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‘Ridiculous’ – Tottenham fans react to what Luka Vuskovic just did at Hamburg

Tottenham fans have praised Luka Vuskovic for his performance against FC Heidenheim in the DFB-Pokal on Tuesday.

Vuskovic was loaned to Hamburg towards the end of the summer transfer window after arriving from Hajduk Split.

Fans have since been keeping a close eye on Vuskovic, who continues to impress for the Bundesliga side.

Recently, Vuskovic hinted at playing for Real Madrid in the future, which would’ve alarmed supporters.

But given his age and decision to sign for the Lilywhites at all costs, he’s set to dedicate much of his playing career to Tottenham.

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Luka Vuskovic shines against FC Heidenheim

Vuskovic starred in Hamburg’s 1-0 win over Heidenheim in the DFB-Pokal on Tuesday evening.

The defender created two chances for his team, made nine passes into the final third, and five out of six of his long balls were accurate.

His defensive statistics were not too shabby, either, making six clearances and five headed clearances as well as two interceptions.

Furthermore, he won two ground duels, seven aerial duels and made five ball recoveries.

He also won two fouls in what was a complete performance from the young centre-back.

In light of his impressive display, Tottenham fans took to X after the game to shower him with praise.

“Ridiculous. Imagine him in a Frank back five. Can go forward and will be there for every set piece,” one fan said.

Another pointed out: “Mind-blowing that he can get so much better than this,” while one more added: “Absolute freak.”

Furthermore, another said: “Linked with [Ezri] Konsa while we have this gem on loan.”

“And he’s just a kid. Incredible,” one added while one more fan said: “Top talent, no need to rush him and he’ll probably will get another loan next season.”

With Vuskovic performing at the rate he is and the likes of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven at the club, Tottenham are set in defence for years to come.

How has Luka Vuskovic performed this season?

Vuskovic’s performance against Heidenheim was far from a one-off display from the youngster this season.

Indeed, he has made six appearances in the Bundesliga this season, playing every possible minute according to Sofascore.

While his attacking statistics are commendable for a centre-back, it is defensively where he has excelled.

If his stellar run of form continues, while Tottenham were originally criticised for sending Vuskovic on loan, it may have been the best decision the club’s made in a while.

Tottenham Under-21s ace Calum Logan has been wanting to leave the club for a while.

Logan recently underwent a trial at QPR after previously doing likewise at Leeds United months ago.

It is clear that Logan is itching for a move away from Tottenham despite climbing the ranks of one of the best clubs in England.

While Spurs will likely be disappointed to lose an upcoming talent, a move elsewhere may be best for all involved.

Calum Logan will struggle to get minutes over Harry Byrne

Harry Byrne has become one to watch at Tottenham and is hoping to make his senior debut in the future.

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With competition to impress at Spurs at an all-time high, speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Tottenham expert and Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham believes Logan will leave North London soon.

“I’m happy for him to move on. He’s been wanting to leave for a while, I think,” Wenham said.

“He’s on trial at other clubs looking. Until a deal is agreed, he’s got his contract at Tottenham that runs until 30 June next year. But I don’t imagine Tottenham would ask for a fee for Logan.

“So if, for example, he impresses at QPR, they say they want to take over his contract, then I’m sure Tottenham will come to an agreement with him that will allow him to move permanently to QPR.

“Byrne is above him in the team at left-back. So, yeah, it’d be a good move for him if he can secure that move to QPR, who’ve had success bringing Kieran Morgan, who’s done really well for them from Tottenham.”

Who is Tottenham youngster Harry Byrne?

The young star has been at Tottenham’s Academy since he was seven and has climbed through the ranks throughout the years.

The inverted fullback made his debut for the Under-21s last December and was named Scholar of the Year at the Premier League youth Development Conference last season.

Given his versatility and achievements at such a young age, Byrne’s future in North London will no doubt be bright.

How many games Archie Gray may miss for Tottenham amid new injury blow

Archie Gray is facing up to eight weeks on the sidelines in more bad news for Tottenham on the injury front.

