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Barcelona could ditch their interest in Tottenham star Micky van de Ven as player suffers dip in form

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Micky van de Ven is not enjoying a good second half of the season for Tottenham in the Premier League.

Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven has been under intense media scrutiny in recent weeks. The Dutchman has endured a difficult second half of the campaign, struggling to deliver consistent performances. He has made several errors that have cost the team dearly in more ways than one. It also appears that the fans have grown frustrated with the 24-year-old as the Lilywhites fight to maintain their top-flight status this season.

Van de Ven began the season in impressive fashion, forming a strong partnership with Cristian Romero at the back. He was also heavily involved in attacking situations, scoring six goals for the North Londoners in all competitions during the first half of the campaign. His stunning goal against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League will surely be remembered as one of the finest solo efforts in the competition’s history. It was a move that the centre-back both initiated and finished in remarkable fashion.

However, it is fair to say that Van de Ven’s performance levels have dipped in recent months. The unnecessary red card against Crystal Palace earlier this month summed up his struggles in the second half of the season. His dismissal against the Eagles cost Spurs all three points at N17, making their battle to escape the Premier League relegation zone even more challenging.

Micky van de Ven’s stock at Tottenham is at an all-time low right now

Tottenham remain determined to secure their top-flight status this season under Igor Tudor, with the club keen to retain several key players ahead of next season. But it appears that Micky van de Ven may not be among those willing to stay if the Lilywhites fail to show ambition and finish the campaign strongly in the coming months. The Dutchman has already rejected a contract extension at N17 and looks increasingly likely to seek a move elsewhere next season.

Recent reports have linked Van de Ven with a move to Barcelona. The 24-year-old, valued at £100m by Spurs, was said to be prioritising a switch to Camp Nou as he seeks a permanent departure from Spurs. Meanwhile, the Blaugrana viewed him as a potential alternative to Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni. They believed Van de Ven could seamlessly fit into Hansi Flick’s system and play a key role in organising the defence.

However, there now appears to be a twist in the transfer saga involving Micky van de Ven. According to The Sun, Barcelona have decided to cool their interest in the Dutchman for the time being. The club reportedly considers his asking price too high and believes better-value alternatives are available in the market. Furthermore, the Blaugrana have informed the 24-year-old that he is no longer their first-choice option for the centre-back role under Hansi Flick.

Van de Ven must now focus on finishing the season strongly and helping the Lilywhites avoid relegation in the coming months. He still has a crucial role to play for Spurs, and it is vital that he re-establishes a solid partnership with Cristian Romero during the decisive phase of the campaign. Supporters will be hoping that the 24-year-old cuts out the costly mistakes and delivers consistent performances in what promises to be a defining period for the North London club.

Kevin Danso pinpoints what has changed at Tottenham after a recent upturn in form under Igor Tudor

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Tottenham cannot afford to get relegated from the Premier League this season.

Tottenham players are finally beginning to step up in recent days as the club finds itself dragged into a relegation dogfight this season. Not many fans would have imagined the Lilywhites facing the possibility of dropping into the second division, especially after ending their long-standing trophy drought by winning the Europa League last season. However, that is the reality at the North London club as they fight to secure their top-flight status under Igor Tudor.

Tudor did not enjoy the best start to life as interim boss at N17. He set an unwanted record by becoming the first Spurs manager to lose his opening four Premier League matches in charge. It appeared that the Croatian tactician was already running out of time to turn things around before the North Londoners faced Liverpool at Anfield last weekend.

However, the performance in Merseyside demonstrated that the players were still willing to fight for their manager. Tudor managed to guide his side to a valuable draw away from home, buying himself more time at the helm. That result was followed by an impressive victory against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Within a short span, it appears that the 47-year-old has begun to steady the ship at N17.

Kevin Danso and Tottenham players are showing resilience and fight in recent days

Tottenham remain in the bottom half of the Premier League table and continue to face the threat of relegation in the coming weeks. However, it is evident that the players are now showing greater determination and hunger to make amends and help the Lilywhites preserve their top-flight status this season. There has been a noticeable shift in mindset, with the squad eager to return to winning ways in the league and calling on the fans for support in the upcoming fixtures.

