Football FanCast

Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer business has often been brought into question over recent years, especially during Daniel Levy’s tenure at the helm in North London.

The former chairman was often blasted by supporters for his lack of spending in the transfer market, but it’s safe to say the Lilywhites have splashed the cash in recent seasons.

Back in the summer of 2024, the hierarchy forked out a reported £65m for the signature of striker Dominic Solanke - with such a move breaking the club’s record transfer.

Since the summer of 2022, the Lilywhites have spent just shy of £700m on new additions alone, which highlights the backing the board have shown to various managers.

One player has recently made the move to North London, but the early signs don’t appear to be as positive as many of the club’s supporters were hoping for.

The stats behind Conor Gallagher’s start to life at Spurs

During the winter transfer window, Spurs forked out a fee in the region of £34m for the signature of midfielder Conor Gallagher in an attempt to bolster the quality at the heart of the side.

The Englishman’s move certainly divided opinion amongst the fanbase, with the people who were against such a move starting to look as though their scepticism was correct.

He’s so far featured in five matches since his transfer from the LaLiga giants, but he’s been unable to catch the eye - with his stats showcasing his struggles in North London.

The 26-year-old has only managed to complete 81% of the passes he’s attempted to date, which ranks him in the bottom 20% of all midfielders in the division this season.

He’s also won just 1.5 tackles per 90 since his switch back to the Premier League, which is no doubt a tally much lower than the fans expected, given his tally out of possession.

There’s little denying that Gallagher has so far failed to hit the heights expected of him, which could certainly increase the pressure on him to succeed after such a transfer.

The Spurs star who’s now worth more than Gallagher

As previously mentioned, Spurs have spent a pretty penny on new additions in recent years, but not all of their investments have been on big-money reinforcements.

Pape Matar Sarr is just one player who has made the move to join the Lilywhites in recent years, with the Senegalese international arriving for a reported £16m in the summer of 2022.

He’s since racked up over 100 appearances in North London, even scoring on 11 occasions and often popping up in key moments within the final third of the pitch.

However, he’s not the only teenager to have moved to Spurs to further their career, with Swedish star Lucas Bergvall doing the same thing back in the summer of 2024.

The hierarchy forked out a reported £8m for the 20-year-old from homeland club Djurgarden, even beating the likes of Barcelona to secure a move for his signature.

Many anticipated the teenager would originally link up with the club’s academy setup, but the extensive injury list last season handed him the perfect chance to stake his claim for a first-team spot.

Bergvall managed to feature in 45 matches across all competitions under Ange Postecoglou, subsequently playing a vital role in the success in the Europa League.

As a result of his tremendous performances in North London, the youngster received huge praise - including from The Athletic’s JJ Bull, who compared him to Luka Modrić.

"[Bergvall] has a first touch like Modric, you can fire it at him and he’s got it controlled. Think you can tell a lot about a player by first touch. Anyway, Bergvall is properly ace." JJ Bull on Bergvall.

Such praise is huge for such a young talent, especially considering the player he was being compared to was a fan-favourite with the Lilywhites - before winning six Champions League titles with Real Madrid.

The 2025/26 campaign has been an injury-hit season for Bergvall, as seen by his tally of just 26 appearances across all competitions under Frank’s guidance.

He's set to return to full fitness in the months ahead, which could allow him to be a key member of the squad under the guidance of temporary boss Igor Tudor.

However, his lack of action hasn’t stopped his market value from soaring in recent months, with the youngster now valued at £35m by Transfermarkt - an increase of £27m.

Such a valuation is now higher than that of new addition Gallagher, with the Englishman now worth just £30m despite his recent winter transfer from Atlético Madrid.

Bergvall is just one example of the excellent business that can be conducted in North London, with the 20-year-old still having a huge future ahead of him at the club.

However, given the huge fee spent on his signature and his lack of impact, the pressure is undoubtedly mounting on the new addition to stamp his authority at the heart of the side.

