TBR Football

It’s been very difficult to judge the talent to come out of Tottenham Hotspur’s academy in recent years.

Indeed, Spurs have had a number of young players come through who were meant to be stars only to never reach their potential.

Alex Pritchard was meant to be brilliant, Oliver Skipp was tipped for massive things, while Marcus Edwards was seen as a top talent.

None of those players quite made the grade at Spurs. However, Spurs have had one huge academy success story in recent years – Harry Kane.

Kane is a world-class player these days, and after winning his first career trophy, he’s earning all sorts of praise.

However, Kane wasn’t always on this path to greatness.

Indeed, according to Steven Caulker, writing on LinkedIn, Kane wasn’t one of the best players in Spurs’ academy.

Tottenham had better academy players than Harry Kane

Caulker shared a post congratulating Harry Kane for his Bundesliga win with Bayern Munich.

Caulker was the year above Kane as he came through at Spurs, and, interestingly, the centre-back says the striker was not one of the best players in the system.

Indeed, according to Caulker, Kane wasn’t even one of the top five players to come through the Tottenham academy around that time.

Caulker would reel off a list of players who also came through at the time, suggesting that Kane was not best in class.

What happened to Tottenham’s other young stars?

Caulker listed a number of Spurs academy stars who he came through with at that time.

Of course, none of those players have gone on to hit the heights of Harry Kane, but it is interesting to explore what’s happened to those players in recent years.

Kyle Walker has become a star, Kyle Naughton and Danny Rose’s playing careers are over, while Ryan Mason’s playing career was sadly cut short by injury.

Jake Livermore isn’t officially retired, but he’s been without a club for nearly a year now, while Tom Carroll is at Reading.

Alex Pritchard is over in Turkey, as is Steven Caulker, while Nabil Bentaleb is still playing top-level football in France.

To say that a handful of these players were supposed to be better than Harry Kane at youth level is interesting, but, as Caulker says, mentality can often get you further than pure talent in football.

One of Tottenham Hotspur’s top performers from this season needs to be careful with his recent displays dipping below the standards he has set throughout the course of this campaign.

Ange Postecoglou was somewhat critical of the Tottenham Hotspur players who featured against Crystal Palace in their 2-0 defeat at home to the South London club.

The Australian manager was disappointed that the players who he fielded did not stake their claim for more consistent minutes ahead of the Europa League final.

The Spurs boss made eight changes to the team that defeated Bodo/Glimt, however, the players on the fringes were rather underwhelming during Sunday’s London derby defeat.

One player in particular, though, had a rather torrid afternoon in North London and needs to be careful of not falling out of favour again.

Djed Spence at risk of falling out of favour at Tottenham

Djed Spence was certainly one of the players against Crystal Palace who really disappointed and his displays as of late have been rather underwhelming.

Since making his first Premier League start for Tottenham back in December, the 24-year-old has really impressed at Tottenham, but has recently fallen back into the periphery of Postecoglou’s squad.

Spence has started in all of Spurs’ last nine league matches, however, the team have won just once during that period. In the Europa League, he has been benched for the last two rounds.

At the start of the season, Tottenham were open to selling Spence as he was not in the plans of Postecoglou.

However, Spence worked hard to prove Postecoglou wrong and his displays for the Lilywhites proved exactly that. But now he needs to ensure that hard work is not undone by dropping the standards which he has set for most of this year.

Djed Spence was very poor in Tottenham’s defeat vs Crystal Palace

Speaking after the defeat to Palace, Postecoglou told the media: “Guys had the opportunity today to put their name forward and put some pressure on the guys who played the other night. Fair to say there wasn’t any compelling evidence of that.”

The former Nottingham Forest full-back’s performance against the Eagles certainly feels included in that statement, as he should have been a player who stepped up.

Tottenham’s defensive set-up against Palace was slammed and Spence’s poor positioning was capitalised upon by Palace’s attackers.

For now, Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie won’t be losing any sleep over losing their starting spot in the team to Spence.

Ange Postecoglou’s sights will be set on masterminding Tottenham Hotspur to a win against Manchester United in the Europa League final, regardless of whether that ends saving his job.

Tottenham could sack Postecoglou even if he emerges triumphant in the Europa League and ends their 17-year trophy-drought anyway.

Fabio Paratici has recommended Roberto de Zerbi to Tottenham as Spurs seem to be laying the groundwork to replace the former Celtic boss.

While Thomas Frank and Andoni Iraola are on Tottenham’s radar as well.