Kevin Danso has now highlighted what has changed at Spurs following the recent improvement in form under Igor Tudor. Speaking to the club’s official media channel (via X), Danso said,

“Yeah it feels good, you know. I think we’ve got the end of the season coming up and it’s time for us to show the fight and the spirit. We have to be a team and get results on the board. I think the mindset is different. We realise what position we’re in and we realise how it can affect a lot of a people and not just us as players.”

The Spurs defender added,

“And I think we know where a club like Spurs deserves to be. It’s our job to get Spurs back to where it should be. It started two weeks ago where everybody was like ‘Lads, we need to knuckle down and give everything we’ve got.’ And I feel like that’s exactly what we’ve done in the last two games and we want to continue that.”

Kevin Danso has urged his teammates to maintain their hunger and determination in order to deliver positive results. The Austria international acknowledged the shift in mindset within the dressing room, with players fully aware of how relegation would impact everyone associated with the club. Danso is determined to help the Lilywhites climb back up the table and secure their top-flight status under Igor Tudor. Recent performances suggest that the North Londoners are prepared to fight for every point in the weeks ahead.

Spurs cannot afford to be relegated from the Premier League this season. The consequences could be severe, with the club potentially facing significant short-term and long-term challenges. Therefore, it is crucial for the players to continue stepping up and support Igor Tudor in ensuring the club’s survival, starting with securing all three points against Nottingham Forest at home on Sunday afternoon.

Tottenham gather information on former Monaco boss Adi Hutter

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Igor Tudor’s future at Tottenham is still far from certain.

Tottenham Hotspur ended their Champions League campaign on a positive note, securing a 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Last 16 return leg on Wednesday night. The responsibility now lies with the players to carry that momentum forward and help end the club’s search for a first Premier League win in 2026.

The Lilywhites have been abysmal when it comes to their performances in the Premier League. A winless run of 12 games has left them hovering just above the drop zone ahead of their relegation six-pointer against Nottingham Forest at home. After securing a credible 1-1 draw at Liverpool last time out, all eyes will now be on Igor Tudor as he seeks his first league win as the club’s interim boss.

The Croatian tactician urged everyone associated with the North London club not to get carried away following the hard-fought draw at Anfield. The 47-year-old knows there is a long way to go before Spurs can consider themselves safe in the Premier League, but what about his immediate future at N17?

Tottenham gather information on former AS Monaco boss

Tottenham’s gritty draw vs. Liverpool helped Igor Tudor extend his stay at the club for the time being. Spurs built on that by beating Atletico Madrid, and now attention turns to the Nottingham Forest game. Earlier this week, Spurs insider Pete O’Keefe revealed that Tudor will be sacked if he loses to Forest.

Now, according to journalist Rudy Galetti on X, Tottenham are exploring Adi Hutter as a possible option either immediately or at the end of the season. The club is currently gathering information on the Austrian coach.

Adi Hutter was dismissed by AS Monaco back in October, due to a poor run of results. Although being dismissed by AS Monaco doesn’t bode well, the 56-year-old has impressed in some of his previous managerial roles with Borussia Monchengladbach, Eintracht Frankfurt, RB Salzburg and BSC Young Boys. He was named Bundesliga Coach of the Year in 2018/19 and 2020/21, while the Austrian’s 4-2-3-1 system and playing style are widely regarded as attacking, expansive and entertaining for fans.

After being sacked by Monaco, Hutter is available. And Spurs gathering information on him shows Tudor’s position is not secure, despite quietening some of the noise around him with positive results against Liverpool and Atletico. The Lilywhites having Hutter on their radar is a sign that ENIC could still replace the Croatian before the end of the season.

Given the volatile nature of the job and the precarious situation Spurs find themselves in, decisions over Tudor’s future are expected to be made game-by-game. So, the only way the 47-year-old can get further respite is by beating Forest at home on Sunday.

Tottenham targeting move for Liverpool star Curtis Jones in the summer

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Tottenham are hoping to bolster their midfield in the summer for next season

Tottenham are hoping to maintain their top-flight status under Igor Tudor this season as they continue to slip down the table. The Lilywhites are currently just one point above the relegation zone, with their next fixture coming against fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest. Remaining in the Premier League is crucial for the North Londoners, as it could significantly influence how they approach the summer transfer window in the coming months.

There are several glaring issues within the squad that need to be addressed if Spurs are to compete at the top end of the Premier League next season. Chief among them is the lack of a dynamic and reliable midfielder. The Lilywhites are clearly missing a workhorse who can contribute effectively at both ends of the pitch. Conor Gallagher was viewed as a player who could fill this role at N17, but it is fair to say that the England international has struggled to make the desired impact since his January arrival.

