Football FanCast

Tottenham Hotspur are enduring another testing, taxing campaign, but Thomas Frank is adamant that his project is coming together, and that without time, Spurs will be stuck in an endless purgatorial cycle.

But improvements are needed, for sure. The 2025 annual Premier League table emphasises Tottenham's struggles, having achieved only 36 points from 36 matches. A point-per-game rate is shocking, and needs to change going forward.

Years of negligent squad planning have Spurs in a tailspin, though the triumph in the Europa League final last season has set the foundation for a potentially prosperous chapter.

Outside help is needed, and Frank has the backing of the board. Any number of positions could be targeted, but the north Londoners clearly need more creativity after a blunt first half of the season.

Spurs targeting attacking signing

Tottenham parted with Heung-min Son last summer, the club legend having done his duty and returned silverware to N17 after a decade of service. Two years earlier, Harry Kane left.

Expected Goals (xG) is a metric designed to measure the probability of a shot resulting in a goal.

A talismanic, potent force is needed. Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo has been on the long-term list, but it looks like he's going to Manchester City. However, with Brennan Johnson edging toward a January move to Crystal Palace, a right-sided forward is needed.

Tottenham have earmarked alternatives, with TEAMtalk revealing that AS Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche is someone they are exploring, though reservations are harboured over the battle ahead, with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain interested.

Valued at £40m, the 23-year-old Akliouche would be a more cost-effective signing than Semenyo, and he might even have more potential than the Premier League's hottest commodity.

Why Akliouche could be a superstar for Spurs

Frenchman Akliouche has been on the fast track to prominence with Monaco over the past several years, instrumental on the right flank for the Ligue 1 this season, posting three goals and five assists.

Akliouche is more of a playmaking winger than someone like Semenyo - and Son for that matter - but this could actually pay dividends for a Spurs side who have lacked clarity and dynamism in the build-up.

As per Sofascore, he has already created seven big chances in the French top flight, and having averaged 5.3 ball recoveries per game, he has the energy and drive to promote Frank's hard-working philosophy too.

With sights set on landing a high-class centre-forward at some stage too, this might be a fantastic signing for Frank's system, with Akliouche boasting a "left foot made of gold", as has been said by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

And while he lacks the clinical edge of Son and Semenyo, his athleticism and natural wellspring of creativity do underline his potential to become a superstar in north London.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has praised him for his "ridiculous" technical quality, and this is exactly the kind of progressive signing that Tottenham need to make to achieve balance and fluency in the final third while maintaining a combativeness that will plug holes over leaky defensive areas.

Ultimately, Tottenham need to make a series of signings to return to the ascendancy, but by landing Akliouche, a winger with the potential to make the fans forget all about Semenyo, they would be taking a strong step in the right direction.

Tottenham Hotspur are now among the clubs most keen on signing a "spectacular" Champions League forward, but it could take a huge bid to tempt his club into a sale.

Spurs eyeing new forward with Semenyo set to join Man City

Tottenham are looking to sign a new forward in the upcoming transfer window, with AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo being identified as a target, but it now appears as though the Ghanaian could be heading to a rival Premier League club.

Indeed, Manchester City have seemingly won the race for Semenyo, as a move to the Etihad Stadium would provide him with the platform to compete for major trophies.

Consequently, Spurs will presumably have to move on to alternative targets, and it was recently revealed that Man City ace Savinho has now emerged as a serious option.

However, the Lilywhites are also considering options from further afield, with a report from TEAMtalk revealing they are now among the clubs most keen on signing Juventus star Kenan Yildiz, alongside Chelsea, while Arsenal have also expressed an interest.

Yildiz is Tottenham's 'dream' attacking target, having emerged as one of football’s 'most exciting breakout talents', but it could take a huge bid to tempt the Italian club into sanctioning a sale, with a £88m price tag recently being touted.

The report also provides an update on the Turk's future at Juventus, with it stating the Serie A side's new sporting director, Marco Ottolini, is expected to open talks over a new contract, and there is an awareness the 20-year-old would prefer to remain in Turin.

"Spectacular" Yildiz could be solid Semenyo alternative

It is disappointing that Tottenham have seemingly missed out on Semenyo, as the Ghana international has already proven himself in England, scoring eight goals in 16 Premier League outings this term, while also providing three assists.