However, a new man seems to have emerged as a managerial target to take Ange Postecoglou’s job.

Richard Keys has “heard” Tottenham have been in talks with Xavi

Tottenham are languishing in 17th place in the Premier League and unless they do their due diligence in their attempts to replace Postecoglou, they could be on course to have yet another abysmal season.

While a player like Lucas Bergvall believes in Spurs’ project, his faith might not last for too long amongst his other teammates if the North Londoners show no signs of major progress in the following campaign.

However, Richard Keys has revealed on his official website that Tottenham have spoken to Xavi Hernandez to come in and replace Ange Postecoglou: “Even if he wins the Europa League Ange can’t survive now. I heard from a really good source last week Spurs have spoken with Xavi. That makes a lot of sense.”

In a recent interview with The Athletic as well, the World Cup winner admitted that he would love to manage in the Premier League.

“Of course? Where, I don’t know.”

Xavi added: “There’s no hurry for me, but I’d like a good project. Like, ‘You have four years to work and make a project’. I’d love to work in the Premier League because I love the passion there. In Spain, it’s too much about the result.

“Look what has happened to [Carlo] Ancelotti and people criticising him. It’s not fair. He won 30 trophies in 10 years and he’s criticised like he’s not won anything. Valverde said it perfectly when he said: ‘If Ancelotti is criticised, what hope is there for the rest of us?’ But the pressure in Spain is difficult, especially at Barca and Madrid.”

Xavi has already decided whether he will manage Tottenham

Considering the Spanish legend has already won La Liga and managed one of the biggest clubs in the world in Barcelona, Spurs’ interest in him makes complete sense.

However, Richard Keys went on to reveal that currently, Xavi has no intention of returning to management, which would be a blow for Tottenham.

“Sadly for Spurs I’m also told he’s not ready to return to coaching yet. Or perhaps he’s even smarter than we thought?”

Vedran Corluka is still one of the first names that comes to mind in terms of players who have left Manchester City for Tottenham Hotspur.

Corluka made the switch in 2008 and went on to make 109 appearances for Tottenham in total, more than doubling the amount of games he played for Man City.

Of course, City’s project has now superseded Tottenham’s and Spurs no longer have the pleasure of hand-picking players from Manchester.

However, Daniel Levy and Tottenham’s transfer team seem to have spotted an opportunity this summer.

City are welcoming a new sporting director in Hugo Viana, and Spurs might be able to take advantage of some of the expected upheaval at the Etihad.

Tottenham leading race for James McAtee

According to GiveMeSport, Tottenham are now receiving encouragement in their pursuit of James McAtee.

The 22-year-old has seriously impressed for City at times this season, particularly in their run to the FA Cup final.

However, City have not agreed a new contract with McAtee and he is about to enter the last 12 months of his deal.

As a result, Tottenham have been keeping close tabs on McAtee’s situation and they’ve now learnt that City would be willing to cash-in.

Pep Guardiola hasn’t been fully convinced by McAtee’s contributions according to the report, further explaining why a new challenge might suit all parties this summer.

City rejected £30m bids for McAtee from Germany in January — the club were keen to avoid another Cole Palmer type mistake.

However, it’s now believed that Guardiola’s side have decided to cut ties, and they’d probably now demand a similar fee.

Man City and Tottenham could execute a swap deal

Of course, it’s worth pointing out that City are interested in Destiny Udogie right now according to reports.

Guardiola is looking for his Kyle Walker replacement and although Udogie plays on the opposite flank, he could be a boost for City’s defence.

Therefore, were Spurs willing, perhaps some kind of swap deal including Udogie and McAtee could take place, even if Tottenham might require some added funds too.

It will certainly be an interesting summer, and Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham future will of course be key to any decisions that Spurs make in the transfer market.

Tottenham Hotspur have been identifying summer transfer targets as they look to bounce back over the summer from what has been a tricky Premier League campaign.

One of the players the North London club have been targeting is a defender who is rated highly by their former coach, Antonio Conte, at Napoli.

Tottenham Hotspur will be hoping they will have their budget significantly boosted by winning the Europa League, which would also hand them Champions League football.

Spurs take on Manchester United in the Europa League final next Wednesday, with so much riding on the fixture for both clubs.

Tottenham following Napoli’s Mathias Oliveira

Tottenham Hotspur are one of three clubs that have been following Napoli defender Mathias Oliveira, according to Eduardo Burgos.

Brighton and Hove Albion and Atletico Madrid have also been tracking the versatile defender this season, with Napoli open to selling him.