Aston Villa have now set their sights on signing a Tottenham Hotspur star after already launching an enquiry in the January transfer window.

Aston Villa plotting move to sign Tottenham star

It wouldn't be absurd to suggest that Aston Villa have replaced Tottenham in the Premier League's top six. The Villans are aiming for their second top four finish in three seasons and even had their eye on the title race at one stage, before injuries caught up to Unai Emery's side.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are on a crash course towards back-to-back bottom half finishes and must hope that interim boss Igor Tudor hits the ground running amid relegation concerns.

Villa's rise has been a sensational watch under Emery and they could get even better if they navigate their way past PSR issues this summer.

To that end, several potential targets are already emerging in the Midlands. Reports have name-dropped the likes of James Trafford and there's no doubt that he'd be an excellent addition.

The Manchester City shot-stopper recently cut a frustrated figure after admitting that he wasn't expecting to play a backup role when rejoining the Citizens in the summer.

With Gianluigi Donnarumma likely to keep hold of City's No.1 spot for years to come, Trafford could yet be on the move again this summer - allowing Villa to swoop in.

Signing Premier League stars could be the trend of their summer, too. According to TeamTalk, Aston Villa are also plotting a move to sign Lucas Bergvall from Tottenham this summer in a deal which would see them get one over on the Lilywhites after taking their top six place.

Bergvall would thrive under Unai Emery

Whilst some may be quick to warn young midfielders about joining Aston Villa, Bergvall is not Harvey Elliott. The Tottenham midfielder is a mainstay in North London and he wouldn't be completing an exit in pursuit of game time. He'd be joining Villa as an established star looking to make his mark on a bigger stage.

Dubbed "excellent" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 23-year-old has been one of few bright sparks at Tottenham in the last 18 months and the praise of Glenn Hoddle echoed that last year.

The former Tottenham and England player was left blown away by Bergvall, saying: "He’s just going to grow and grow. He’s learnt so quickly. Some people take two seasons to grow and progress.

"He’s improved in such a quick space of time. What he’s going to be like when he’s 23, 24 is going to be frightening."

Arsenal have been gifted a double injury boost ahead of their looming North London derby clash with Tottenham this weekend, with Igor Tudor made to sweat ahead of his Spurs debut in the dugout.

Top of the Premier League, still alive in the FA Cup, a title race that is very much theirs to lose. Life is good at Arsenal right now, and Mikel Arteta knows it.

Wednesday night's trip to Wolves is a fixture the Gunners simply cannot slip up in.

Wolves are a side fighting for their lives at the wrong end of the table, and that alone makes Molineux a dangerous place — the kind of ground where a complacent performance can cost you dearly, even if Rob Edwards' side are practically doomed.

Arteta will have drilled that message home to his players. There is no room for looking past anyone in a title race this tight.

Viktor Gyokeres, who has found the net in three of his last four Premier League outings, will likely again lead the line in the absence of those unavailable.

Bukayo Saka is expected to return to the starting XI after being managed carefully against Wigan at the weekend, with Leandro Trossard and Noni Madueke competing for the third spot in what could be a lively attacking front three.

Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi look set to anchor the midfield, with Eberechi Eze given the creative responsibility in behind.

It is in that attacking midfield role that Arsenal have felt a nagging absence.

The man who makes this team tick — who pulls the strings, drives the tempo and lifts those around him — has not been fit. And his deputy has been missing too.

Both will sit out Wolves, but here is where the news gets significantly brighter.

Arsenal given Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz injury boost ahead of Tottenham

Speaking to the media today, Arteta confirmed that Kai Havertz and captain Martin Odegaard are both in line to return against Spurs this weekend.

The high-earning duo's possible comebacks against Tudor's men gift the Gunners a very welcome boost, with Arteta saying that he is 'hopeful' both can play a part this weekend.

"For Wolves he’s [Odegaard] not going to be fit. But for Sunday, we’re very hopeful that he can be with us," said the Spaniard.