However, the Juventus star has proven that he could be a solid alternative, having put in some top performances this season, weighing in with five goals and four assists in 15 Serie A matches.

Scout Jacek Kulig has also waxed lyrical about the Germany-born starlet, lauding him for his ability to make "spectacular solo runs", which have been on display since making his breakthrough at Juventus.

Tottenham Hotspur look as though they will be active once again this winter, that’s despite splashing over £100m on new additions during the summer.

Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons both made the move to North London during the summer window, but have both had to bide their time to make a positive impact under Thomas Frank.

The pair have been able to net just three Premier League goals between them to date, undoubtedly contributing to the currently lowly standing in England’s top-flight.

Undoubtedly, the pair will need time to settle into the plans of the Dane, but ultimately, the 52-year-old will want added reinforcements to save his job after the worrying start.

As a result, the hierarchy have been exploring potential options ahead of the January window, which could lead to numerous moves for multiple top-level attackers.

Spurs want move for top-level Premier League talent

Antoine Semenyo has been the name on every Spurs fan’s lips over the last couple of months, but it appears the Ghanaian international won’t be joining Frank’s side this January.

He was seen as one of the Lilywhites’ main targets ahead of the winter window, but the player himself has said he wouldn’t be keen on a switch to North London.

Manchester United and Manchester City now both look set to battle it out for his signature, which could help the Lilywhites in the pursuit of their latest target this winter.

After chasing his signature in the summer transfer window, Frank’s men look set to ignite their interest in landing City star Savinho after attempting to land the Brazilian during the off-season.

According to TEAMtalk, the 21-year-old could be allowed to depart the Etihad this window, especially if a move for Semenyo materialises over the next couple of weeks.

Reporter Dean Jones told the publication: "They want new attacking edge but they know they also need a back-up list of options. Savinho is one player who is part of that. The feeling is he might be more attainable than the others, but the problem will be finding a price-point that is agreeable to Manchester City."

Amid claims in the summer that he could cost around £69m, it was suggested that the player was actually 'keen' on heading to north London, so watch this space.

Why Savinho would be the perfect Semenyo alternative

Missing out on key targets has been a recurring theme for Spurs over the last couple of months, with the summer window one that was full of failed additions.

Morgan Gibbs-White was seen as the club’s number one for the attacking midfield position, but they missed out on his signature after he penned a new deal at the City Ground.

Eberechi Eze was a player who was pursued after the Forest star agreed his new deal, but unfortunately for the Lilywhites, they also missed out on his signature.

He subsequently joined North London rivals Arsenal for a reported £60m fee and scored a hat-trick for Mikel Arteta’s men in the triumph at the Emirates back in November.

The fans will be hoping the same doesn’t happen this window, with any potential move for Savinho finally getting completed and avoiding letting another player slip through their grasp.

Whilst Semenyo would still likely remain as many of the fans’ first choice for the role, the Brazilian has all the tools to be the perfect alternative in the winter window.

His stats from the Premier League this campaign showcase his impressive form under Pep Guardiola, with the youngster potentially being an excellent pick up for Frank’s men.

Savinho, who’s been dubbed “exceptional” by one analyst, has only registered one assist in the league to date, but it’s his underlying figures that showcase his talent in 2025/26.

He’s completed 1.4 dribbles and 37 passes per 90, with both tallies putting him in the top 15% of all attackers in the division - showcasing the threat he carries in possession.

The 21-year-old has also averaged 8.1 touches in the opposition box per 90, whilst winning 1.9 fouls per 90 - further highlighting the talent he offers in attacking areas.

Other numbers, such as 1.1 shots on target and a 24% cross success rate, demonstrate his final product in the final third, which could make him the perfect answer to the current attacking issues.

Semenyo looks to be the latest player to slip through the Spurs net, but the hierarchy must ensure that same doesn’t happen with Savinho in the upcoming window.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the City sensation would cost this winter, but it’s evident that he would be the perfect alternative after missing out on the Ghanaian’s signature.

It is promising to see that Thomas Frank has the backing of the Tottenham Hotspur board, who are ready to back their struggling manager in the transfer market this January.

Clearly, investment is needed. Spurs are 14th in the Premier League table, which is progress after last year's flirtation with the drop zone, but still so far beneath the expected standard down N17.

