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Mateus Fernandes may be about to turn a corner as a Tottenham Hotspur player.

After signing from West Ham in the summer in a big-money move, much was expected of the 22-year-old in his debut Spurs campaign.

So far, however, the central midfielder has endured a mixed bag of performances to start life in N17.

He's yet to really cement a starting role under Roberto De Zerbi, having been named in the lineup in four of his eight Premier League outings.

But after being on the bench for Spurs' previous two games, Fernandes came back into the starting XI against Chelsea.

What he did in the Lilywhites' 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge could set him up for a real purple patch of form over the coming festive period.

What did Jamie Redknapp say about Mateus Fernandes?

Given Tottenham have endured a slow start to the 2026-27 season, Fernandes hasn't been dealt the strongest hand so far in terms of hitting the ground running.

Some players take longer to find their feet than others, and especially as a central midfielder under a tactically complex coach such as De Zerbi.

However, with a relatively kind fixture schedule coming up over the coming weeks, this feels like a prime opportunity for the Portuguese talent to show what he can do.

Speaking on The Overlap, Jamie Redknapp acknowledged Fernandes' display against Chelsea, and has forecasted it to be a watershed moment for him.

"Fernandes had a big game versus Chelsea, it felt like a moment for him," he said.

Per FotMob, no player on the pitch in Spurs' win over Chelsea made more defensive contributions (14) or took more touches (124) than Fernandes.

He also completed 92 per cent of his pass attempts successfully, created two chances, played 27 line-breaking passes, made five tackles and six recoveries.

Crystal Palace are Spurs' next opponents on Saturday evening, but why are the Eagles destined to see their wings clipped via Fernandes?

Why Archie Gray shouldn't start in Tottenham vs Crystal Palace despite Harry Redknapp's 'incredible' admission How poor have Palace been defensively this season?

Despite being a more defensive-minded midfielder by trade, Fernandes' aforementioned numbers against Chelsea show how much of a threat he carries in attack too.

That will not be music to Crystal Palace's ears on Saturday, as their defensive numbers this term have been pretty appaling,

No team in the Premier League has conceded more goals than the Eagles' 19 from eight games, which is an average per game of 2.4.

On top of that, they rank 17th for average possession per game with 44.5 per cent, offering up a golden chance for Fernandes to dictate the match.

Pierre Sage's side have kept just one clean sheet all season too, so Fernandes should be licking his lips ahead of this one.

Tottenham midfielder James Maddison remains available for Saturday's visit of Crystal Palace despite a fresh injury scare during last week's win over Chelsea.

Maddison limped off in the 51st minute of Spurs' 2-0 success at Stamford Bridge.

The playmaker had only just made a dramatic return to the starting line-up for the first time in 17 months following knee trouble in the preceding 3-1 defeat of Coventry that saw Roberto De Zerbi's men secure their first Premier League win of the season.

But Tottenham boss De Zerbi, speaking Friday, said: "James is available.

"This week he didn't work like the other players, but for tomorrow he is available and he is a special player for us. A special player because of the character and he has unique characteristics.

"For James Maddison or the players who are coming from a long injury, they have to work more than the other players, but he has already four or five weeks he is working very hard and consistently."

Destiny Udogie is also available after he missed the wins over Coventry and Chelsea with a knee problem -- the second injury setback the Italian full-back has suffered this season.

"He is available, but is another problematic player in terms of injuries now because he can't work consistently during the weeks," said De Zerbi.

Spurs are now three points clear of the relegation zone following their first league win at Stamford Bridge in eight years.

They now find themselves involved in another all-London clash, with 17th-placed Palace just a point above the bottom three.

But having managed to stave off relegation after coming in late last season, De Zerbi has far greater ambitions for Tottenham in the current campaign.

"We have not achieved our goal. We want our fans to be happy, but not now, at the end of the season," he said.

"Now we have to push. We have to stay focused. We have to increase, improve the spirit, the appetite to win games in a row.

"One or two times is not enough. I believe in my players as people because we have so many leaders in our group. (Andy) Robertson, (Micky) Van de Ven, Pedro Porro, JP Van Hecke, Sandro Tonali, Rodrigo Bentancur, Tosin (Adarabioyo), Ben Davies, Maddison."

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Roberto De Zerbi has admitted Destiny Udogie's injuries are becoming a problem, as he revealed Tottenham made a mistake rushing Pedro Porro back before he suffered a hamstring injury.

