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Tottenham is home to several committed players, but one duo stood out from the crowd under Ange Postecoglou.

Postecoglou was sacked by Tottenham despite leading them to the UEFA Europa League in his second season.

The Australian is a serial winner, but found the Premier League a tough nut to crack. As such, Tottenham replaced Postecoglou with Thomas Frank, who has already been praised for his efforts.

Postecoglou has since moved on from Tottenham to Nottingham Forest after taking over from Nuno Espirito Santo. But it seems two players he coached while in North London have had a lasting effect.

Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray praised for training efforts

Frank shocked fans when Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray started for Tottenham in their opening Premier League win over Burnley.

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While the two are highly-regarded among supporters, most were convinced that Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur would start together following their impressive performance for Spurs in the UEFA Super Cup final.

It ended up being a welcome tactical change by the Dane, with the Lilywhites putting three past the Clarets’ defence. The dynamic duo have not only been praised for their recent performances.

Nick Montgomery, an assistant coach under Postecoglou who has followed him to Forest, recently pointed out their dedication during Tottenham training.

Speaking on the Training Ground Guru podcast on Thursday, 11 September, he said: “To work with them two players, I think people always ask what’s the biggest difference.

“For me, it’s always the mindset, it’s always the belief and obviously, the ability is one thing, but the attitude has to be spot on every day. You look at them two, and you’re always in the gym, always doing the extras, whether it’s training, you have to pull them off the training ground.

“I think looking at both of them two last season, playing 50-odd games each and winning the Europa League in the first season of Premier League football, it’s an amazing start for them and hopefully they continue to progress”

How many minutes have Bergvall and Gray played under Thomas Frank?

Starting a competitive match under Frank has been difficult. The Lilywhites have several talented players in most positions on the pitch.

Other than the win against Burnley, both Bergvall and Gray have started on the bench.

Both are considered important players at Tottenham. However, they will need to be exceptional in the minutes they have to become starters in North London.

Despite this, given their work ethic on the pitch and during training, both players could see their minutes increase throughout the season. Thus, with Spurs still competing in all competitions, Frank will need all the help he can get.

Ange Postecoglou is set for his first game back in management after leaving Tottenham this summer.

Postecoglou’s appointment at Nottingham Forest has been met with mixed reactions, given the popularity of Nuno Espirito Santo – another ex-Spurs boss – at the City Ground.

However, supporters of the East Midlands club will soon learn what the 60-year-old is all about.

Forest face Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday, but how did the Australian fare against the Gunners while in charge of Spurs?

Ange Postecoglou never beat Arsenal while Tottenham boss

Postecoglou’s appointment by Forest has been questioned by many, given his style of play.

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However, Evangelos Marinakis clearly eyes trophy potential, and that has been echoed by the Australian.

While he will want to get off to the perfect start, it does not come much tougher than an away trip against Arsenal.

During his time as Spurs boss, Postecoglou endured a rotten time, earning just one point in four matches.

Despite suffering three losses, it is fair to say that the 60-year-old’s side were not steamrolled by the Gunners.

However, he will be desperate for a different narrative when he faces the North London club with his new side.

What is Nottingham Forest’s record vs Arsenal?

While Postecoglou has endured a tough time against the Gunners, Forest have not fared much better.

Forest held the North London club to a 0-0 draw at the City Ground when they last met.

Moreover, their last win against Arsenal came in a 1-0 win in May of 2023, thanks to a goal from Taiwo Awoniyi.

If he manages to bag all three points, then it should not take Forest supporters long to warm to their new boss.

Richarlison still has more to prove to remain at Tottenham for the foreseeable future.

Richarlison was expected to leave Tottenham this summer. Injuries and lacklustre performances meant that the Brazilian was on borrowed time in North London.

However, the striker turned things around during preseason, committing both in training and on the pitch. His strong form translated into the season, scoring a spectacular double in Spurs’ win over Burnley in the Premier League and assisting against Manchester City.

But he will need to do a little bit more if he wants to continue his Spurs journey in the long term.

Richarlison could be offered an extension if he remains fit

Fitness has been a huge issue for Richarlison since he arrived in North London.

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In a season where Spurs won the UEFA Europa League, the Brazilian made 22 appearances in all competitions.

Rodrigo Bentancur faced similar issues since arriving at Spurs. But his good run of form means that Tottenham could offer Bentancur a contract extension.

Tottenham journalist Alasdair Gold revealed that the club and Frank could do the same for Richarlison if he remains fit.

In a Q&A for Football London on Friday, 12 September, he said that a decision will be made over Richarlison if he remains fit for the majority of the season.

If he does, he could be rewarded like several others who have impressed since arriving at Tottenham. As a result, the Brazilian will be looking to put his best foot forward for the remainder of the season.

