tottenhamhotspurnews.com

Tottenham Hotspur and ENIC would have been watching in horror as Harry Kane helped fire Bayern Munich to a 2-1 win over Real Madrid.

The England hero came through at Spurs, scoring 280 goals in 435 matches, but he was never able to bring silverware back to Hotspur Way.

He was sold to the German giants in 2023 for a fee of £104million, and he has repaid every penny, especially after his latest exploits at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old launched a sensational effort past Andriy Lunin to put his side two goals ahead in their Champions League quarter-final first leg at the time.

Tottenham fans would love to have Kane back, and the owners have been told that they missed an amazing chance while he was at the club.

MORE SPURS STORIES

🏟️ TOTTENHAM MATCHDAY HUB 🏟️

Line-ups, predicted XIs, player ratings, tactical verdicts, match analysis, and live Spurs form guides.

Get 24/7 updates from your definitive Lilywhites source

Why will Tottenham have Harry Kane regret?

John Wenham is happy for Kane and rues that Tottenham’s owners missed a huge own goal by not winning more when he was at Hotspur Way.

With the new stadium built around him before his exit, better planning could have seen some of football’s biggest honours on show in North London.

Asked if he was hurt about his performance against Madrid, he exclusively told Tottenham News: “I’m also pleased for him as well, you can be frustrated to see your club bring through, in my opinion, one of the greatest English players of all time, but to see him performing on that stage is what he deserved.

“Not just him, actually, but in that period, they had both Kane and Son, Son shared a golden boot with Salah playing on the left wing, and he didn’t take any penalties.

“Both of those players come through with that ability and level, and what did we build around them? The likes of Matt Doherty, Joe Roden, Oliver Skipp, Harry Winks, and Sergio Reguilon, if you take those two out of the team, it’s like a relegation-level team at that point.

“Unfortunately, we never built on that, and that will be something that the ownership will regret looking back on. The fact that they missed an amazing opportunity with the new stadium build, it was only 2019 that they got Kane to sign a six-year contract, they should have done so much more to build around him, as well as Son.

“They could have had some of the biggest cup honours in world football on show at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. I know they got to the Champions League final in 2019, but it’s really frustrating that nothing was won on the back of that.”

Why it could get even worse for Tottenham

Tottenham would have no doubt been in a better position had they kept Kane; that goes without saying.

His goals and link-up play would have provided Ange Postecoglou, Thomas Frank or Igor Tudor with much more than what they got in recent years from their forwards.

Looking back, the lack of trophies while he was there and the decision to sell the Three Lions star will likely haunt Spurs for a long time.

The regret will be even worse if he goes on to win the competition.

Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Tottenham Hotspur News Access

Get the full story from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Hotspur Way with our dedicated expert hubs:

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from N17 and Hotspur Way.

Tottenham can level up on Guglielmo Vicario with James Trafford transfer lined up

Tottenham Hotspur are keeping tabs on James Trafford’s situation at Manchester City as Guglielmo Vicario looks set for a summer exit.

As per The Sun, Tottenham’s number one Vicario is likely to end his stay in north London at the end of the season, amid strong interest from Inter Milan.

If the 29-year-old does leave, Tottenham will try to sign a new goalkeeper regardless of whether they stay in the Premier League or not.

Back-up City keeper Trafford has emerged as a possible target for Tottenham, who also have Antonin Kinsky as their current second-choice stopper.

If Roberto De Zerbi‘s team stave off relegation to the Championship, Tottenham would do well to try and pursue former Burnley man Trafford.

MORE SPURS STORIES

🚨 TOTTENHAM TRANSFER HUB 🚨

Breaking N17 recruitment news: Top targets, deals in progress, whispers, signings, departures, contract updates.

James Trafford among Tottenham’s targets

It’s stated that while Tottenham are admirers of Trafford, Newcastle are in the driving seat for the 23-year-old, with the Magpies just missing out on the £27million signing last summer.

Aston Villa have also been credited with interest in the City ace, if Emi Martinez moves on, but Unai Emery’s men are also keeping tabs on Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen.

Trafford was signed as City’s number one last summer, but when Gianluigi Donnarumma became available, he became second choice.