With Joao Palhinha unable to operate effectively in both attacking and defensive phases, it is essential that Spurs focus on signing a midfielder who can form a balanced trio with Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray. A player who can press from the front, recover possession high up the pitch, and drive the team forward would be a valuable addition for the manager next season.

Tottenham in the race to land Liverpool star Curtis Jones

Tottenham are aiming to be proactive in the summer transfer window by recruiting players capable of making an immediate impact at N17. With reports suggesting that the club are unlikely to offer Joao Palhinha a permanent deal beyond this season, there is a strong possibility that the North Londoners will move for a new midfielder to replace the Portuguese international in the starting eleven.

According to TEAMtalk, Spurs are pushing to sign Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones in the coming months. The England international has struggled for regular game time under Arne Slot this season, which has also seen him miss out on Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming international break. Frustrated with his current situation at Anfield, the one-club man with over 200 appearances could consider a move if his playing time does not improve before the end of the campaign.

The same report indicates that Inter Milan are also interested in signing the midfielder in the summer. The Serie A giants are prepared to invest in Curtis Jones and have reportedly offered him the promise of regular minutes at the San Siro. Inter’s strong position could pose a significant challenge for Spurs, given the contrasting trajectories of the two clubs this season.

Spurs should make a strong effort to secure Curtis Jones’ signature in the summer. The 25-year-old is energetic and thrives on pressing opponents in midfield. His versatility allows him to fill in as a makeshift right-back when required. Additionally, Jones is naturally suited to a box-to-box role, a profile that the Lilywhites have been lacking throughout this campaign.

Will Curtis Jones make the move to N17 this summer, or will Spurs miss out on his signature before they even have the chance to convince him? Only time will tell.

Sherwood names PL coach who would join Spurs if they go down

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Tottenham are currently managed by interim boss Igor Tudor.

Tottenham Hotspur have been enduring a difficult campaign, and if we are looking at how far things have fallen at Hotspur Way, the conversation around the club has shifted from rebuilding to survival.

And while that wasn’t enough, it has now become even more surreal as pundits have started calling for managerial options at Spurs even if the once Premier League heavyweights find themselves in the Championship next season.

Tottenham did find a way to draw the game last weekend at Anfield Stadium (FT 1-1), and that followed a win against Atletico Madrid in the midweek (even if it ended with Spurs crashing out of the Champions League).

But it looks like the bigger pie in the sky around the club has not changed, as the Lilywhites still remain firmly in that relegation fight going into the final stretch of the season. And this means the pressure on Igor Tudor has continued to increase, given how he had this underwhelming run at the start of his tenure in England.

The Croat finds his future already uncertain at N17, and what may come next after this weekend is nothing short of speculative.

Sherwood speaks on Tottenham manager if Lilywhites are relegated

Former Tottenham manager turned pundit Tim Sherwood insists that Tottenham can have Michael Carrick on the touchline next season, even if the Lilywhites are relegated.

Carrick has impressed in his interim time at Old Trafford with seven wins in nine games. This has strengthened his reputation, given all the praise he has been receiving for turning United’s fortunes around.

So when he was speaking about his former employers, Sherwood went on to suggest that Carrick could end up being an ideal fit at Hotspur Way even if he has to manage in the Championship. He has been at Tottenham as a player for a couple of seasons before, and he can return to Hotspur Way to change Spurs’ fortunes in the same way he has done at M16.

Speaking via a bookmaker as quoted by Tottenham Hotspur News, he said: “I could see Michael Carrick managing Spurs in the Championship. I could see Scott Parker or Carrick, if he doesn’t leave Manchester United, managing Spurs next season.

“If Carrick doesn’t stay there, I’m sure there will be a lot of clubs who want to take him. He’s level-headed, knows the game, and is very sensible.

“He has common sense, using players in the correct positions.”

Sherwood then added: “He’s got the players to work with there. I’m sure he’s done the Championship previously as well. He’s cut his teeth there at Middlesbrough.

“He knows the environment. Michael’s a very good manager, and if Manchester United don’t take him, I’m sure he’d be a great fit for them [Tottenham] next season.”