Gray started for Tottenham in their goalless draw to Monaco in the Champions League last week.

The rising star performed so well that the night ended with shouts for shouts for Gray to start over Djed Spence under Thomas Frank.

While competition is rife in North London, given that Destiny Udogie is still sidelined for Spurs with injury, it was believed that there would be ample opportunities for Gray to start as Spurs’ left-back.

However, due to the emerging news, it seems that he himself will be spending a period of time on the sidelines.

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Archie Gray will miss at least 13 games for Tottenham

Gray is facing eight weeks out injured, according to The Sun’s Jake Sanders via X on 29 October.

As a result, the versatile midfielder could miss at least 13 games for the North London club, including highly anticipated clashes against rivals Arsenal and Liverpool.

He will also be sidelined for the trip to face PSG in the Champions League, where Tottenham will be desperate for a win after the defeat to the Parisians on penalties in the Super Cup back in August.

His earliest return game would be when Spurs face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on 30 December.

With Gray growing in confidence and minutes, his fate will surely come as a huge blow to both him and Frank.

Tottenham now have 15 fit senior outfield players

Ange Postecoglou’s time at Tottenham has almost been vindicated with the number of injuries the Lilywhites are facing.

Indeed, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are still recovering from long-term injuries while Radu Dragusin continues to work on his fitness after suffering an ACL injury last season.

This does not even scratch the surface with summer signing Kota Takai and Cristian Romero both out.

Meanwhile, Yves Bissouma recently underwent surgery after sustaining an ankle injury over the international break.

As a result, Spurs now have 15 senior outfield players who are fit and ready for selection.

But with most of Tottenham’s starters still available and Kevin Danso an excellent back-up for Romero, Frank may just have enough firepower to see him through this difficult period.

Archie Gray has struggled for game time recently despite a strong performance as left-back in the UEFA Champions League.

Gray benched Djed Spence to start in Tottenham’s goalless draw to Monaco in the Champions League.

The young star impressed while on the pitch, and it was even suggested that Gray could start at left-back over Spence moving forward.

Despite this, the England international returned to the fold in Spurs’ 3-0 win over Everton, leaving Gray to watch from the sidelines once again.

However, while a starting spot on Thomas Frank’s team does not seem to be on the immediate cards, there is still hope yet.

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Archie Gray will play left-back in Djed Spence’s absence

Udogie has been sidelined for Frank since sustaining an injury over the international break and is not expected to return for Tottenham’s clash against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup.

Competition in North London is high with the Dane having outstanding left-back options in Spence, Udogie and Pedro Porro.

However, speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Tottenham expert and Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham believes that Gray will have the opportunities to shine on the left side while Udogie is injured over the coming weeks.

“I think with Gray, he’s got that versatility to his game and obviously, time will tell, but I think we’ve got three outstanding fullbacks in Spence, Porro and Udogie when all fit and firing,” Wenham said.

“But I think while Udogie is missing absolutely, there are opportunities for Gray to come in and play that position. But I think he had a really good cameo.

“It was the Bodo away game. He had a really good cameo off the bench that directly led to one of the goals. So I think we are going to see more and more of him over the coming weeks.”

Archie Gray needs to start in the midfield

There is no denying that Gray is an excellent defensive option for Tottenham, and it is an asset to have such a versatile talent at the club.

However, it is time Frank consistently played him as a central midfielder, which is his natural position.

The issue both Frank and Gray face is that the youngster will struggle to master one position after having so many roles. This could result in him always being a good player, but never the first-choice option.

Frank playing him more in the midfield would solve this, and while competition is high, there are enough games this season to at least make a start.

Brennan Johnson shows exactly why Thomas Frank needs to start him in Tottenham vs Newcastle – It’s not what you think

Thomas Frank will want to build on Tottenham’s 3-0 win over Everton.

Tottenham take on Newcastle United next in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, as Frank has big decisions to make over his squad.

Last time out, Joao Palhinha proved his importance for Spurs, as Micky van de Ven stole the headlines with his brace against the Toffees.

Brennan Johnson, however, made his first Premier League start since August against Everton, as it’s no surprise that Tottenham got back to winning ways with the Welshman in the side.

