs despite unbeaten run

Tottenham Hotspur remain unbeaten in their last six matches against Manchester United, with both sides recording four wins and two draws in their last ten meetings.

Several Manchester United legends have hinted that United’s pedigree in Europe makes them favourites for this tie, regardless of recent form.

Paul Scholes is the latest to weigh in, stating that while Tottenham might be seen as favourites on paper, he still backs Manchester United based on their history and track record in major finals.

He said: “When you look at the recent matches between the two teams, then you will probably have to make Tottenham the slight favourites.

“But Manchester United are used to being in finals. Even in recent bad periods, they are still reaching finals and winning trophies and I think that experience is big. Tottenham will probably be the best team on the night, but I just think United will have enough to win.”

Guglielmo Vicario lifts lid on Ange Postecoglou’s Europa League ambition with Tottenham – “He is the first person that wants to win this trophy!”

Ange Postecoglou has received a lot of stick and rightfully so, given Tottenham Hotspur’s poor domestic campaign.

The Lilywhites are now currently camped in 17th place, the lowest they have been in the modern Premier League era, while also being on their highest number of losses in a single season – 20.

However, despite their abysmal domestic campaign, Tottenham are still within touching distance of silverware, thanks to their impressive Europa League run.

Guglielmo Vicario on Ange Postecoglou’s push for Europa League success with Tottenham

Ange Postecoglou stated earlier this campaign that in his second season, he usually wins trophies, and in the next seven days, the Australian will be hoping to deliver on that promise by guiding Tottenham to Europa League glory.

The Tottenham players also want to bring an end to the club’s trophy drought, and Guglielmo Vicario has now opened up on just how much the players are fighting to win for their manager, especially after his comments about second-season success.

The Italian shot-stopper made it clear that Postecoglou is the first person who wants to win the Europa League, but he stressed that success must be collective.

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He said: “I think he is the first that wants to win this trophy. He has always been saying to us, that this group could go through this competition and play this final and we reached that. Now we have to be very pleased about that and try to go the final step altogether.”

Spurs’ wait for silverware and Heung-min Son’s hunger for success

Tottenham securing silverware would be massive, considering their nearly two-decade wait for a major honour. Ange Postecoglou already has a few trophies in his cabinet, but the same cannot be said for Tottenham’s captain.

Heung-min Son will also be hoping to end his own trophy drought this season, especially after watching former Tottenham players Harry Kane and Eric Dier lift their first major trophies elsewhere.

Son has already labelled the Europa League final as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, stressing that his focus is fully on delivering for both the fans and the club.

He said: “Every match is special to me and holds the same value. But this one feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I want to give it my full focus and prepare both mentally and physically for it. This time, I do not want to have any regrets.

“Especially for the fans who want this more than I do – I want to bring them joy. When I return to Korea after the season, I want to give both Korean fans and Spurs fans the best gift possible: a big smile.”