"Kai is the other one that again, for the weekend is a possibility, so looking forward to having him in the squad."

Odegaard has been nursing a knee issue that flared during the 1-1 draw with Brentford — an injury he admitted left him "very sore" the morning after.

Havertz, meanwhile, has been sidelined with a muscle problem picked up earlier this month, with the initial prognosis suggesting a longer lay-off.

The fact both could be available at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is massive.

Sunday is not just another Premier League fixture, it is a North London derby at a ground where Spurs are now operating under new interim manager Tudor following the sacking of Thomas Frank.

Spurs are wobbling, Arsenal are flying, and a win would send an emphatic statement to every title rival still breathing down their necks.

Getting Odegaard and Havertz back for that occasion would feel like pulling two aces out of the pack at exactly the right moment.

Arteta rarely gets his timing wrong. He may be about to do it again.

Tottenham Hotspur have now set their sights on hiring a manager who has never lost a Premier League game following Igor Tudor's interim spell.

Tudor: No "time for excuses" at Tottenham

Tottenham surprised everyone by turning towards Tudor last week. The Lilywhites were on the hunt for an interim boss until the end of the season after sacking Thomas Frank and landed on the Croatian, who Juventus sacked back in October.

He's a manager who has thrived in mid-season revival roles in Italy and someone that must now do the same in North London, where Tottenham sit just five points above the dropzone.

Tudor enters with an extensive injury list and a disastrous run of form to handle, but "there is no time to find excuses" as far as he is concerned.

He told reporters: "First priority is to give everything the team needs in these moments. The team need, I believe, first of all, to get some confidence, to get some courage, but also, in same way, the concrete things in the pitch.

"Of course, I’m coming here knowing that situation is not easy. There is no time to find excuses. What I said from the first day here, each of us, need to give something something more, something extra."

The new Tottenham coach then continued, saying: "The position of the club in this moment is one that nobody can accept. Every Tottenham fan cannot accept the situation. We are aware of that. But it’s not enough to just be aware of that."

The former Juventus boss certainly spoke with intent and Tottenham will be hoping that he makes an instant impact, whilst they continue to assess long-term options such as Edin Terzic and others.

Tottenham "keeping tabs" on Michael Carrick

One of those long-term names could be a familiar face. According to former Spurs scout Mick Brown, Tottenham are now "keeping tabs" on Michael Carrick and could hire the interim Manchester United manager if he doesn't take the permanent job at Old Trafford this summer.

"Tottenham are keeping tabs on Michael Carrick.

"He’s obviously got connections at the club after his time there as a player, the same as he does at Man United, so he’ll be on their radar if he is available.

"They’ve been impressed by the job he’s done at United in the short time he’s had."

Carrick is yet to lose a Premier League game as a manager, having taken charge of seven Premier League games, won five and drawn twice.

That record becomes even more impressive when taking a deeper look at the managers that he's faced. Carrick has defeated Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta twice, held Thomas Tuchel to a draw and eased past Frank's Tottenham side.

It's no surprise that Jason Wilcox dubbed the former midfielder an "excellent coach" when handing him the interim role a few weeks ago, but it remains to be seen whether the United chief hands him the permanent job.

Instead, it could be Tottenham who welcome their former player back to the club following Tudor's interim spell this summer.

Igor Tudor has 12 games to save Tottenham Hotspur's season.

Of course, supporters will hope to see their club wade deep into the knockout stages of the Champions League and work their way to the final for the first time since 2019, when they agonisingly lost to Liverpool in Madrid.

But securing Premier League survival. It's madness that the Spurs project has devolved to this, and Tudor needs to quickly put it to rights, with the Londoners only five points ahead of West Ham United in the relegation zone.

Tudor is regarded as an adaptable tactician, and while Spurs have an overload of injuries, we think he might be able to implement his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, enforcing a number of noticeable changes.