Brennan Johnson was key for Tottenham vs Everton

Tottenham had failed to win either of their first two games since they returned to action after the international break, as Johnson started in neither of the matches against Aston Villa or Monaco.

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Johnson had made a blistering start to the Premier League when he scored in both of Tottenham’s opening games of the season, but has since rapidly fallen down the pecking order in N17 under Frank.

However, Frank decided to play him against Everton on 26 October, as Johnson’s performance spoke for itself.

Although Johnson is an attacker, his work rate at the back was vital for Tottenham against Everton, as the winger got stuck in defensively for the Lilywhites.

Johnson won 80 per cent of his ground duels, as his defensive diligence allowed opportunities for Mohammed Kudus and Randal Kolo Muani to carry Tottenham up the field, into dangerous areas.

Making four clearances and winning two of his three tackles, the Welsh winger could be critical again.

There have been worries that Johnson could leave Tottenham soon, due to the lack of game time he is getting while holding a high market value, but he still seems key for Frank.

Why Thomas Frank needs to start Johnson vs Newcastle

Like Everton, Newcastle, and St. James’ Park will be a difficult place for the Lilywhites to go, as there is no doubt that Tottenham will be under defensive pressure for a lot of the game.

Frank left Johnson on the pitch for 89 minutes against Everton, as his running and pressure on the Toffees worked a treat away from home.

Newcastle will pose a very similar task to Everton, but perhaps even trickier, as Johnson’s performance should have all but confirmed his place in the starting lineup for the game.

‘There is one thing Paris Saint-Germain are doing that Tottenham could copy as issue revealed’

Tottenham have been told that the atmosphere in the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has not been good enough as of late.

The Lewis family have been keen to bolster Spurs’ sporting success over the next couple of years.

This objective has resulted in several changes at the North London club, including Daniel Levy stepping down as Tottenham chairman after almost 25 years at the helm.

However, the Lilywhites may need to do a lot more at home to guarantee results as the season progresses and beyond, with a blueprint possibly emerging.

Tottenham told to follow PSG model

Tottenham moved to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2019 after construction began in 2015.

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However, speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Tottenham expert and Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham has been unimpressed with the atmosphere, drawing comparisons with PSG on how they can improve things.

“I’ve got a season ticket and I sit there, I see what’s around me, so you’ve got a massively, massively older audience of match-going home fans who naturally don’t want to bounce up and down and scream and shout for an entire game. They can’t,” Wenham said.

“Some absolutely do, I don’t want to generalise, but Tottenham can do more to maybe have a specific section that’s for ages between 18 to 30 or something like that. You reduce the ticket prices heavily, and then you can combine that area and absolutely that would create noise and an atmosphere.

“PSG, for example, they’ve got one end of their stand, the ticket prices are about 30 per cent of what the people paying the rest of the stand, and they’re exclusively reserved for the younger generations of people, and they can be an absolute racket the whole game. But that moves around the stadium, which reflects in the atmosphere.

“At the moment, the way it’s set up for me is to be a commercial sort of venue. They don’t want that loud, aggressive, kind of football atmosphere, but that is part and part of why atmospheres in football are so good, that banter with the away fans, stop for the game and that has dried out completely at the stadium.”

How have Tottenham performed at home as of late?

The Lilywhites have a shocking home record, winning three of their last 17 games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Frank’s most recent home defeat came during Spurs’ 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, where their opponents returned from a one-goal deficit.

Tottenham’s 1-1 draw to Wolves was one of the only games where roars could be heard throughout the stadium, and that was thanks to a late-minute Joao Palhinha equaliser.

While Spurs’ home atmosphere could play a role, the players will need to perform a lot better at the stadium moving forward.

Sunderland have copied one of the final things Daniel Levy did at Tottenham before resigning

Daniel Levy was known as a savvy operator in his time with Tottenham.

Levy left his role as executive chairman of Tottenham this summer after 25 years in the job, where he oversaw huge growth off the field.