What does Richarlison’s current Tottenham contract look like?

Richarlison has two years left on his Tottenham contract which runs out on 30 June 2027.

According to Capology on 12 September, the Brazilian earns an Estimated Base Salary of £4.68million yearly and £90,000 weekly, excluding bonuses.

His bonuses amount to £2.08m per year, which could see him earn £6.76m this season. If he continues in North London for the duration of his contract, he could earn up to £13.5m.

Richarlison’s wage currently puts him in the top 10 among Spurs’ players, with Cristian Romero and Xavi Simons topping the list. But a new contract could land him among the top five.

Tottenham may have just seen the door open for them to launch a move for Sunderland star Dennis Cirkin.

The Black Cats left-back played a key role in their promotion to the Premier League last season, but a wrist injury has ruled him out of action so far in 2025/26.

Cirkin came through the youth ranks at Spurs and left in 2021, but he has been heavily linked with a return to N17 since the early stages of the summer transfer window.

The 23-year-old is out of contract on Wearside at the end of the season, and Thomas Frank’s eyes may have just lit up following a huge piece of news from the North East.

Fresh Dennis Cirkin gives Tottenham major hope of deal

Tottenham are still tracking Cirkin with a view to making a move for their former starlet, and his arrival would certainly help ease some of the issues surrounding their future European squads in the coming years.

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The Lilywhites have a lack of club-trained players in their ranks, which limits their room to manoeuvre when it comes to selection in continental action, but Cirkin’s arrival would help to rectify that.

It is no surprise that Spurs have been sniffing around a potential deal given Cirkin’s contract situation, and while they didn’t act in the summer, they now have the perfect opportunity to do so at the end of the season.

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has told the Northern Echo that the defender is now facing an extended period on the sidelines after picking up a fresh knee problem.

“We have decided to step back, really,” he said.

“We have decided to give him (Cirkin) a real period of rest so that he can reset and get ready to reconnect with the squad.”

With the youngster slowly fading into the background at the Stadium of Light, it gives Tottenham the perfect opportunity to swoop in and try and convince the player and his agent to entertain a move.

Dennis Cirkin to be a capable squad option for Spurs

Destiny Udogie’s future at Tottenham is uncertain, after he was linked with a move away over the summer.

With that in mind, a move for Cirkin could definitely be a useful way of offsetting a potential departure on the left of the backline.

The Sunderland star still has plenty of development ahead of him, but he would already be capable of coming in and being a useful member of the squad for Frank and Co.

We have seen the value of reliable and understated performers through Djed Spence’s recent progress, and it would be no surprise to see Cirkin develop in a similar manner in the coming years if he did move back to N17.

Thomas Frank is consistently searching for ways to enhance his team at Tottenham.

Even before becoming Tottenham manager, Frank was renowned for his elite tactical mind.

The Dane’s expertise has been on full display since the competitive season began. This was first demonstrated during Spurs’ defeat to PSG in the UEFA Super Cup final, where the Lilywhites curbed the Parisians’ advances for 85 minutes.

Meanwhile, Tottenham’s disappointing defeat against Bournemouth indicates that there’s still work to be done. But with his new signings beside him, there’s a feeling Frank could make history at Spurs.

Randal Kolo Muani spotted on left wing during Tottenham training

Tottenham signed Randal Kolo Muani on loan from PSG on deadline day. The transfer came as a huge shock and is widely considered a step in the right direction from Spurs’ management.

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While the Frenchman has yet to make his debut for Tottenham, there is hope that it could come during Spurs’ upcoming Premier League game against West Ham.

Most Tottenham fans were expecting Kolo Muani to take to the pitch as a centre-forward. But it seems Frank has another idea in mind.

According to Football London on Thursday, 11 September, Kolo Muani was spotted playing off the left at points during Spurs’ recent training session.

Several of the various players who play on the left wing had not returned from international duty. However, it is important to consider that Frank did mention him playing on the left when Tottenham first signed him.

Brennan Johnson could be in trouble

Brennan Johnson showed his class for Tottenham last season after netting the decisive goal in Spurs’ UEFA Europa League final win. He was also the North London side’s top scorer in all competitions.

Robert Page was well aware of his potential when coaching the Wales national team. In quotes provided by FourFourTwo on 21 March 2022, he said: “He’s almost the finished article now and Forest have got a wonderful player on their hands.

“I’ve been to watch him a few times, and he’s playing with freedom. He’s really enjoying his football.”

While Johnson made a name for himself on the right wing at Spurs, he has since been shifted to the left following the arrival of Mohammed Kudus. As a result, the recent training developments could spell trouble for the Welshman.

Both players attack the game similarly when out wide, despite Kolo Muani being better with the ball at his feet. The forwards both want to cut inside and attack the goal with their box presence unmatched, even when on the flank.