But while Tottenham need to make signings - especially in wide attacking positions - they have been buffeted by a winter hailstorm when regarding Antoine Semenyo, with Sky Sports revealing they have ended their interest in the Bournemouth winger as Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United all intensify their intrigue.

Son Heung-min aside, Tottenham have often found their wingers to have flattered to deceive in recent years. They need to get it right now, especially if long-term interest in Semenyo is to come to nought.

How Spurs can react to missing out on Semenyo

There's no question that Semenyo is a top talent. He has scored eight goals and supplied three more in the Premier League this season, with such power and dynamism in his performances.

However, Tottenham might have their own version already in Mikey Moore, who is out on loan in the Scottish Premiership with Rangers. The 18-year-old is a fantastic dribbler with a low centre of gravity and a strong core.

However, Tottenham need to continue repurposing their flanks. There are too many planks of driftwood about the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and this has been a recurring theme for a while.

Take Erik Lamela, for example. The old Lilywhites winger joined from Roma for about £26m in 2013, a part of that influx of players who replaced Gareth Bale when the Welshman went to Real Madrid for a world-record fee. He had natural talent, but he largely flattered to deceive, scoring only 17 times in the Premier League across 177 appearances. Only twice did he record more than two goals in any single league campaign.

Signing Lamela after Bale left for Los Blancos is a blundered spin of events that could be attributed to the current situation, should Tottenham fail to land the right target.

However, whoever the north Londoners bring in, they may want to cash in on another flop who actually makes the Argentine look like a good signing.

Spurs must sell "frightening" winger

As the January transfer window looms large, Tottenham have compiled a list of targets to strengthen Frank's squad. Semenyo is joined by the likes of RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande and Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo in being on the radar, as per TEAMtalk.

These would be expensive deals to strike, so Spurs might want to place emphasis on shipping Brennan Johnson out, with the £100k-per-week winger having fallen by the wayside this season.

Johnson, 23, scored 19 goals across all competitions last season, including the winner in the Europa League final against Manchester United, but his general play leaves plenty to be desired. Simply, Tottenham need to be ruthless and ensure he leaves next month to underline their ambitions.

The Wales international is a wanted man, with Crystal Palace pushing to complete a loan move when the January market swings open.

A prolific wide forward, Johnson simply doesn't offer enough, and this is inhibiting a Spurs side struggling for creativity and fluidity through the thirds.

Indeed, Johnson might be praised for his "frightening pace" by the likes of content creator HLTCO, but he doesn't utilise his weaponry in an effective way.

FBref data further underlines Johnson's deficiencies, with it revealed that the Wales international ranks among the bottom 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions (1.25) completed per 90.

Shot-creating actions are pieces of play that lead to a shot. These include moments such as a pass, take-on or foul being drawn.

You can see why Frank is reluctant to give him regular minutes in the Premier League. Johnson has a natural goalscoring sense, but he flattered to deceive when looking at his wider gameplay.

Lamela, on the other hand, did offer something when welcomed to the field, with his Puskas-winning goal in the North London Derby a case in point. Club legend Ossie Ardiles even believed that the retired 33-year-old was "more skilled than Bale" when in his heyday.

If Tottenham are to kick on, they need to make sure Johnson, a player offering extremely little, less than Lamela, is shipped on.

An "incredible" Premier League forward is now an attainable target for Tottenham Hotspur in 2026, following a new update on their pursuit of Antoine Semenyo.

Spurs set to miss out on Semenyo

It now appears as though Tottenham are set to miss out on the signing of AFC Bournemouth star Semenyo, despite being willing to offer him a big contract, with the forward more keen to join rival Premier League clubs.

As such, Spurs have subsequently started to scour the market for other new attackers, and they are exploring a move for Manchester City's Omar Marmoush, who scored in Egypt's 2-1 victory against Zimbabwe at AFCON on Monday evening.

Marmoush is not the only Man City forward of interest to the north Londoners, however, with transfer insider Dean Jones telling TEAMtalk that Savinho is an attainable target for the Lilywhites in 2026, despite missing out in the summer transfer window.

City blocked the Brazilian's departure at that point, as they didn't believe they would be able to bring in a top replacement, but a move could be possible next year, and he is a more viable target for Thomas Frank than Semenyo, Maghnes Akliouche and Yan Diomande.