Udogie is set to return after missing the last two games with a knee injury, while Porro was included in a matchday squad for the first time since September, when Spurs beat Chelsea 2-0 last weekend.

De Zerbi has been unable to consistently call upon his first-choice full-back pairing this season, with Porro and Udogie starting together just once in all competitions.

The Italian's chronic fitness issues have seen him miss 46 games for club and country since joining Spurs from Udinese ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Spurs have been cautious with Udogie this season given his injury history, and he will be fit to face Crystal Palace on Saturday evening.

But De Zerbi has been left frustrated by his lack of availability and has bemoaned the fact that he missed two weeks of training with the knee issue he sustained during Spurs' 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

"Yes, he is available, but is another problematic player in terms of injuries now because he can't work consistently during the weeks.

"After United, he didn't work with us, with the group, for a long time, and this season is different the situation because we have a great medical staff, and we are taking the right decision for each player in the right moment and in the right situation."

Porro's situation is different. The Spain international has been a mainstay of Spurs' team since arriving from Sporting, initially on loan, in 2022 and has missed just seven games through injury in four years.

Five of those games have come this season, though, after Porro picked up a hamstring injury against Aston Villa before the September international break.

Porro had originally complained of hamstring pain during Spain's run to the World Cup over the summer, so Spurs had been cautious not to throw him straight into the starting lineup at the start of the season.

They took a risk, with Porro keen to push through the pain barrier, by starting him against Villa and ultimately paid the price when he had to be withdrawn after 19 minutes.

Porro is back fit now, but after a month on the sidelines, De Zerbi admits he and the medical team made a mistake by rushing him back to fitness.

"Maybe we made some mistake with Pedro, with Aston Villa, but not medical staff, it was together, me too and my staff, but it's part of the job."

Tottenham Hotspur defender Pedro Porro has opened up about the persistent transfer speculation linking him with a move back to his homeland. The Spanish international, who has become a vital component of Roberto De Zerbi's side in North London, addressed the recent rumours involving La Liga's biggest heavyweights.

Clarifying the Spanish giants' interest

Porro has addressed the intense speculation surrounding his future, specifically regarding interest from Spanish powerhouses Barcelona and Real Madrid. Despite a flurry of reports during the most recent transfer window, the 27-year-old World Cup winner has clarified that while there were inquiries, no formal offers were placed on the table by either of the La Liga giants.

Speaking about the summer window, Porro admitted that while his name was discussed in high-level circles, he remained concentrated on his duties with the national team. "No. There was interest because they ask what your situation is but there wasn't real interest. There were rumours, but I was focused on doing well for my country," the defender explained, as quoted by ESPN. "If there's genuine interest, they call you directly, and that didn't happen. Some clubs did enquire to find out my situation, but there was no genuine interest. I didn't want to pay too much attention to it."

Commitment to the Spurs project

Despite the allure of a move back to Spain, Porro remains firmly committed to his current project under De Zerbi at Tottenham. Having signed a contract extension that ties him to the North London club until June 2031, the former Sporting CP man feels a deep sense of loyalty to the team that has facilitated his rise to becoming one of the Premier League's premier full-backs.

"Right now, it would be very unfair to talk about anything other than my club because I'm under contract. They [Spurs] have shown me a lot of respect, which is mutual," Porro stated. He also noted that he prioritised his future at Spurs early, saying: "But I sorted out my contract renewal before the World Cup so I could have peace of mind during the tournament, because that has a big impact on your performance."

The dream of a La Liga homecoming

While his immediate future is locked in at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Porro has not hidden his desire to return to his home country later in his career. The allure of La Liga remains strong for the defender, who believes his time playing in England has prepared him for any challenge that might come his way in the future, regardless of which Spanish club might eventually come calling.

"Obviously, I'm really looking forward to returning to Spain one day. It's my country and I like the league," Porro admitted candidly. When questioned on whether his style of play would be a better fit for the Santiago Bernabeu or the Camp Nou, he remained confident in his versatility: "I see myself as a player who can adapt to anything. I've adapted to the Premier League, which is by no means easy."

Valuation and happiness in North London

Porro acknowledges that Tottenham's firm stance on his market value likely played a role in deterring potential suitors this summer. The club views him as a cornerstone of their tactical set-up, a sentiment reflected in his heavy workload last term.