While Antonin Kinsky will be hoping for a few chances between the sticks now that Frank's gone, it's unlikely that Guglielmo Vicario will be replaced.

The Italian has been well out of sorts this season, making mistakes and struggling for consistency. Even so, Tudor is bound to persist with the number one.

Dragusin has arguably entered the last-chance saloon at Tottenham. The 24-year-old missed most of 2025 with an ACL injury but has returned now and is not performing to the desired standard.

Interest from Italy emerged during the winter transfer window, so he'll need to produce a sharp upswing over the coming months.

Cristian Romero will miss three more Premier League fixtures before he completes the suspension he picked up against Manchester United, but there's no question that the skipper will shape Tudor's tenure across the business months.

However, the word on the street is that the 27-year-old wants to leave and Spanish suitors are making their interest known, so perhaps we're entering the final stretch of his time in Tottenham.

All eyes will be on Micky van de Ven at the business end of the campaign. The Dutchman is arguably Spurs' most popular player now that Heung-min Son's gone, and understandably so.

He's powerful and commanding and blisteringly quick. Van de Ven is the real deal and could prove the difference in Tudor restoring the backline to its maximum level.

The first truly contentious call. Pedro Porro would expect to slot onto the right flank in a revamped Spurs system, but the Spaniard has been woeful this season, unreliable and unconvincing.

Archie Gray, however, is stepping up where his senior teammates have plummeted, and with Harry Redknapp recently describing him as "future Tottenham captain" who "delivers wherever you play him".

In January, Tottenham signed Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid for £35m. A long-term target at N17, the industrious Englishman has proved a much-needed signing as Rodrigo Bentancur fell, like so many others, into the infirmary.

Gallagher might not be the most expansive playmaker, but he works hard and offers a multi-faceted skillset to charge Tudor's midfield.

Not much needs saying about Joao Palhinha. He's limited on the ball, but monstrous when looking to win it back. The tough-tackling machine will need Gallagher to maintain a strong level of form if he is to continue his steady role in the Lilywhites centre.

Porro may be cut aside, but Destiny Udogie has had that decision made for him, out injured once again.

With that in mind, it's likely that Djed Spence will reprise his moonlit role at left-back, having proved such an invaluable utility option for the north Londoners over the past few seasons.

Simons had started to play his way into form across the final weeks of Frank's stewardship, so the board will anticipate further gains across the remainder of the campaign as Tudor steadies the ship.

Hailed as a playmaker capable of making "magic" things happen on the ball by statistician Statman Dave, Tudor will need him to go from strength to strength now, especially as James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are still sidelined with long-term injuries.

Randal Kolo Muani has been reacquainted with Tudor, who he scored five times for at Juventus last season across only 11 matches. However, now is Mathys Tel's time to shine.

The mere fact that Thomas Frank has been relieved of his duties has already lifted the mood at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Danish coach had drawn a lot of praise for his efforts at Brentford, leading them into the big time and seeing them thrive, but there's no question that his tenure at Tottenham was a total disaster, sacked with the lowest win rate of any of the club's permanent managers in the Premier League.

Tudor has his work cut out, for sure, but the 47-year-old has the managerial style and authoritative managerial voice to whip this beleaguered bunch into shape.

How Tudor will improve Spurs

If Tottenham are going to bounce back, Tudor will need his biggest players to rise to the occasion. Cristian Romero and Pedro Porro are among the senior stars who have flattered to deceive, and that needs to change going forward.

The former Juventus boss is a cool head in a crisis. He will instil the right focus and mentality into a group of players who looked lost out at sea for much of Frank's tenure.

The new boss does need his players to be receptive, though. Indeed, what Tudor needs is for his senior Spurs stars to step up, taking responsibility and exuding control and composure on the pitch. He needs someone like Mousa Dembele.

Of course, that's easier said than done, with the retired Belgian considered to be "the best in the world" during his heyday, as was once said by Kevin De Bruyne.