Speaking about Tottenham's transfer plans, Jones added: "I like the fact that Spurs want to raise the ceiling of what is possible but obviously they are not helped by the fact this season has not started well,

"They want new attacking edge but they know they also need a back-up list of options. Savinho is one player who is part of that."

"Incredible" Savinho may need to leave Man City

Despite being lauded as "incredible" by Pep Guardiola, the 21-year-old has found game time hard to come by in the Premier League this season, predominantly being used as a substitute, with Jeremy Doku getting the nod at left-wing.

However, the £50k-a-week winger has impressed when given the opportunity, recently grabbing an assist in a five-minute cameo against Crystal Palace, while also scoring and making several key contributions in a 2-0 EFL Cup triumph against Brentford.

With Man City also in the race for Semenyo, however, the 13-time Brazil international is at risk of falling down the pecking order even further, so he may need to leave his current club, in order to avoid his development being hampered.

Savinho, who provided ten Premier League assists last season, could be an exciting long-term addition to Tottenham's squad, so it is promising news that a deal could be possible next year.

Tottenham Hotspur have pulled out of the race for in-demand Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. Call it pragmatic, but ENIC Group have recognised the waning odds of pulling off a deal as the Premier League's elite all ramp up the gas.

Semenyo, 25, has been one of the standout forwards in English football this season, scoring eight goals and providing three assists in the top flight. Tottenham have been keen for a while, but now they can reorient their attention to new targets, with Thomas Frank's side in need of attacking investment this winter.

The current position of the board is that Frank needs time to put Tottenham's troubles to rights. The Londoners are 14th in the Premier League at Christmas, their home form is wretched, and creative levels are at a low ebb.

With Semenyo off the cards - having reportedly rejected the Lilywhites - sporting director Johan Lange is indeed turning to alternatives.

Spurs searching for a Semenyo alternative

Brennan Johnson has been well out of form this season, and he has been slated for a winter transfer to Crystal Palace.

It is unlikely that the Welshman's prospective move would be scuppered by failure in the bid for Semenyo, so Frank will surely look to sign an alternative, having actually already earmarked a few.

Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo is a player of interest, but a winter deal for the Brazilian seems unfeasible. Manchester City talent Savinho is also on the list, but the Brazilian's future hinges on a number of moving parts.

With this in mind, Tottenham are intensifying their efforts for RB Leipzig's rising star Yan Diomande, according to TEAMtalk, with the report noting he is one of the players they have 'looked' at.

Diomande, 19, has been one of the most exciting breakthrough stars in Germany this year, fast and furious and clinical in front of goal. He is valued at £80m already, and numerous elite outfits are interested too.

Why Spurs should sign Yan Diomande

Diomande is in the fledgling phase of his senior career, but sometimes you can just tell. Having left Leganes to sign for Leipzig during the summer, the Ivory Coast prospect has scored seven goals and supplied four assists across 16 matches in all competitions.

A versatile and dynamic winger, Diomande has been hailed as a "special, special footballer" by journalist and youth scout Antonio Mango, becoming an instrumental part of Leipzig's attack after a breakout year in Spain that saw him feature only ten times in La Liga, scoring twice.

Now, he sits at some high-ranking tables, with data-driven platform FBref revealing that across Europe's top five leagues, he ranks among the top 2% of positional peers for non-penalty goals, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for progressive carries, the top 1% for successful take-ons and the top 12% for tackles per 90.

A successful take-on is recorded when a player beats their opponent by directly carrying the ball past them while retaining possession.

Diomande would not only be an interesting Semenyo alternative but a player whose quality could see him take the throne as Spurs' best wide forward from the get-go, maybe even trumping Mohamed Kudus in that regard.

Kudus joined Tottenham from West Ham this summer for £55m, two years' Premier League under his belt. Though Tottenham's creative sharpness has lacked something this year, the Ghanaian has been a bright spark, endowed with such pace and directness down the right flank.

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes is the only man to have racked up more assists so far this season, but Kudus has not been a relentless creator, and that's something he needs to work on.

He's a talented player, but Diomande's ceiling reaches a higher level, with coach Harry Brook of the opinion that he will "be worth £100m plus" down the line. His rip-roaring start to life in the Bundesliga certainly leans toward that outcome.

It says something of Diomande's potential that he is already being billed as a talent who could outstrip an established Premier League star such as Kudus.