Ultimately, the Spaniard feels settled and appreciated in the Premier League. Reflecting on his decision to sign a long-term deal, he concluded: "I feel very much loved and that's very important to me. They [Spurs] offered me a good contract, although if I'd waited until after the World Cup I'd have got a bit more out of it."

Mathys Tel put in a star performance as Tottenham Hotspur defeated Chelsea last time out.

Spurs earned just a second win at Stamford Bridge in the past 37 years, with a 2-0 triumph at the home of their rivals.

Mike Penders comically punched into his own goal to put Spurs ahead in the second half.

But there was nothing fortunate about Tel's fine solo effort to make sure of the win and make it back-to-back Premier League wins for Spurs.

Tel has been a hugely frustrating figure for Tottenham, but showed what he can be capable of against the Blues.

And Tottenham expert John Wenham has told the 21-year-old what he needs to do to nail down the left-wing spot for his own after finding himself on the fringes of the squad.

Mathys Tel told what he can do to make starting spot his own

Spurs underwent a huge recruitment drive during the summer transfer window.

That included bringing in the likes of Savio, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Omar Marmoush to improve Roberto De Zerbi's attacking options.

But the left-wing spot has never really had a regular occupant since Son Heung-min departed for LAFC in August 2025.

Wenham thinks Tel can really enhance his own claims to nail it down as his own if he could back-up his goal against Chelsea with a couple more against Crystal Palace this weekend.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Wenham said: "He came in and what a performance, he was so good on the left-wing.

"I've told you time and time again, that position is up for grabs, since Son left, there hasn't been anybody who has taken up the challenge.

"Imagine, if Tel got a few goals on Saturday against Palace, it would be his.

"Despite the fact that club have signed Omar Marmoush, and so many other attacking signings, the position would be his if he could get a couple of goals in that game, hopefully he does."

Troy Deeney wowed by 'unbelievable' Mathys Tel after what he saw in Tottenham win vs Chelsea Gary Neville U-turned on Mathys Tel live on air

There was quite a comical moment involving Gary Neville live on Sky Sports' coverage of the clash between Chelsea and Tottenham.

Tel had found himself in plenty of promising positions, but had not really been able to deliver the final product.

Indeed, Neville had been criticising Tel for exactly that shortly before his magnificent run and low drive to double Tottenam's lead.

That led Neville to say live on air: "Oh, he's done it. I take everything back!"

The challenge for Tel now is obvious, though, he has to back up what he did against the Blues, and that starts with this weekend's clash versus Palace.

Charlotte Healy wants Bristol City Women to "take the positives" from their performance against Tottenham Hotspur, despite the Robins' heavy defeat to the WSL side.

The Reds slipped to their second loss of the Subway Players Cup campaign as they were beaten 6-1 by Spurs on Wednesday evening. At the High Performance Centre, a Shekiera Martinez hat-trick, as well as goals from Olivia Holdt, Signe Gaupest and Matilda Nilden, ensured Rio Hardy's first-half strike was little more than a consolation.

Martinez struck twice in the opening 24 minutes, first with a delicate chip and then with a close-range finish, after Holdt had doubled the visitors' advantage. After Gaupest stretched the lead to four on 41 minutes, Hardy's right-footed strike gave City a lifeline before the break.

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Ultimately, the Reds weren't able to kickstart a comeback, as Nilden and Martinez both got the better of Lauren Brzykcy after the restart. Though Healy was far from pleased with the scoreline, she was happy with the way her side went about this business and as underdogs.

"I think it's always difficult when you lose by that scoreline," the City boss told the club's media team after the final whistle. "I'm not silly; I know that, but I was actually really proud of a lot of elements of our play tonight.

"Look, we could sit in a 5-4-1, sit in and not compete with Tottenham, but I wanted us to show parts of us tonight. I wanted us to try and play; I wanted us to be aggressive out of possession; I wanted us to make it hard for them, and I thought we did that a lot.

"I thought we started the game brilliantly, and the reality is we should be 2-0 up before they even score the goal. I thought we created a lot tonight and we're disappointed that we've not been more ruthless. I think when you're up against a team of the quality and the individual quality that Tottenham have - you see it in some of the goals they score tonight, they're world class - the gap is huge.

"I can't ask anymore of the players tonight; they've done everything we've asked them to do, and they've applied what we've wanted them to do in large spells of the game, but against teams of this quality, if you're a little bit loose, you get punished.

"That happened to us a couple of times tonight."