While this is a positive for Frank, it could mean that both players need to work 10 times harder to stand out. Therefore, the increased competition between the two could be something to watch out for this season.

Luka Vuskovic is quickly establishing himself as one of the brightest young stars at Tottenham.

The Lilywhites bought the defender from Hajduk Split back in 2023, but have had to wait until he turned 18 before actually bringing him into N17.

Vuskovic caught the eye for Tottenham in pre-season in his first few weeks as part of the squad, and many people were expecting him to potentially play a role in the first team this season.

The starlet has instead been sent out on loan to Bundesliga outfit Hamburg, but he could now be about to return to Thomas Frank’s group much quicker than was initially expected.

Tottenham have Luka Vuskovic recall option

Vuskovic is earmarked for a big future at Tottenham, and they took their time before agreeing to the loan move to Hamburg as they carefully weighed up the options for him in the latter stages of the transfer window.

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The Croatian was on the verge of receiving first-team minutes in the early part of the season, as he was named on the bench by Frank in each of the Lilywhites’ first three competitive outings.

He is yet to make his debut for Hamburg, but the German giants will already be worried about the potential of losing him, following the latest update on his loan spell.

Tottenham are understood to old a clause as part of the agreement that allows them the recall the centre-back in the January transfer window, according to Bild.

It is understood that Spurs can trigger that clause to bring Vuskovic back early if one of their senior defenders picks up a serious injury.

Hamburg loan is perfect for Luka Vuskovic

Tottenham may have been tempted to throw Vuskovic in at the deep end in the Premier League this term, but the reality is that the Hamburg stint will be far more beneficial to him at the moment.

The youngster is certainly a hugely talented prospect, but throwing him straight into the pressures of the Premier League could have dealt a serious blow to his confidence had things not gone smoothly.

Instead, a year spent in the Bundesliga continues the steady trajectory of his development and sees him take on a level of football that is a much more measured jump from his last loan spell.

Ultimately, the defender may have successfully managed the switch from the Belgian Pro League to the Premier League in the space of one summer, but there is far less risk involved in the way that Spurs have chosen to handle him this term.

Tottenham will face West Ham in their first London derby of the season this Saturday.

Tottenham are marginal favourites for the clash with West Ham in the Premier League, despite enjoying a better start to the season.

Mohammed Kudus could come back to torment West Ham after switching East London for North London this summer.

Now, the Hammers have taken a bold decision, which has been questioned ahead of the encounter.

West Ham to confiscate half-and-half scarves for Tottenham clash

Spurs and West Ham are set for blustery conditions, with strong winds expected for the Premier League battle.

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After two games, many would have expected the Lilywhites to walk the encounter, but the Hammers’ unexpected win over Nottingham Forest will have given them confidence.

The East London club are also preparing for breezy conditions off the pitch by banning half-and-half scarves as part of enhanced security measures.

However, that decision has been questioned by Alan Brazil on talkSPORT as he hosted alongside Gabby Agbonlahor on 12 September (06:06am).

Brazil said: “I’m reading today that they’ll confiscate them, but I don’t think that’s allowed.”

Agbonlahor replied: “You’re asking for trouble if you sell those outside West Ham’s stadium. West Ham have said they’re banning them.”

Brazil then added: “You can’t do that; you can’t confiscate them. It’s your property. How can they do that? I don’t think you can do that, legally.”

Why have West Ham banned half-and-half scarves?

The Irons have made this decision because half-and-half scarves blur the lines and make it difficult to know which club a person supports.

While that might not be a problem for most games, a volatile atmosphere could develop between the two teams.

One of the main concerns is that away supporters could get into the home end, which could lead to friction between supporters.

Given that the two clubs have become popular with tourists, there will likely be a significant number of neutrals in attendance.

Furthermore, the meaning of the match might get lost on them, and that could lead to unintentional trouble.

As the London Stadium is private property, it seems that West Ham are within their rights to make such decisions.

Thomas Frank has had a strong start to his career as Tottenham manager.

Tottenham coach Frank has a history of success at the elite level. Earning Premier League promotion with Brentford and keeping them up has helped him build a reputation as a sound tactician.

There is no doubt that he has already begun working his tactical mind in North London. His decision to start with a back five in Spurs’ defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup final was just the tip of the iceberg.

While Tottenham’s defeat against Bournemouth, which continued a poor record, was one of the first of the expected growing pains under a new manager, Frank’s start at Spurs has been widely praised.

Tottenham News presents the exclusive opinion of iconic football commentator Ian Darke.

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Thomas Frank ‘smarter tactically’ than Ange Postecoglou

There were concerns when Frank replaced Postecoglou as Tottenham head coach. The biggest one was his lack of experience coaching one of the Premier League’s ‘big six’.