Tudor might just find he has his own version of the iconic midfielder in his mix, but he's not actually found in the middle of the park.

Tudor could strike gold with the new Mousa Dembele

To say that Micky van de Ven is not found in midfield is actually a lie, for the Netherlands defender can be sighted dashing through the centre circle with speed that Usain Bolt would tip his hat to.

Ange's Spurs system was inherently difficult for a centre-back. However, Van de Ven has still settled into his role in the Premier League and convinced the likes of Liverpool that he is worth forking out £100m to sign.

Indeed, there is no player of a Spurs persuasion who boasts a bigger market value than the Netherlands star, who has actually been hailed as a physical "monster" by reporter Elliott Jackson.

This is corroborated by Transfermarkt, who have revealed him to be the club's most valuable player at €65m (£57m), even ahead of Romero and new recruit Xavi Simons, the latter of whom is projected to become one of the finest playmakers in the world.

This is true, but it's also true that Van de Ven boasts more technical quality than most. In this, he shares something with Dembele, who was also a left-footed carrier with an ability to glide past players, stepping up and making things happen.

Dembele, now 38, is remembered fondly to this day for his ability to stand out and shine among his peers, and it's safe to say that Van de Ven has done that.

After all, he's gone from strength to strength throughout a deeply difficult time for the Londoners. Take his precision in the duel, for example. Last season, Van de Ven won only 48% of his ground duels, whereas this year he has won 62%.

For a Tottenham side who have been so poor in the duel, this is most impressive, showing that like Dembele he has the focus to develop his natural talent even when the going gets tough.

Tudor will love him. Van de Ven is not flawless, but he's a unique and coveted centre-back who might just prove the difference over the next few months, especially if the new manager opts to field a three-man backline, thus unleashing the 24-year-old's athletic, fleet-footed qualities.

ENIC have been discussing a move for an "incredible" manager, with interim Tottenham Hotspur boss Igor Tudor set to leave at the end of the season.

Tudor set for baptism of fire in North London derby

Tottenham wasted no time bringing in a replacement for Thomas Frank, bringing in Tudor on an interim basis until the summer, but there are some doubts about whether the Croatian is the correct appointment.

Former Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has raised concerns about the 47-year-old, citing his lack of experience in the Premier League as a potential issue.

Of course, the North London derby is always one of the most important games of the season for Spurs, and Tudor is set for a baptism of fire when his side host Arsenal on Sunday.

With the Lilywhites currently just five points above the relegation zone, the former Juventus manager's number one priority is ensuring they remain in the Premier League for the 2026-27 campaign, at which point a new head coach is set to take the reins.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, ENIC have been discussing a move for Eddie Howe, given his vast Premier League experience, and the Tottenham hierarchy are becoming 'increasingly intrigued' by the Newcastle United manager.

Although the Magpies have fallen below their usual standards during the current season, Howe retains the full backing of the board, but there is growing interest from elsewhere, with Manchester United also keen.

Given the Englishman's progressive brand of football and ability to build a project, he has entered Spurs' thinking, but it could be difficult and expensive to prise him away from Newcastle.

Howe could be "incredible" Tudor heir

The 48-year-old has done a remarkable job at St. James' Park since arriving back in 2021, delivering Newcastle their first major trophy in 56 years by winning the EFL Cup final last season, with his side defeating Liverpool 2-1 in the final.

The Amersham-born manager has also secured Champions League qualification for the Magpies on two occasions, despite taking over when they were 19th in the Premier League table, which suggests he could be capable of turning around Spurs' fortunes in similar fashion.

Former Tottenham defender Michael Dawson has made it clear he is a keen admirer of the Newcastle boss, who prefers to use a 4-3-3 system, praising him for the "incredible" job he's done since replacing Steve Bruce.

With the north Londoners currently closer to the relegation zone than the top seven, the job could be a tough sell, unless Tudor manages to turn things around dramatically, but if ENIC are able to tempt Howe, he could be the ideal appointment.