Wednesday evening's defeat to Spurs leaves City sitting 17th in the Subway Players Cup table after three matches. At the time of writing, the Robins' margin to eighth-placed Liverpool and the qualification places stands at nine places, but just four points.

The Reds' next chance to close that gap comes this weekend, when they will travel to Shropshire to face Wolverhampton Wanderers - who they recently got the better of in the league - on Sunday afternoon.

"I think we have to just continue to build," Healy explained. "As I said, we wanted to make sure that we used this game as an opportunity to continue to build on what we've been doing. Wolves is another chance for us to do that.

"I think there were elements of the game - whilst I understand the scoreline and I never like losing, at the best of times, never mind by that scoreline - but we have to be realistic in the difference between the two teams and take the positives, because there were a lot of them tonight.

"As I said, I'm really proud of the players because they've done what we asked, they've worked their socks off, and they've been rewarded with the chances they've created by doing that.

"That's a real positive for us tonight; we have to continue to build from that, continue to evolve and continue to make sure we get better."

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Tottenham Hotspur have joined a quartet of Premier League heavyweights monitoring breakout Villarreal full-back Alex Freeman following his rapid rise in Spanish football this year. The north Londoners are actively scouting long-term right-back options amid growing uncertainty over first-choice defender Pedro Porro's future beyond this campaign.

English heavyweights track American defender

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham recruitment chiefs have been impressed by the 22-year-old defender as they prepare for life after Spain international Porro. Both Barcelona and Real Madrid are keen to bring the Spurs full-back home in 2027, with the player open to returning to his homeland. However, United scouts have also watched Freeman recently alongside representatives from Chelsea owners BlueCo and City's parent organisation, City Football Group.

Breakthrough year sparks Premier League interest

The son of Super Bowl winner Antonio Freeman has enjoyed a meteoric ascent since leaving Major League Soccer side Orlando City for Spain in January.

His immediate impact in La Liga earned him a maiden senior United States call-up in March before Mauricio Pochettino named him in his World Cup squad, where the youngster played all five games and scored in a victory over Australia.

Since returning to club duty for the 2026-27 season, the athletic defender has registered nine La Liga appearances and one goal alongside three Champions League outings and one Copa del Rey match.

Long contract protects Spanish club

The report notes that Premier League suitors have been drawn to the American's attacking output, physical attributes and ability to deliver on the biggest stage as they assess right-back reinforcements.

For Tottenham, identifying a succession plan has become vital even though Porro remains a key figure in north London for now.

However, prising Freeman away from the Estadio de la Ceramica will not be straightforward after he penned a six-year deal running until 2032 upon his arrival in January, handing the Yellow Submarine a commanding negotiating stance.

January window brings early test

Despite Villarreal holding strong contractual protection over their prized asset, formal approaches could arrive as early as the upcoming winter transfer window if his fine form continues. With scouts from England's biggest clubs regularly attending his matches, the Spanish side face a fierce battle to retain him long-term. Meanwhile, Spurs will continue weighing up whether to move in the New Year or wait until Porro's situation becomes clearer next summer.

Former Tottenham Hotspur forward Clive Allen has offered to mentor Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane if the newly crowned Ballon d'Or winner pursues a second sporting career in the NFL. The England captain has long admired American football and remains open to trying his hand as a placekicker once he eventually hangs up his boots.

Former Spurs striker offers guidance

Allen is well qualified to guide the 33-year-old marksman into gridiron having previously played as a placekicker for NFL Europe side London Monarchs. Kane recently became the first Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001 to lift the Ballon d'Or after scoring 73 goals in 65 outings for Bayern and England across the 2025-26 season. He has also won two Bundesliga crowns and a German Cup in Munich.

England captain eyes gridiron switch

Although Kane has shattered numerous scoring records in Germany, he has never hidden his passion for American football. Addressing his future plans previously, Kane said: "It all depends on what happens in my career over the next five or six years, the motivation and what I want to do. The NFL is a lot more realistic, let's put it that way."

Asked about the Bayern star's prospects of making the switch, Allen told talkSPORT: "There's talk of it. I'll be happy to help him with that. I'm sure, the one thing I know he's got, he's got the leg to do it, that's for sure.

"And you have to have a really strong kicking leg and he will have the mentality to deal with it as well. So, yeah, that would be fun to see him try that."