It seems as though his influence is still being felt in the Premier League though, as newly-promoted Sunderland seem to have copied his methods.

Levy may have been criticised for a lack of spending at Tottenham, in terms of transfers, but he regularly reached commercial agreements that benefited the North London outfit.

Sunderland take inspiration from Daniel Levy parting gift to Tottenham

Before his departure, Levy signed off on a £90million windfall for Tottenham, his parting gift to the club that had served for a quarter-century.

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The money was borrowed from Macquarie Bank, which was secured against future payments from the Premier League for media rights in the 2025-26 campaign.

The agreement was reached on 29 August, and the 63-year-old left his post on 4 September, so it is likely that he contributed to it.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire revealed on 28 October that the Black Cats have followed suit and copied what Levy did, as they have borrowed from the same place.

Tottenham fans will look back favourably on Levy’s time in charge

His time at Tottenham did not end the way that he may have wanted it to, as Levy had spoken about winning the Premier League and Champions League before his exit.

However, he can be proud of his time with the Lilywhites, as he has put the club in a position to succeed in the future, with state-of-the-art facilities and a big spend on transfers before he departed.

Thomas Frank was put in a position to take the club on to further glory, after the Europa League success, and it is mostly down to the former longest-serving executive in the league.

As well as securing the £90m loan, Levy also secured regular events at the new stadium, such as concerts and NFL matches, which generate huge sums for the club.

The fact that other teams are copying his methods suggests that they worked, and as a result, his legacy will be boosted.

Micky van de Ven netted his fifth goal against Everton to become Tottenham’s leading scorer in all competitions.

Kevin Danso put in a shift for Tottenham in their 3-0 win over Everton, but it was van de Ven who grabbed headlines.

Indeed, van de Ven surpassed his all-time Tottenham goal tally since he arrived in 2023 after scoring a brace. In the last two seasons, he has scored a combined three goals, but this season he has netted five goals alone.

But what was clearly a joyous occasion for the centre-back and fans is likely to cause trouble for Thomas Frank later down the line.

How have Tottenham’s attackers performed this season?

Tottenham currently have seven forwards in their senior team, who have netted a combined eight goals this season.

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To put this into perspective, defender van de Ven and defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha have scored eight goals between them.

Solanke has been injured for most of the season, so his tally is understandable, but it is too simple to say that the others need to pull their weight.

Indeed, eight goals scored by seven forwards in 14 games is fundamentally a tactical issue.

Richarlison and Xavi Simons illustrate the issue

Frank likes to create from the wings, with Tottenham often progressing the ball in a U-formation.

This means that Spurs’ wingers often have more time and space with the ball, unlike their attackers, who operate more centrally.

Xavi Simons has underperformed for Tottenham this season, but the number of touches he’s received in the Premier League suggests he may not be at fault.

Indeed, the Dutch international has averaged 44 touches at Spurs this season, while he had around 68 during the 2024/25 season. And when your intended main creator can’t get on the ball, the problem trickles down.

Richarlison’s goals this season have come against Burnley and Brighton, where he took five shots. Comparatively, Wolves at home was one of his worst games this season, where he had one shot all game.

Meanwhile, Kudus has been Tottenham’s prime creator this season.

When Kudus has a bad game, Spurs struggle to create for their centre-forwards, which is reflected in Richarlison’s weaker performances.

The verdict?

Frank’s insistence on creating from the wings is harming the team.

Indeed, his tactics effectively render Simons ineffective, which leaves the Lilywhites with one less option going forward.

As a result, it is no wonder that van de Ven tops Spurs’ goalscoring chart and why they have looked most threatening during set pieces. This is something that Frank will need to nip in the bud, or it’s looking like a long season ahead.

Thomas Frank will have to overcome a horrific individual record against Newcastle United if Tottenham are to progress in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

Tottenham will take on Newcastle at St James’ Park, with the sides set to face off for a place in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup on 29 October.

It will be a difficult test for Frank‘s team, who enjoyed a superb return to form on Sunday at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tottenham beat Everton 3-0 in the Premier League, with goals from Micky van de Ven and Pape Matar Sarr sealing a fantastic away day victory.