The Italian is unlikely to be usurped from his number one spot any time soon, which is why Trafford may be heading for an Etihad departure.

According to Sofascore, in Trafford’s three Premier League games this season, he has prevented 1.9 goals, compared to Vicario’s minus 5.2.

Moreover, in City’s Carabao Cup-winning campaign, Trafford shipped only two goals in six matches.

In the 2024-25 campaign for Burnley, Trafford had a save percentage of 84.5 per cent. His goals prevented total was plus-12.9, as he let in just 16 from an Expected Goals on Target of 28.9.

While the Premier League is a step up in quality, Trafford has shone in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup this term, and he would be a serious upgrade on Vicario for many years to come.

Vicario sums up the mess Tottenham are in

For a time, Vicario seemed to be a good signing for Tottenham.

In his first season (2023-24) at the club, the £17.2m signing kept seven clean sheets in 38 Premier League games, and his goals prevented were at -0.3.

That improved to +0.6 the following season as Tottenham won the Europa League.

But this term, his confidence has seemingly gone off a cliff, with the keeper shipping 50 goals in 31 games.

He has made two errors that have led to a goal and has failed to keep out a number of efforts that should have been saved.

Vicario is a good player on his day, but he looks shot of confidence and belief, much like Tottenham this season.

When the chips were down, Vicario and his Spurs teammates were found wanting. Even if he keeps them up, a Tottenham transfer exit seems the right call.

Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Tottenham Hotspur News Access

Get the full story from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Hotspur Way with our dedicated expert hubs:

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from N17 and Hotspur Way.

Rodrigo Bentancur could be due to return for Tottenham Hotspur this month, but it may not be a good thing.

Criticism of Spurs is more than warranted this season, but there has to be some acknowledgement of the injury crisis that has ensued in North London once again.

That has been a huge reason behind their demise, with several star players having missed large chunks of the season through injury.

Mohammed Kudus, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Bentancur are just a handful of the names to have missed out, though the latter is due back soon.

However, Bentancur’s return from injury may not bring as much optimism as many would have first imagined.

MORE SPURS STORIES

🤕 TOTTENHAM INJURY UPDATE 🤕

Latest N17 fitness reports: Team news, Hotspur Way fitness reports, and expected return dates for Spurs.

Get 24/7 updates from your definitive Lilywhites source

Rodrigo Bentancur’s stats laid bare

Bentancur can be a quality player, and we have all seen that throughout his time in North London.

Whether it be carving out opportunities in the final third or helping his side out defensively, the Uruguayan has usually been very reliable.

But that has not been the case at all this season prior to his injury, and the chances of him changing that upon his return are very slim, given the layoff he has had.

Bentancur ranks among the bottom 50.6 per cent of Premier League midfielders for successful passes per 90 with 39.75, but the majority of his stats get worse from there.

With just one big chance created in 1415 minutes of football, the midfielder ranks among the bottom 26.5 per cent of players in his position, with just nine chances created in total.

And while it’s fair to say that that is very rarely his role in the team, it may well be under Roberto De Zerbi, given that Joao Palhinha is likely to be the midfielder that sits deep, allowing his partner to roam forward.

Who features in Tottenham’s best midfield under Roberto De Zerbi?

As mentioned above, De Zerbi usually adopts a midfield two, both of whom have very different roles.

If Palhinha is to be one of them, it means the other needs to be someone capable of influencing things in the final third just as much as defensively, and that may prove to be Lucas Bergvall’s role.

The Swede has been one of the only positives from yet another dismal campaign domestically, and he may continue that under De Zerbi ahead of the final seven games of the season.

Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Tottenham Hotspur News Access

Get the full story from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Hotspur Way with our dedicated expert hubs:

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from N17 and Hotspur Way.

Sean Dyche has outlined his three-point plan for keeping Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League – with the numbers painting a worrying picture.

Dyche was among the bookies’ favourites to succeed Igor Tudor at Tottenham but in the end, the north London team appointed Roberto De Zerbi on a five-year deal.

The former Nottingham Forest manager has since said that Spurs didn’t contact him about the role, despite being linked with the position.

De Zerbi has seven games to keep Tottenham up, with the Europa League holders currently one point and one place ahead of the relegation zone.