Author Opinion

Carrick is surely one of the names that chiefs at Tottenham will be thinking about alongside a few others that have already been discussed at Hotspur Way. Roberto de Zerbi is one. Pochettino will surely be in the running as well. Another former player in Robbie Keane has also emerged as an interesting option with his success in Hungary.

We will see where this goes.

Do you think Tottenham will get relegated this season? If so, will Carrick still take charge at N17 if he is relieved of his duties at United? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Antonin Kinsky set for shock Tottenham recall after Guglielmo Vicario injury setback

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Tottenham dealt a big setback as Guglielmo Vicario will undergo a hernia operation after the Nottingham Forest game.

When things start to look a bit better for Tottenham Hotspur, there’s always a downer waiting somewhere around the corner.

The mood in the Lilywhites camp has changed a bit following the last two results. The 1-1 draw with Liverpool and the win over Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League last-16 tie has lifted the spirits of Igor Tudor’s side. The elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Atletico Madrid leaves Spurs with only the Premier League to focus.

What adds more positivity to their cause is the easing of the injury crisis in N17. Lucas Bergvall and Destiny Udogie returned to the squad against Atletico in midweek after overcoming their injury problems, while Conor Gallagher recovered from a virus to feature off the bench. Joao Palhinha was spotted in team training on Friday afternoon, having missed the last two games due to concussion protocols following a sickening clash of heads with Cristian Romero in Madrid last week.

Amid the refreshing fitness updates, Tottenham have now been handed a big blow ahead of the Nottingham Forest game.

Guglielmo Vicario set to undergo hernia surgery next week

Tottenham have officially confirmed that goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will undergo hernia surgery next week. The club issued the following statement on Friday:

“We can confirm that Guglielmo Vicario will undergo surgery next week on a hernia. The minor procedure for the Italy international goalkeeper has been timed to have as minimal impact on our season as possible. Guglielmo will commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff immediately, and it is hoped that he could return to action within the next month.”

Despite the hernia issue, Vicario is expected to play in Tottenham’s crucial Premier League encounter against Nottingham Forest. He’ll then have the operation next week, before immediately starting his recovery and rehab with the club’s medical staff. The Italian shot-stopper will spend at least a month on the sidelines, meaning he will miss a few games for Tottenham.

According to a report from Football London, the Spurs No.1 is certain to miss games against Sunderland and Brighton on April 12 and 18, respectively. Vicario could be touch-and-go for the away game at Wolves on April 25, depending on his recovery and rehabilitation from the hernia operation.

Antonin Kinsky to get shot at redemption in April

In Vicario’s absence, Antonin Kinsky will return to the first XI. The 23-year-old will get a shot at redemption after Tudor controversially replaced him with Vicario in the 17th minute of their Champions League last-16 tie at Atletico Madrid following his two high-profile errors. His mistakes were ruthlessly punished by Atletico as they won the first leg 5-2 at home.

Tudor decided to hand Antonin Kinsky a chance ahead of the experienced Vicario in goal last week, but his first start in the Champions League turned into a nightmare. The Czech Republic Under-21 international was consoled by his teammates after he was substituted, and it felt like he would not feature for Spurs again this season.

However, as the saying goes, “One man’s misery is another man’s fortune”, Spurs’ No.2 is expected to find himself in goal after the upcoming international break. Kinsky is set for an enforced recall, and that gives him the perfect opportunity to redeem himself and earn back the gaffer’s trust.

Tottenham predicted lineup to play Nottingham Forest as Igor Tudor searches for first league win

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Here is how Tottenham could lineup (predicted) against Nottingham Forest at home.

Tottenham Hotspur are back in action on Sunday afternoon when they play host to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

Igor Tudor claimed his first win as Spurs’ interim boss in midweek as his side beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 at home in the second leg of the last-16 tie, although the Spanish side prevailed to the next round courtesy of a 5-7 aggregate scoreline. That brought an end to the Lilywhites’ Champions League campaign, but Tudor already had one eye on this big domestic fixture.

Tottenham head into this contest with their 17th-placed opponents sitting just one point above the Premier League relegation zone. They entertain Nottingham Forest, who are just behind Spurs and head to North London on the back of clinching a Europa League quarter-final berth by overcoming Danish side FC Midtjylland.

With that in mind, let us take a look at Tottenham Hotspur’s predicted lineup to play Nottingham Forest.

Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario

Guglielmo Vicario made a couple of vital saves to help Tottenham beat Atletico Madrid in the return leg on Wednesday evening. He will be raring to produce big moments in goal when required on Sunday.

Defence: Kevin Danso, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven

Micky van de Ven is available again after serving his one-game domestic ban. He will be a part of the three-man backline alongside Cristian Romero and Kevin Danso that started against Atletico Madrid in midweek.

The trio have to be compact and disciplined, and must step up to defend and go man-to-man when required. They must try to nullify the threat of Igor Jesus in and around the final third, while making their presence felt in the opposition’s box.

Midfield: Pedro Porro, Archie Gray, Pape Matar Sarr, Djed Spence

Pedro Porro and Djed Spence should act as the wing-backs, hoping to make an impact in both halves. They have to try to pin Forest’s wingers back for large periods of the game. However, when it comes to defending, Porro and Spence must do their jobs and help Tottenham keep a clean sheet.

In midfield, there is no looking past the partnership of Archie Gray and Pape Matar Sarr. The young duo have repaid their gaffer’s faith with strong displays in the last couple of games. Gray and Sarr must try to take control of the game as early as possible and create opportunities for the forwards in the final third.

Conor Gallagher is set to be an option on the bench again. Joao Palhinha, who has missed the last two matches due to serving concussion protocols after a clash of heads with Romero against Atletico in Madrid, is expected to return to the squad for this fixture.

Attack: Mathys Tel, Richarlison, Xavi Simons

Richarlison is available again after serving a ban in the Champions League, so he should be fresh and fit to spearhead the Tottenham attack against Forest. Mathys Tel may get the nod ahead of Randal Kolo Muani to partner Richarlison up top after his impressive outing in the 3-2 win over Atletico.

Opta's supercomputer sees one clear winner ahead of crucial Tottenham vs. Nottingham Forest clash

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Opta’s supercomputer has backed Tottenham to defeat Nottingham Forest in a crucial Premier League clash.

Tottenham Hotspur has been given a 48.7 per cent chance of beating Nottingham Forest by in Sunday’s huge relegation six-pointer at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Forest given a 25.6 per cent probability of victory and a draw assessed at 25.7 per cent.

The match is as close to a must-win fixture as Tottenham will face between now and the end of the season. Forest sit just one point and one place below Spurs in the table, meaning the two sides are separated by the thinnest of margins with eight games remaining. A Tottenham victory would create meaningful daylight between themselves and the bottom three. Defeat would be potentially catastrophic.

Alarming run for Tottenham

The historical context around Tottenham’s winless run in 2026 adds a genuinely alarming dimension to Sunday’s fixture. Spurs have drawn five and lost seven of their 12 Premier League games since the start of the calendar year, the only top-flight side yet to register a single league victory in 2026.

Only three clubs in Premier League history have gone longer without a win from the start of a calendar year, and all three were relegated. Sunderland went 17 games in 2002-03, Derby 18 in 2007-08, and Middlesbrough 14 in 2016-17. The company Tottenham are keeping in the record books is as unwelcome as it is alarming.

There is cause for optimism, however. The point at Anfield and the 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in midweek demonstrated a squad capable of competing and creating when confidence is flowing. Tudor will be hoping that momentum carries directly into Sunday’s fixture, which represents by far the most winnable game remaining on the schedule, given the opposition’s own precarious league position.

Vicario’s vulnerability remains a significant concern heading into the match. Forest possesses players in Callum Hudson-Odoi and Morgan Gibbs-White who are capable of scoring from distance, and with Spurs having conceded 11 goals from outside the box this season, more than any other Premier League side, that is a specific tactical threat Tudor must address.

Tottenham’s last win in this fixture came in April 2024, a 3-1 home victory. Replicating that result on Sunday would do more for their survival prospects than almost anything else that could happen this weekend.

Tottenham get boost in pursuit of Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu

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Tottenham are planning to replace Guglielmo Vicario in the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are battling hard to stay in the Premier League. Fans expected the situation to get better after Igor Tudor’s interim appointment in February, but things have actually worsened. The Lilywhites now find themselves just a point above the dreaded drop zone.

Whether they stay in the top flight or not, the club will find it difficult to keep hold of several stars. One Spurs player already attracting interest is Guglielmo Vicario. The Tottenham No.1 has been firmly on Inter Milan’s radar, as the Nerazzurri search for Yann Sommer’s long-term replacement. Italy great Walter Zenga has backed Inter Milan to sign the 29-year-old, although the Serie A side are seeking an initial loan deal with a conditional obligation or an option to buy.