The teenage talent has much still to learn, but even so, he would shine in Frank's Tottenham team, perhaps living up to the billing and becoming the talisman that the north Londoners have been craving since Heung-min Son left and Harry Kane before him.

Chelsea have now submitted an enquiry to sign a "fantastic" star, who recently turned down a move to Tottenham Hotspur, but there could be fierce competition for his signature...

Blues keen to strengthen squad amid Maresca uncertainty

Enzo Maresca claimed the 48 hours prior to the 2-0 victory against Everton earlier this month were his worst since taking over at Stamford Bridge, and Jamie Carragher went on to claim the Italian won't remain in west London beyond the end of the season.

The Sky Sports pundit said: "I don't think Maresca's manager at Chelsea next season. When you come out and speak about your ownership like that and you speak in public, that's a big problem.

"And it's not uncertain [who he is speaking about], he's speaking about the owner and the sporting directors."

Since then, there has been even more speculation about Maresca's future, with it being revealed Manchester City are targeting the 45-year-old as a successor to Pep Guardiola.

The prospect of taking over at City, who have won six of the last eight Premier League titles, would surely be enticing. However, should Chelsea show ambition in the transfer market, Maresca may be tempted to stay, and they have now submitted an enquiry over a January deal for AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

That is according to an update from Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas on X, who states the Blues are now looking at the "conditions" of a deal, although there could be fierce competition for Semenyo's signature, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool keen.

Tottenham Hotspur were also in the race at one stage, but David Ornstein recently revealed the Ghanaian has now snubbed a move to north London.

Semenyo could be "fantastic" signing for Chelsea

On Tuesday morning, reporter Ben Jacobs revealed it is probable the 25-year-old will leave Bournemouth during the upcoming transfer window, but interested parties will have to move quickly, as the £65m release clause expires after ten days.

It is clear to see why the Bournemouth star is attracting such widespread interest, receiving high praise from Spurs boss Thomas Frank, who said: "Semenyo can play wherever he wants to play - he's a fantastic player. I think he's been the best individual player for Bournemouth this season."

Indeed, the Ghana international is versatile, having featured across the front three throughout his career, and he has chipped in with eight goals and three assists in the Premier League this season.

The former Bristol City man has also vastly outperformed his xG over the past year, averaging 0.36 non-penalty goals per 90, having been expected to average 0.24, which indicates he is a clinical finisher.

Liam Delap has struggled to make an impact this season, and Semenyo's goal record suggests he could be capable of pushing to start at striker for Chelsea.

It’s very rare in the modern professional game that footballers can spend a decade at the same club, but Heung-min Son managed just that for Tottenham Hotspur.

The South Korean joined the Lilywhites from Bayer Leverkusen back in the summer of 2015 as an unknown quantity to many supporters, but it’s safe to say he’s now one of the Premier League’s best-ever attackers.

The winger racked up over 450 appearances between 2015 and 2025 in North London, scoring 173 times, which ranks him fourth in the club’s all-time goalscoring charts.

However, Son would leave the side this summer in a £20m deal, subsequently joining MLS outfit LAFC, leaving new boss Thomas Frank with the mammoth task of replacing the fan-favourite.

He’s utilised numerous players in unfamiliar roles to try and soften the blow of his departure, but it could lead to a return to the transfer market to finally fill the void.

Spurs considering more for top-level left-wing talent

Over recent weeks, rumours have been circling over a potential deal for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo after his incredible tally of eight goals and three assists this season.

However, the Ghanaian international is currently massively in demand, with Manchester City and Manchester United keen on triggering his £65m release clause.

Frank’s men were one of the sides also in the race to land the 25-year-old talent, but have since pulled out of the race, due to concerns over his lack of interest in a move to North London.

As a result, other targets have had to be considered in recent weeks, which has led to rumours over a deal to land Ajax star Mika Godts ahead of the January window.

According to TEAMtalk, the Lilywhites are very interested in signing him and have now been spotted scouting the Belgian over recent weeks. He's one of Europe's hottest prospects, registering seven goals and six assists in his 15 Eredivisie appearances.

The report also states his current employers want to keep hold of the 20-year-old, but they could be powerless if an acceptable offer presents itself in the coming months.

Why Godts would be a bigger talent than Semenyo for Spurs

Given the record produced by Semenyo in the Premier League this season, there’s little doubt that many Spurs fans will have wanted to secure a deal for his signature.