Dyche was sacked by Forest earlier this season but he believes Tottenham can stave off relegation from the Premier League if they stick to three key principles.

MORE SPURS STORIES

🏟️ TOTTENHAM MATCHDAY HUB 🏟️

Line-ups, predicted XIs, player ratings, tactical verdicts, match analysis, and live Spurs form guides.

Get 24/7 updates from your definitive Lilywhites source

The numbers don’t lie for Tottenham

Heading into De Zerbi’s first game in charge, an away trip to Sunderland on Sunday, Tottenham have a host of unwanted statistics.

Tottenham have taken just 34 points from their last 40 Premier League games and a mere 13 from their previous 22.

With just two home wins in the league this season, only already-relegated Championship side Sheffield Wednesday have a worse record on their own patch in the English Football League this term.

Tottenham’s last win in the English top-flight was 28 December 2025 and they have failed to win 13 successive league games for the first time since 1935.

According to the Expected Goals numbers, they are are four points below what their actual points tally should be (30 vs 34), they have scored 7.5 goals more than predicted (40 vs 32.5), and they have conceded three goals more than what has been expected (50 vs 47).

So, what does Dyche recommend for Tottenham? When asked what the key ingredient is to Tottenham’s survival, Dyche said on talkSPORT: “For me, they need to be strong, fit, and organised. That keeps you in the Premier League.

“That is what I was trying to get into the group at Forest. Not just talent, not relying just on talent. What’s the framework of the side? What’s the energy? What’s the output? What’s the hard yards?

“How much of that are you putting in? Because after years of being in the game, if you ain’t got that right, you’re going to find it very, very difficult to stay in the Premier League if you don’t get the framework and the basics right. Strong, fit and organized.”

Can Roberto De Zerbi keep Tottenham up?

Anticipation among Tottenham’s fans is high as they prepare for the last stage of this Premier League relegation fight.

So far, reports suggest the Spurs squad have been left mightily impressed by De Zerbi’s training sessions.

But will the Italian get enough time for his principles to filter through to the players in their seven remaining fixtures?

In this difficult stretch, they face Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa and Chelsea, in addition to Europe-chasing Everton, Sunderland, and Brighton.

Crunch games with lowly Leeds United and Wolves are to come, but if Tottenham want to stay up, they need to start winning pronto.

De Zerbi is a very capable manager but whether he preserves their top-flight status is another matter.

Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Tottenham Hotspur News Access

Get the full story from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Hotspur Way with our dedicated expert hubs:

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from N17 and Hotspur Way.

Roberto De Zerbi will have plenty of squad decisions to make at Tottenham Hotspur, and one may be on Cristian Romero.

The Argentine defender signed a new four-year contract with Spurs in August 2025, which is set to expire in 2029.

That would seem to set the World Cup’s future in stone, firmly at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but that may not be the case.

De Zerbi will want to have his own look at the squad over the next seven matches and decide who he wants to stick around and who he wants to get rid of.

Tottenham are set for a big overhaul in the summer, and the new manager will be at the forefront of any changes that are made.

MORE SPURS STORIES

📋 NEXT TOTTENHAM MANAGER HUB 📋

Breaking: Tracking the managerial candidates, latest odds and Spurs boardroom decisions.

Get 24/7 updates from your definitive Lilywhites source

De Zerbi stance on Romero’s Tottenham future mooted

John Wenham believes that Romero could still be set for a Tottenham exit if the Italian boss decides he crosses the line too often.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “It’ll be up to De Zerbi to make a decision on who he can work with moving forward.

“For example, he might love Romero, he might think, ‘he’s a complete psycho, like I am, yeah, I want to get him on board’, and he might love him.

“Or he might come in and say, ‘look, he’s too mad, he’s too much of a liability’, it will be interesting.

“Will he stick with him as captain, or will he pick a new captain?

“We don’t know at the moment, so we’ve got all these things to sort of unravel that are quite exciting, because we’re in a position of real disappointment this season, but this could all change quickly, if we can make some good and clever decisions.”

Why Romero could still leave Tottenham

A potential Lilywhites exit is not too surprising for the 27-year-old defender as his father revealed that he has a release clause in the new deal.

Victor Romero has decided to speak out to Argentinian outlet Cadena 3 and confirm the existence of the agreement.