Jaguars kicker highlights mental challenge

While Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little believes the forward possesses the required leg power and technique, he warned that adjusting culturally to life on the sidelines would be difficult.

Speaking to The Associated Press, Little said: "It's just so different, sitting there on the sidelines the whole game. You're not going to get on the ball, and you don't have the same moxie, I guess, because he is a star striker for the team. So that moxie is just kind of put to the side. You've got to let everyone else do the big man's job, and then you're out there just to back everyone up basically.

"He's probably talented enough to do it. His technique in soccer is so good. But it's just such a different mental, I'd say, challenge than soccer. It'd be like him taking five set pieces a day. And he's got to deliver on all five set pieces, or you didn't do your job for the day."

Contract extension delays American dream

Any potential move across the Atlantic remains several years away after Kane recently agreed a contract extension tying him to Bayern until 2029. When the England skipper eventually calls time on his European career, he will look to follow the blueprint of Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey. The American successfully transitioned to the NFL after starting out in Major League Soccer and the USL.

Spanish heavyweights Barcelona have revived their pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall after the youngster struggled to command regular minutes in north London this season. Despite the 20-year-old Sweden international penning a fresh five-year extension only last month, top clubs across Europe are closely monitoring his situation.

Catalan giants revive previous pursuit

According to TEAMtalk, the Blaugrana are assessing the Scandinavian playmaker again after watching his game time dip under head coach Roberto De Zerbi. Following the summer arrivals of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, the midfielder has logged just 144 Premier League minutes across two starts and two substitute outings alongside two Carabao Cup appearances. That lack of action has alerted several European suitors despite his new deal running until 2031.

Technical profile suits Camp Nou

Barcelona previously tracked the midfielder closely during his spell at Swedish side Djurgarden back in 2024 before losing the race for his signature to Tottenham.

The report notes that Camp Nou recruitment chiefs still admire his athleticism, technical ability, and versatility across multiple central roles.

Club officials view the youngster as a long-term addition capable of developing into an important player alongside established young midfielders Pedri, Gavi, and Marc Bernal, though breaking into that engine room would present fierce competition.

Italian heavyweights consider winter approaches

The same outlet reveals that Serie A outfits Napoli and Juventus are also keeping close tabs on developments in the English capital.

Napoli have added the Swede to their shortlist as they prepare for potential midfield changes, with sources indicating that moving to southern Italy would offer him a clearer pathway to regular starts than switching to Catalonia.

Meanwhile, the publication states that Juventus have shown the strongest immediate interest by targeting a six-month loan in January to ease their midfield injury crisis, although Spurs hold all the cards and currently have no desire to sanction a temporary exit.

Upcoming fixtures determine winter plans

Crystal Palace are making progress in talks to hire Thomas Frank as Pierre Sage's replacement, sources have told Football Insider.

Sage is under intense pressure at Selhurst Park, with the Eagles sitting one point above the Premier League relegation zone after eight games.

Football Insider revealed on 23 October that the 47-year-old has three weeks left to save his job.

Behind the scenes, Palace are working on lining up a replacement and Frank is a top contender for the post.

Discussions are being held among third parties and, although there is no agreement in place, a potential deal is increasingly possible.

Bournemouth are also eyeing up the former Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford manager, though it is understood that Frank is keen on joining the Eagles instead.

Oliver Glasner left huge shoes to fill in South London, and right now, the Eagles are at threat of relegation following his departure.

Crystal Palace face competition for Thomas Frank

The Cherries are also interested in the out-of-work manager, who was sacked by Tottenham in February and has been without a job since.

Recent uptick in form at the Vitality Stadium may have bought Marco Rose some more time, though, and therefore giving Palace a better chance.

Fulham are another club interested in Frank, with Alvaro Arbeloa already navigating some tricky waters at Craven Cottage.

With the Cottagers 15th in the Premier League, there is every chance of a change in the dugout, and Frank is of interest there as well.

It would appear that Palace are leading the race for his signature, though, but a decision needs to be made on Sage's future first.

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Sage is already into his potential remaining three weeks at Selhurst Park, with his side most recently losing 2-0 to Newcastle United.

Considering the predicted timeline, the under-pressure manager must prove himself against Fulham, Tottenham, Hoffenheim and Liverpool.

Then, the next international break will come rolling around, giving the Palace owners a chance to make a definite decision on his tenure.

Those could be some very tough games, and not ones that supporters will be particularly confident for given the current situation.