Tottenham have been accused of selectively editing the minutes of a fans’ meeting held earlier this month, with club sources issuing a response behind closed doors.

Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust accuse club of editing meeting minutes

Representatives of the Spurs board, including chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, met with the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust on February 3, just over a week before Thomas Frank’s dismissal as head coach.

THST says there were a number of specific points raised in the meeting “which the club did not agree to include in the final published version, despite our request”.

Among the lines THST says were taken out were: “The club welcomed the input of THST.”

Also edited out, THST claims, was a section outlining fans’ concern at the risk of relegation from the Premier League, and that the belief generated from winning the Europa League last season had now been “lost”.

Concerns around the lack of young players coming through, the club’s ability to generate profit and what specific on-field targets lay beneath ‘strategic principles’ set out by the club were also requested to be included but left out, THST said.

“Publishing a full record of the points raised helps ensure accountability and allows members, and the wider fan-base, to understand how the Trust is fulfilling its role on their behalf,” a statement published on the THST website read.

“Transparency is integral to our role and in our dealings with the club.”

Spurs sources deny accusations

Tottenham officially declined to comment, but sources close to the club have denied there was any intention to sanitise the minutes and had sought to produce a factual account of the matters discussed.

Nothing in football is ever certain, but Crystal Palace do know that Oliver Glasner will leave his managerial post when his contract runs out at the end of the season.

The Austrian coach has changed lives at Selhurst Park, replacing Roy Hodgson and changing Palace's outlook. Progressive, front-footed football is one thing, but Glasner gave the club something tangible, winning the FA Cup and the Community Shield in 2025, opening a doorway into European competition.

But there's no question that the mood has soured somewhat over the past few months, with sterile performances threatening progress and adding to a sense of unease that spread during the January transfer window.

Though Jorgen Strand Larsen was signed for a club-record fee, more is needed this summer, and chairman Steve Parish will need to pick the right replacement too.

The latest on Palace's hunt for a manager

Crystal Palace are resigned to the fact that Glasner's contract will expire this summer, but that doesn't necessarily mean he will last the duration of the term.

A shocking downturn in form has pulled Palace onto the edge of a relegation battle in the Premier League, though they are still in a comparatively strong position, eight points ahead of 18th-place West Ham United.

However, Parish considered the Austrian's position in January after he unilaterally announced he would be leaving. With one in all competitions since December 11.

Should Palace look for a swift solution, they might be tempted to appoint Thomas Frank, who has recently been sacked from his post at Tottenham Hotspur.

According to reports last week, the former Brentford manager is a leading contender to replace Glasner, and if he's willing to make a sharp turn back into Premier League management after an ignomonious spell with Spurs, the Eagles could provide him with the perfect platform.

Why Thomas Frank could be a success at Palace

It's fair to say that Frank is not the flavour of the month in the Premier League. There's no escaping from the fact that his tenure at Tottenham was a disaster, but he is a great coach and demonstrated that over many years with Brentford.

Last season, he was nominated for Premier League Manager of the Year after recording a tenth-place finish, ending with 56 points.

Now led by Keith Andrews, Brentford are riding the crest of a wave, but they are supported by the foundations cemented and the culture instilled by his predecessor, who leading football writer Henry Winter praised for his "remarkable" work in west London.

Praised for taking the time to work with his players at Brentford and bring out their finest form, Frank might just find that Selhurst Park is the perfect place for him to resurrect his career, and Strand Larsen could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Dane's expertise.

Strand Larsen, 25, is a tall and powerful forward, adept in the air. He fell by the wayside at the Wolves spearhead this season before his £48m transfer to south London, but a two-goal display against Burnley last time out reminded everyone that this is a player who struck 15 home for the Old Gold last year.

His playing style isn't too far removed from that of Ivan Toney, the English striker who enjoyed such riches on the pitch with Frank's Brentford.