He said: “He has two more years on his contract with Tottenham and a very high release clause. The English club isn’t going to let him go for free; it’s between £37.8m-£53m.”

Therefore, De Zerbi has a way to get shut of the defender, if he decides that he does not fit his plans going forward.

Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Tottenham Hotspur News Access

Get the full story from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Hotspur Way with our dedicated expert hubs:

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from N17 and Hotspur Way.

Roberto De Zerbi will have to make a snap decision on whether Pape Sarr will have a future under him at Tottenham Hotspur as transfer speculation continues to build.

Sarr has made 33 appearances for Spurs across all competitions this campaign after nailing down a regular starting spot, but De Zerbi’s arrival may now leave him in the lurch.

While he has not exactly pulled up trees since arriving at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in 2021, he has been steady enough – certainly a virtue in the club’s relegation fight.

But as the new head coach builds for the future, ideally in the Premier League, several members of the squad will look for a new challenge, believing their days are numbered.

As long as Sarr’s role under De Zerbi remains unclear, he could be tempted to move on.

MORE SPURS STORIES

🚨 TOTTENHAM TRANSFER HUB 🚨

Breaking N17 recruitment news: Top targets, deals in progress, whispers, signings, departures, contract updates.

Who wants to sign Pape Sarr this summer?

According to Turkish publication Takvim, Fenerbahce are interested in signing Sarr at the end of the season, while arch rivals Galatasaray have also been identified as an option.

Fenerbahce are believed to have swooped for the 23-year-old in the past, but this time, they are said to be pursuing him “more decisively”. As such, they have “restarted negotiations”.

It has not been made clear whether talks have taken place with Sarr’s camp or with Tottenham, and it is not known whether De Zerbi himself has been able to assess his future.

Regardless, Spurs’ new boss would do well to make a decision as quickly as possible.

A switch to either of the top two clubs in the Super Lig could be an attractive proposition for the ace, especially with guaranteed first-team starts seemingly on the table.

Tottenham, however, must convince Sarr to stay. He remains a steady 7/10 performer week in and week out, and this consistency will be invaluable in De Zerbi’s bold era.

Sarr rarely lets Tottenham down

Sarr has made 22 appearances in the Premier League this term, starting 13 of them. Showcasing his attacking ability, he has scored two goals and registered three assists.

According to Sofascore, the midfielder boasts an 85 per cent pass accuracy while averaging 39.1 touches per match, suggesting he is very much involved in much of Spurs’ play.

Defensively, he makes 1.5 tackles per game, as well as 0.8 interceptions and 3.4 balls recovered, but his 47 per cent success rate in duels is an area that requires improvement.

Sarr very rarely has an off day for Tottenham, but De Zerbi will be looking for him to begin stamping his authority on matches, especially during this season’s crucial run-in.

But if he decides he wants to go, there will be no shortage of interest.

Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Tottenham Hotspur News Access

Get the full story from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Hotspur Way with our dedicated expert hubs:

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from N17 and Hotspur Way.

George Abbott has had a tough time away from Tottenham Hotspur on loan.

Abbott was widely regarded as one of the most promising prospects at Tottenham, prior to several loan exits, all but one of which have been disappointing.

His first taste of senior football was with Notts County last season, where the midfielder scored six goals and registered seven assists in League Two.

That ultimately led him to climb the footballing pyramid with a loan to Wycombe and then to Mansfield, where he will spend the rest of the season.

However, Abbott has struggled at Mansfield since his move there in the winter, with question marks as to what could be next for him in North London.

MORE SPURS STORIES

🏟️ TOTTENHAM MATCHDAY HUB 🏟️

Line-ups, predicted XIs, player ratings, tactical verdicts, match analysis, and live Spurs form guides.

Get 24/7 updates from your definitive Lilywhites source

George Abbott’s struggles at Masnfield laid bare

Given the hope that Tottenham have for Abbott, he needs to be thriving at the Championship level before he even gets a sniff in North London.

Now in League One, the 20-year-old doesn’t even look ready to make that step up.

Abbott ranks among the bottom 19.4 per cent of League One midfielders for his dribble success rate, of which he has completed just nine.