Newcastle are the favourites against Tottenham, however, despite the Magpies’ mixed bag of results so far this season.

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Thomas Frank’s abysmal record against Newcastle United

Richarlison is expected to start against Newcastle, with Frank likely to make several changes to the side that beat Everton.

The Dane’s focus will continue to be on the Premier League this season, but the chance for silverware cannot be ignored.

Should Tottenham progress past Newcastle, they may well find themselves in a favourable position to advance to the semi-finals, too, with at least three sides set to progress who Frank’s side would fancy themselves against.

Three of Brentford, Grimsby Town, Wycombe, Fulham, Wrexham, and Cardiff City will progress on Tuesday.

And on Wednesday, Wolves, Brighton, Crystal Palace and Swansea City all have the chance to cause an upset against tough Premier League opposition.

Tottenham’s focus will be placed on their own clash in the first instance, however, with Frank holding a woeful individual record against Newcastle.

The former Brentford boss has won just twice in 10 matches against the Magpies, avoiding defeat in just one of his last eight meetings with Eddie Howe’s side.

Frank beat Newcastle last season

That one victory in the last eight against Newcastle for Frank came last season in the Premier League.

It was a thrilling game, too. Bryan Mbeumo and Alexander Isak had both scored early on, before Harvey Barnes again equalised for the visitors when he cancelled out Yoane Wissa’s goal.

In the second half, however, Brentford would streak ahead through Nathan Collins and Kevin Schade, sealing the 4-2 victory for Frank’s team.

Tottenham fans will be hoping for something similar on Wednesday, although Frank will be without the support of his home fans.

Tottenham’s trip to Crystal Palace could be the only Premier League fixture played on Boxing Day this year.

Due to broadcasting agreements and the fact that 26 December falls on a Friday, only one Premier League game will be permitted to take place outside of the weekend.

Understandably, football purists in the UK are annoyed with the decision, as watching top-flight football either in the flesh or at home with your family has been a staple of the British game as long as many of us remember.

In fact, this year will see the fewest top-flight Boxing Day fixtures played since World War II.

Spurs lost to Crystal Palace both times they played them last season – but at least Thomas Frank and co could be avenging those defeats in front of a football-deprived nation this Christmas.

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London derby could be only Premier League fixture on Boxing Day

As it stands, Tottenham head to Selhurst Park on 27 December, with no Premier League fixtures currently scheduled for 26 December.

The league’s chiefs will soon announce the game that’s being played the day after Christmas, and it’s likely going to be a game where clubs’ players, staff and fans won’t have to travel too far.

Tottenham’s training ground Hotspur Way is roughly a 30-mile trip, while most Spurs fans inside the city will face much shorter journeys than football fans elsewhere in the country for this away day.

If Spurs’ game does move to 26 December, they’ll have the chance to win on Boxing Day for the first time in four years.

TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook is well-informed about the situation that’s developing at Premier League headquarters and he’s revealed that Palace versus Spurs is a prime contender for Boxing Day broadcast.

Speaking on talkSPORT on 27 October, Crook said: “What we don’t know at this stage is what game will be brought forward for that Friday television slot.

“There is a possibility, I think it may be Palace against Tottenham, obviously two London sides meeting, Brentford against Bournemouth is another where fans won’t have to travel too far, because of course there are no trains on Boxing Day.”

West Ham and Fulham are also set to play each other at the London Stadium during that gameweek, so there’s also the possibility that game is played on Boxing Day, with Crystal Palace versus Spurs being scheduled on either the Saturday or Sunday.

What football fans are saying about Premier League’s Boxing Day debacle

It’s safe to say that a lot of football fans are fuming with the change.

There are some really good fixtures that are set to take place in matchday 18, such as Man United versus Newcastle, Sunderland versus Leeds and the two aforementioned London derby games.

Current matchday 18 fixtures that are scheduled for 27 December:

With the news emerging over the last 24 hours that Premier League football on Boxing Day is being eroded to the point of non-existence, football fans have been airing their concerns about the failure to uphold the traditions of the game.