However, he has since proven his doubters wrong with a string of solid performances. Meanwhile, former Tottenham manager Postecoglou has started his next chapter at Nottingham Forest.

While Spurs supporters will miss the chaotic nature of ‘Postecoglou ball’, Ian Darke – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes Frank is the smarter tactician of the two.

“I’d have to say the major difference is they look a lot smarter tactically than they did sometimes under Postecoglou,” Darke said.

“It was a very cute performance, I thought they put in against PSG in the Super Cup final, and they were unlucky not to win that match. Again against Manchester City, City were flying from their opening days, and Pep Guardiola was talking about a fresh energy about City.

“But Tottenham went there and did a number on them.”

What is Thomas Frank and Ange Postecoglou’s record as managers?

Postecoglou’s approach to football can be characterised by his high-intensity attacking approach. Meanwhile, Frank is content to switch between formations depending on the opposition.

Both methods have resulted in success. The Australian won five trophies in two seasons at Celtic before lifting the UEFA Europa League with Spurs. Meanwhile, the Dane guided the Bees to Premier League promotion in 2021.

While Frank slightly edges it on win-to-loss ratio, both managers have a pretty similar tally at their previous clubs. However, there is an argument to be made that, considering the resources at both managers’ disposal, the Dane’s feat is more impressive.

Either way, it seems that Tottenham are in safe hands for the foreseeable future.

Mohammed Kudus will need to keep an extra eye out when he returns to the London Stadium with Tottenham.

Kudus signed for Tottenham from West Ham in the summer, becoming the first player to move between the two clubs since Scott Parker in 2011.

The right winger has gone on to form an integral part of Thomas Frank’s attack. Kudus started strong in Spurs’ 3-0 win over Burnley, assisting Richarlison twice during the game.

Despite failing to notch a goal contribution, his performance against Manchester City was impressive. However, like most of his teammates, he struggled when up against Bournemouth’s organised press.

As a result, Tottenham’s Kudus will want to prove a point against his former side. But the Hammers are not planning on making it easy for him.

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West Ham ban half-and-half scarves against Tottenham

Tottenham will face extra security measures against Graham Potter’s side at the London Stadium on Saturday, 13 September.

According to The Guardian on Thursday, 11 September, West Ham have taken the “unusual step” of banning half-and-half scarves for the London Derby.

Most life-long fans will be happy to be rid of the controversial scarves for the game. But the decision is among several increased measures aimed at preventing away supporters from entering the home sections of the stadium.

Furthermore, the return of Kudus is set to be “among a number of anticipated flashpoints” that the Hammers are hoping to counter during the game.

His move to North London has gone down badly with some sections of West Ham supporters, with Kudus saying: “I only wanted Spurs”, in a clip posted by Tottenham via their X page.

As a result, both sides will likely be extra attentive during the confrontation.

What is Mohammed Kudus’ record at the London Stadium?

Kudus scored 13 goals in the Premier League during his two seasons with the Hammers.

His home tally at West Ham is solid. But it will be an entirely different feeling when he steps out as an opposition player. Nevertheless, all eyes will be on him from both sides of the stadium.

Tottenham will soon return to Champions League action after a two-year absence from the competition.

Mathys Tel was left out of Tottenham’s Champions League squad for the competition, as well as Yves Bissouma and a group of injured players.

There have been doubts over whether Spurs should have signed Tel, but he will be itching to prove those people wrong.

While the Frenchman will be gutted to have been left out by the Dane, there is now a surprise route back for him.

UEFA makes Champions League rule change

Tottenham may be underdogs to win the Champions League, but they have been handed a favourable opening run of games.

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The North London club kick off against Villarreal on 16 September, with a trip to PSG the standout fixture.

As expected, Frank had to leave out some of his big-name players for the competition, with a maximum of 25 players selected.

Now, UEFA has announced that clubs will be allowed to include a ‘temporary’ replacement if one of their outfield players suffers a ‘long-term injury or illness’.

This is particularly good news for Spurs, who suffered an abnormal number of injuries last season under Ange Postecoglou.

Indeed, it is also significant news for Tel, who was a surprise omission despite completing a £30million move this summer.

What must Mathys Tel do to get Tottenham chance?

There is no question that the France under-21 international is up against it to get a chance in Frank’s side.

As a left-sided winger, he is up against the in-form Brennan Johnson, while Wilson Odobert is also in direct competition.

The 20-year-old has featured twice as a substitute in the Premier League, coming off the bench against Burnley and Bournemouth.

However, he did show his worth during the international break by bagging a brace against Serbia under-21s.

In adversity, Tel has shown professionalism and can be called upon by his manager if required.