On top of that, his 74.9 per cent pass accuracy doesn’t stand out as anything special, with that again placing him among the bottom 42 per cent of midfielders.

Of the 21 appearances he has made in League One this season, Abbott has started just 12 of them, perhaps showcasing a lack of trust.

What’s next for Abbott at Tottenham?

The 20-year-old signed a long-term deal with Tottenham back in 2025, though the actual length of the contract remains unknown.

However, it may be a fair assumption to make that he will have at least one year left on his deal come the end of the campaign.

Another loan seems likely for him this summer, and that may be his final chance to impress figures in North London before a decision is made for his future to lie elsewhere.

Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Tottenham Hotspur News Access

Get the full story from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Hotspur Way with our dedicated expert hubs:

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from N17 and Hotspur Way.

Tottenham Hotspur could be set to wave goodbye to Cristian Romero.

The Argentine has cut a controversial figure this campaign after several rash moments that have cost the N17 outfit dearly.

His red cards against Manchester United and Liverpool only increased that frustration, especially with Spurs facing the potential of relegation.

That hasn’t been helped by his father speaking out about the defender’s release clause at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Romero could soon face a Tottenham exit with a potential move to Spain already in the pipeline ahead of the summer transfer window.

MORE SPURS STORIES

🚨 TOTTENHAM TRANSFER HUB 🚨

Breaking N17 recruitment news: Top targets, deals in progress, whispers, signings, departures, contract updates.

Cristian Romero readying LaLiga switch after release clause reveal

The centre-back has been a constant force for the Lilywhites since signing in 2021, but may be at the end of the road in N17.

He has featured heavily for Tottenham and will be difficult to replace, but he does appear to be on the way out when this campaign comes to an end.

The potential of a Spurs departure has only taken a step up after his father said: “He has two more years on his contract with Tottenham and a very high release clause.

“The English club isn’t going to let him go for free; it’s between £37.8m-£53m.”

That hasn’t gone down well with former scout Bryan King, who believes the release clause talk is a precursor to a summer exit.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, King said: “It’s unnecessary to bring it out to the public. His father has been very mischievous.

“They’ll probably think it sounds better coming from him than from his agent or Romero himself.

“Romero can always say, ‘I didn’t know anything about it, I want to be at Tottenham,’ all that rubbish.

“There will be all sorts of denial, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he was already lined up for a move to Spain.”

Romero’s contract is in place until 2029, and he would likely move for a sizable fee once the transfer window opens.

Who could Romero join if he leaves Tottenham?

There has been no shortage in transfer links surrounding the Argentine and a potential move to Atletico Madrid over the years.

Linking up with Diego Simeone in the Spanish capital would make sense and could prove to be a match made in heaven for all parties.

There is also likely to be interest from Real Madrid, depending on whether a new manager is brought in or Alvaro Arbeloa remains in the role.

Either move would make sense, although Tottenham are hardly going to be open and willing for their skipper to move on without a fight.

Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Tottenham Hotspur News Access

Get the full story from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Hotspur Way with our dedicated expert hubs:

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from N17 and Hotspur Way.

Tottenham Hotspur may want West Ham to beat Wolves when the Premier League returns to action.

Roberto De Zerbi has been appointed to try and stop the rot, and guide Spurs out of the danger that they currently find themselves in.

The Lilywhites sit 17th in the top-flight, just one point above their London rivals with seven matches left to play.

De Zerbi’s first game will be a visit to Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, which has been a tough place to go this season, the day after the Irons have played the bottom dwellers.

However, Tottenham may not have all doom and gloom ahead of that game, as it may not be the worst thing if Nuno Espirito Santo’s side go above them.

MORE SPURS STORIES

🏟️ TOTTENHAM MATCHDAY HUB 🏟️

Line-ups, predicted XIs, player ratings, tactical verdicts, match analysis, and live Spurs form guides.

Get 24/7 updates from your definitive Lilywhites source

Why may it not be a bad thing for Tottenham

John Wenham believes that Tottenham’s relegation chances may actually be improved if the Hammers take all three points, as it will force Spurs’ squad to realise the gravity of the situation.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “I think he’s exactly what the doctor ordered, and I actually can’t wait now for that game away at Sunderland.