Toney scored 72 goals under Frank's wing, more than any other player, and in just 141 games at that. A strong and intelligent striker, he threaded the attacking system together, and Strand Larsen could emulate that role at Palace.

Indeed, last season, pundit Alan Shearer hailed Strand Larsen as a "nuisance" of a frontman who boasts deceptive technical quality and is immense in his hold-up play.

He's got all he needs to succeed at the club, but with Frank at the helm, he might just go that one step further.

Tottenham fans can expect to be thoroughly entertained by new interim boss Igor Tudor, according to one of his former players at Udinese.

Spurs appoint Tudor as new boss implements grand plan

While Tudor is very much an emergency stop-gap until a romantic Spurs reunion with Mauricio Pochettino potentially becomes alive after the World Cup, this appointment has definitely turned heads.

The 47-year-old has already overhauled Tottenham's entire backroom, bringing in his own personnel, and let go of assistant coach John Heitinga, who left after just 32 days in the role.

The no-nonsense former Juventus, Marseille and Udinese boss has a reputation for firefighting, and a deserved one.

Tudor rescued Champions League qualification for Juve, before being sacked this season, and it was a similar story at Lazio in 2024.

He also spared Udinese's relegation blushes on two separate occasions, with the tactician practically a Croatian Sam Allardyce but with proven top-level European experience.

That being said, there is every reason to believe his brand of football actually aligns perfectly with the 'Tottenham way', at least according to former Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong.

The ex-Udinese defender worked under Tudor twice during his Serie A spell and reckons the Croatian's fearless approach represents exactly what Spurs desperately need following their nightmare campaign threatening relegation.

Igor Tudor tipped to 'shake up' Tottenham with 'exciting' and 'high risk' change

Troost-Ekong insists Tudor's biggest strength isn't tactical nuance but rather his enormous personality capable of shaking complacent squads awake.

Speaking to TalkSPORT on Sunday, Troost-Ekong revealed what supporters can expect when Tudor faces Arsenal in the crucial north London derby.

The tactician arrives with zero Premier League experience but carries a fearsome reputation.

"We had him two times at Udinese," he said on talkSPORT.

"He's a manager that likes to play 3-5-2 or a variation of it from what my experience was.

"Attacking football, high back line, tries to press high, can be quite direct. He's definitely a personality, so if they need someone to shake up the place and get everyone going, then he's definitely the right person for it."

The Nigerian played under Tudor during two separate spells whilst battling relegation at Udinese.

Tudor initially saved the club from dropping into Serie B during the 2018/19 campaign before returning for another firefighting mission the following season.

Although eventually sacked ten games into his second tenure following poor results, Tudor demonstrated enough during those periods to convince Troost-Ekong he possesses the character required for navigating Tottenham's current crisis.

"A big personality and he's going to get everyone trying to run through a brick wall. I think that's probably been my experience with him.", Troost-Ekong continued.

"I think for Spurs at this moment in time he'll work a lot with the back line. There was a lot of tactical work that we did. Maybe if they're going to switch it up now to a 3-5-2, that would probably be the first thing.

"I think also the high pressing and maybe more exciting football. I think the stadium probably needs something to get them out of their seats again. He's definitely the person for that."

However, Troost-Ekong issued a significant warning alongside his praise. Tudor's aggressive tactics promise entertainment but carry enormous risk, particularly against elite opposition capable of exploiting spaces left behind advancing wing-backs and aggressive centre-backs.

"You'll probably see a lot of goals but there could be some conceded as well, because you play with quite a high risk in the high line.

"That will probably be his biggest difference I would say, and try and get everyone to run forward as much as they can really."

Whether Tudor's gung-ho philosophy suits Tottenham's current predicament remains questionable.

The club needs points urgently rather than spectacular defeats, yet Troost-Ekong is convinced that Tudor's forceful personality might prove more valuable than conservative tactics given how Spurs collapsed under Thomas Frank.