However, given his rejection over a move to North London, it’s crucial that the hierarchy act quickly on other targets to avoid suffering the same fate in the months ahead.

As previously mentioned, the left-wing position has been a huge issue in 2025/26, with Frank and the club desperately needing a solution in the upcoming window.

Whilst he features on the opposite side of the pitch, winger Brennan Johnson also looks set to depart the Lilywhites, which would no doubt further fuel the need for added reinforcements.

As a result, a deal for Godts this window could make perfect sense, with the 20-year-old being the ideal option for the immediate and long-term future in North London.

Whilst it’s unclear how much he would cost Frank’s men this window, he’s showcased his talents already this campaign, with his numbers highlighting the quality he possesses.

He’s even managed to outperform Semenyo in numerous key areas throughout 2025/26, which no doubt makes him a bigger talent for the years ahead.

Godts, who’s been described as a "huge talent" and as "one of the most interesting creative wingers in Europe" by scout Jacek Kulig, has registered more combined goals and assists to date, whilst also posting a better goal per shot on target rate.

Such numbers undoubtedly make him a bigger threat in front of goal than the Cherries star, something which the Lilywhites have desperately lacked - with only one player scoring more than five league goals this season.

The Belgian has also completed more progressive passes per 90, with more of his efforts being labelled as key passes - which could hand those around him the perfect chance to bolster their own tallies.

Godts best asset is undoubtedly his dribbling, which is demonstrated in his domination over Semenyo, subsequently registering more carries into the final third, whilst achieving a better take-on success rate.

He’s also added an end product to his game, as seen with his higher tally of crosses completed, which has no doubt allowed him to reach his incredible assist tally in 2025/26.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for Godts would cost the Lilywhites board this winter, it’s clear that they would be landing an incredible talent in their quest for success.

Missing out on Semenyo will no doubt be a bitter blow, but it could prove to be a blessing in disguise if they are able to complete a deal for the Belgian in the coming weeks.

At just 20, he truly does have the world at his feet, with a move to the Premier League the perfect step to allow him to progress and develop into a world-class talent.

Tottenham Hotspur aren't in a fantastic spot at the start of the Christmas period. Thomas Frank's side have been inconsistent in the Premier League, only winning six of 17 matches, and thus, languish in 13th place.

This is actually an improvement on last year under Ange Postecoglou's wing, with the Europa League-winning manager's single-track-minded attack on the continental front coming at the expense of any kind of fluency in England.

Frank has been under-fire for much of his tenure this season, but Spurs have been through many head coaches in recent years, and the reins must not be taken from him until he has had long enough to build a lasting project.

Where, then, are the Lilywhites meant to go? Well, there's no question that Frank needs more leadership from his key personnel, and the recent loss to Liverpool raises the question as to whether Cristian Romero is the best fit to wear the armband.

Why Romero may not be the best fit as captain

Romero was aggrieved when Hugo Ekitike's goal was allowed to stand. The Argentina centre-back felt he had been shoved by the 23-year-old striker, and his every movement was trailed by a haze of red mist thereafter.

He was a ticking time bomb, and journalist Alex Crook even went down the incendiary route of labelling the 27-year-old as representing "all that's wrong with Tottenham".

That's somewhat harsh, as was the follow-up that the skipper is an "absolute liability". However, there is a truth in there, with Romero lacking the composure and subsequent calming effect on his teammates.

Heung-min Son led Spurs to a trophy, ending the club's interminable drought. Romero, perhaps, was the wrong man to don the armband after him, but Spurs do actually have a Romero upgrade cutting his teeth who may replace him in more ways than one down the line.

Spurs already have a Romero upgrade

The likes of Kevin Danso and Ben Davies make up numbers in the Tottenham senior squad, but neither of them is good enough to cement regular starting berths under Frank's wing.

However, with time and care and determination, Luka Vuskovic has what it takes to become a superstar down N17, a defender with the potential to leap past Romero and Micky van de Ven.

Aside from the fact that he's an elite prospect, Vuskovic has also been hailed as a "monster defender" and a "natural leader" by analyst Daniel Scouting, and his performances on loan in the Bundesliga with Hamburger SV have showcased his capacity to succeed in the Premier League.

His metrics already show him to have similarities and perhaps even gains on someone like Romero, winning an obscene amount of duels despite his youth.