Vicario is understood to be actively pushing for an exit from N17 and returning to Italy, having grown weary of the drama and instability at Tottenham. Truth be told, the Italian shot-stopper has never entirely been convincing since arriving at Spurs from Empoli in the summer of 2023. He has made several high-profile errors and mistakes, including one recently against Liverpool, and cost his team several points, failing to exert calmness and authority in the box.

Tottenham get boost in pursuit of Bundesliga goalkeeper

As such, the Lilywhites have been planning behind the scenes to replace Vicario ahead of the 2026/27 season. One of the options on their radar is SC Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu.

Noah Atubolu has become one of the hottest goalkeeping commodities in the Bundesliga, thanks to his penalty-saving expertise and cat-like reflexes. Having been his boyhood club’s No.1 since the start of 2023/24, he has kept 36 clean sheets in his 111 appearances thus far. The 23-year-old has performed well this season, making a strong case for involvement ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Now, according to German publication Bild, Atubolu, who plays a bit like Manuel Neuer, is looking to leave SC Freiburg at the end of the season. The 6ft 3in custodian is understood to be targeting a move to the Premier League as he seeks the next step in his career. Tottenham, West Ham, Napoli, AC Milan and Inter Milan have been mentioned as suitors.

This should come as a boost for Tottenham. The N17 chiefs are keen on revamping the goalkeeping department in the summer. Vicario is not up to the standard to remain the club’s No.1, while Antonin Kinsky wants to leave Tottenham for regular playing opportunities. Signing a new goalkeeper is an absolute must in the summer, and Atubolu has the skill-set to be an upgrade on Vicario.

At 23, the Freiburg star has the potential to become one of the world’s best in his position, provided he gets the right coaching and environment. With several European clubs vying for his signature, Spurs must survive the drop to have any real hope of signing the former Germany Under-21 international.

Liverpool starter sends message to Tottenham debutant Olusesi

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Tottenham finally had something to cheer for as they beat Atletico Madrid, 3-2.

There is a lot of chaos surrounding Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at the moment (and along the ongoing campaign), and that performance against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night quietly gave Lilywhites supporters something the club has been desperately lacking all season. A reason to look forward.

The North Londoners won the game on a 3-2 scoreline despite crashing out of the Champions League. But Spurs saw academy graduate Callum Olusesi step onto the European top tier for the first time, and his breakthrough in the first team at N17 did not go unnoticed.

Olusesi gets messages from around Hotspur Way and from L4

It is surely a night that will stay with Olusesi, given that he was introduced late on in the game by Igor Tudor, who has sown that trust in his young players even in the most pressure situations, ironically much more than both Frank and Postecoglou combined. And the 19-year-old showed composure beyond his years.

He had eight touches of the ball whilst completing five passes with 100 per cent accuracy. No fireworks, but (more importantly) no fear either.

And after the game, Olusesi posted a simple message on social media stating his Champions League debut. And his Tottenham teammates in Destiny Udogie, Mathys Tel, and Xavi Simons were the first to respond. Then it was Liverpool starlet Rio Ngumoha who started against Tottenham last weekend.

While Simons’ reply “told you” hinted at something more behind the scenes, showing that the teenager is already earning the respect of players around him. While Ngumoha wrote ‘Deserved ”.

Author Opinion

Given the context of the Champions League exit at Hotspur Way, it would be easy to dismiss his debut in the glossy asterisks of the game. But given how Tudor has now given him his bow in the Premier League as well as the Champions League, even when the former Juventus manager was in the most high-pressure of situations, it shows how the Croat trusts in his talent.

Olusesi is surely nowhere near a starter just yet. But he has been putting in impressive performances off the bench. And given that Tottenham have this crucial game against Nottingham Forest just around the corner, Tudor will keenly call for him again (hopefully) to close out the game once again.

It has been a season filled with setbacks at Hotspur Way, but every so often, you get a glimpse of the future that cuts through the noise. And that is what Olusesi’s debut has been.

His debut is not going to fix the bigger problems at N17, it will not change the league table or erase all the losses that Tottenham have suffered in the 2025/26 campaign. But what it does offer is something simpler, a reminder that even in the middle of a storm, you can get something positive.