“We’re probably going to be starting that game in 18th, so the pressure is going to be on, because West Ham are playing Wolves at home.

“I expect West Ham to win that game, knowing that they can put us in the bottom three, and that might be just a tonic we need, and it might be the players need to realise, ‘my god, we’re in the bottom three, you know, is it time to wake up now?’.

“They might need that kick up the backside, basically, to understand the situation we’re in, it can’t be a case of ‘we finished 17th last year, so we’re just going to do that again’, it’s not like last year.

“Last year, we were 13 points above the bottom three, it was such a different set-up than it is now, we were miles away the whole time, and Ange said in January time, we realised we’re not going to be going down or anything, so let’s just focus on the Europa League, and he did that.”

Why Wenham is spot on with strange Tottenham claim

Initially, it may seem like a bizarre suggestion, as surely that puts the N17 side in a more difficult position.

However, Wenham is right, the players need something to remind them how serious the situation is, and a Hammers win, would do just that.

Being in the relegation zone, with a crucial clash against the Mackems, would signify the importance of the situation to a squad that seems so out of touch at the moment.

Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Tottenham Hotspur News Access

Get the full story from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Hotspur Way with our dedicated expert hubs:

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from N17 and Hotspur Way.

Mathys Tel has shown glimpses of promise for Tottenham Hotspur, but with relegation looming, the Lilywhites cannot afford to wait for more than that.

This season has been a disaster for Spurs, who are on their third manager of the campaign already in Roberto De Zerbi.

De Zerbi arrives with the momentous task of keeping the N17 outfit in the top flight, with them being just one point above the drop.

For Tel, he has rarely started this season in the Premier League, but under Igor Tudor, he was a regular feature. The Frenchman has recently picked up an injury, though.

Ahead of De Zerbi’s first Tottenham game, the Italian will have plenty of decisions to make for his starting lineup, and Tel will certainly be knocking on the door if deemed fit.

MORE SPURS STORIES

🏟️ TOTTENHAM MATCHDAY HUB 🏟️

Line-ups, predicted XIs, player ratings, tactical verdicts, match analysis, and live Spurs form guides.

Get 24/7 updates from your definitive Lilywhites source

Why Mathys Tel must speed up his Tottenham progress

Unfortunately for Tel this season, he may not have time to continue learning and growing as a player, with Spurs desperately needing results.

At just 20 years old, the Frenchman has shown bundles of talent, and his potential is certainly high.

However, in the relegation battle, “potential” may be a detriment. The stakes are enormously high, and Tottenham need ready-made players to step up.

At that level, Tel has yet to put himself on the same level as those calibre of players.

However, among players aged 20 or under, Tel has proven himself. No player in the Premier League at that age group has completed more key passes (20) than Tel, according to Sofascore.

Additionally, he is placed third for total duels won (74), second for successful dribbles (30) and third for drawing fouls (17).

In those stats, he does not place anywhere near the top when compared to every Premier League player.

All of those data points do highlight a player who can have a top career at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium; however, he must age beyond his years in the coming weeks if he wants to help Spurs survive.

It would be silly to write Tel off, but decisions must be made in regard to the overall benefit of the team.

Tel may still have a part to play, but it is likely in a supporting role rather than a starting one, especially given that Spurs could be in the bottom three when they kick off in Sunderland.

Should Tel start vs Sunderland if he is fit?

We are still waiting to hear further about the extent of Tel’s injury after pulling out of international duty, but early reports state it is not serious.

This puts the 20-year-old back in contention to start against Sunderland.

In the reverse fixture against the Black Cats, Tel had a day to forget, struggling to impose himself on the game from the first whistle.

The French forward won just 40 per cent of his duels and had just 0.05 xG created. Additionally, in his 88-minute appearance, he attempted just 21 passes, holding an 86 per cent accuracy.

Overall, the style of play that the Black Cats use may not be suited to the type of player Tel is. De Zerbi only has to look back at this performance to see where the 20-year-old struggled.

De Zerbi is not flush with many options at the moment, but as it stands, he needs more from Tel if he does start.

Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Tottenham Hotspur News Access

Get the full story from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Hotspur Way with our dedicated expert hubs:

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from N17 and Hotspur Way.