He has the trappings of a colossal, world-class centre-back. Vuskovic is only 18. He truly has everything he needs to become a Premier League sensation, perhaps emulating Son before him in becoming a stalwart captain for Spurs. A "freak talent", as he has been called by analyst Ben Mattinson, the sky is the limit for this talented teenager.

Son left the club during the summer, and it's probably fair to say that Romero has not quite matched his influence in terms of influence as a captain, with his recent red card evidence of that.

Vuskovic is only young, but he could go from strength to strength not as a formidable defender but an all-inspiring leader besides. A future captain. After all, content creator Fiago has even claimed he's "the best 18-year-old center back I've ever seen in my life."

Vuskovic certainly has the skills, aggression and confidence to rival the likes of Romero in the future, and his natural-born leadership could see him prove an upgrade on a ferocious Argentine who is thwarted by his own recklessness and hot-headedness.

Last week, it was made known that Thomas Frank had sat down with ENIC Group and left that meeting with the backing of the Tottenham Hotspur board.

But, since then, the Londoners have fallen to another home defeat, this time against struggling Liverpool, and the pressure is unquestionably cranking up. Still, pundits like Jamie Redknapp have reiterated the stance that the Danish coach needs time to right the many wrongs down N17.

Redknapp is right, and Tottenham's star players need to step up. However, with the defenders leaving much to be desired, who is it within the Lilywhites squad who has what it takes to step up and guide the squad back to the forefront of Premier League football?

Who can lead Frank's Spurs side to success

In recent years, Tottenham have lost Harry Kane and Heung-min Son to overseas moves. It's difficult to argue that such talismanic figures have been effectively replaced.

Now, new stars need to step up. Whether Cristian Romero is the one to lead the charge is open to debate, with the Argentine skipper sent off after kicking out at Ibrahima Konate at the weekend.

Spurs need players to step up, leading the club to success after a first half of the 2025/26 campaign that has underlined the fact that there are too many pieces of driftwood about Frank's outfit.

Too often, Spurs have launched big-money bids for the likes of Richarlison and Dominic Solanke. Both arrived to the tune of £60m or so, and it's hard to argue that either striker has been a bona fide success.

The worst of the lot would have to be Tanguy Ndombele, who was the club-record arrival when he joined from Lyon for £63m in 2019.

Journalist Paul Brown called the lazy France midfielder "one of the worst signings Spurs have ever made". It would be hard to replicate such a dismal deal, but ENIC Group may be worried they have done exactly that this summer.

ENIC must worry they've signed Ndombele 2.0

The Lewis Family didn't enjoy a flawless summer transfer window by any stretch, but there's no question that the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons arrived as talented additions capable of driving Tottenham back into the domestic ascendancy.

Simons, 22, joined Tottenham from RB Leipzig for an initial £51m fee this summer, and his arrival caused a fanfare, given Chelsea had shown a vested interest for many months before.

However, it's been tough for the Dutchman to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League, with content creator Ronaldo Brown even asserting that he has been "swallowed" in the English top flight this season.

Having started to kick on, Simons lunged too far against Liverpool, receiving red in the first half after a studs-up challenge against his Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk.

Branded for a moment of "reckless stupidity" by Sky Sports co-commentator Gary Neville, Simons will know miss a crucial run of fixtures after a recent uptick in form, scoring his first goals for the club in December and maintaining promising creative levels.

There's nothing wrong with Simons' application, but his over-zealousness and high technical bar suggest he may well have a bit of Ndombele-itis about him, and this is something that Frank will need to swiftly fix if his project is to be a success, having worked with the board to secure this coveted playmaker for a hefty fee.

After all, Simons ranks among the top 10% of positional peers in the Premier League this season for passes attempted, the top 6% for progressive passes and the top 14% for tackles per 90, as per FBref, so he's got the fullness of skillset to succeed.

A pass is considered progressive if the distance between the starting point and the next touch is at least 10 meters closer to the opponent's goal or any completed pass into the penalty area.

However, it could be said that the same was true for Ndombele. He's one of the most technically gifted players we've seen in Spurs colours this decade, but the application of his skillset was too inconsistent. He became an easy scapegoat and his time in the capital ended in tears and with a hefty dent in the club's wallet.

Spurs cannot afford to fall by the wayside here. Neither can Frank. Neither can Simons.