The Italian club could offload him this summer and would demand around £34 million to let him leave Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Tottenham are already well stocked at left-back with Destiny Udogie their current first-choice option, and Djed Spence capable of filling in when required.

The Uruguayan international has played a key role in Napoli’s title push with Conte’s team on the verge of winning the club’s second Serie A trophy in three seasons. Napoli are one point clear of Inter Milan with just two games remaining.

Antonio Conte highly rates Tottenham target Mathias Oliveira

Conte has made Oliveira a big part of his team in Napoli this season as he looks to clinch his fifth Italian league title.

The defender has started 24 times in Serie A this season and the Italian manager has described the 26-year-old as an ‘important’ player for Napoli.

Oliveira has also shown impressive versatility, having played left-back, central defence and left midfield for the Italian league leaders.

Gary Neville revealed how many Manchester United players he thought would get into Tottenham Hotspur’s team when both sides were full strength.

Tottenham Hotspur will face Manchester United in the Europa League final on May 21, bidding to record a fourth victory over the Red Devils this season.

Ange Postecoglou’s team has beaten United 4-0 at Old Trafford, 4-3 in the Carabao Cup and 1-0 in the second league match between the two teams.

Now, the two Premier League sides will clash for the fourth time this campaign with a major trophy and Champions League qualification on the line.

Gary Neville on Tottenham and Manchester United’s combined 11 back in February

Back in February, Gary Neville claimed that Bruno Fernandes is the only Manchester United player who would get into Tottenham’s lineup when both teams are at full strength.

The former United defender suggested that Dejan Kulusevski versus Amad Diallo was the other close call, however, the rest would be Spurs players.

Speaking after Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Man United back in mid-February, Neville told Sky Sports: “If you take Tottenham’s best players: Porro, Udogie, Van de Ven, Romero, midfield of Bissouma, Sarr, Maddison, Solanke, Kulusevski, Son, Johnson, Tel. How many Manchester United players would get into that Tottenham team when everyone was fit?

“I think Bruno (Fernandes) you’d want to have in there. Maybe Amad (Diallo), but you’ve got Kulusevski, and I’ll be honest, I think I’d rather have Kulusevski. So my point is, every single Tottenham player, probably barring one, if they were all available, is better than every single Manchester United player.”

Which other Man United players would get into Tottenham’s team now?

United supporters might make a strong case that one of Leny Yoro or Lisandro Martinez might start, especially given the Frenchman’s recent form.

Meanwhile, Casemiro’s heroics in the Europa League might also give him the edge over the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur or Yves Bissouma in midfield.

Both Alejandro Garnacho and Heung-min Son will have one eye fixated on the much-awaited Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur this month.

While the South Korean captain is a Tottenham and a Premier League legend, Son has struggled for Spurs this season but even so, Ange Postecoglou will be banking on his skipper to turn up in Bilbao.

As for Garnacho, Chelsea are interested in signing him and there would be parting gift he would give to the Manchester United fans by stepping up in the final as well.

What Heung-min Son and Alejandro Garnacho share in common with each other is being quick and both players could trouble the other’s backlines by darting past them in what could be an end-to-end game.

Looking ahead to the Europa League final, Paul Scholes was picking a combined XI for TNT Sports from Manchester United and Tottenham’s players.

Paul Scholes says Alejandro Garnacho is better than Heung-min Son

In between the sticks, Scholes chose Guglielmo Vicario over Andre Onana.

As for the back four, Paul Scholes opted for Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu as his full-back pair over Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie, while giving the nod to Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven in central defence.

In midfield, the United legend picked Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.

While the front three included Garnacho over Son, Dominic Solanke instead of Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo over Dejan Kulusevski.

All in all, Scholes’ combined XI featured seven players from Manchester United and four from Tottenham.

Alejandro Garnacho vs Heung-min Son stats this season

Son is considered “world-class” by Archie Gray and perhaps plenty of people within the game, which makes Paul Scholes’ preference towards Garnacho a slightly surprising one.

However, Kobbie Mainoo rates Garnacho highly as well and at just 20, he could very well become a top player in the future.

But based on this season, Son still has the edge over Garnacho, judging by the stats.

Both players have made 36 starts in all competitions this campaign.

However, Son has as many goals as Garnacho and two more assists despite playing in a Tottenham side who are below Manchester United in 17th place in the Premier League table.

Tottenham already have a number of injury problems ahead of the UEFA Europa League final against Manchester United.

James Maddison was the first to suffer a problem ahead of the showpiece event in Bilbao after damaging his knee, before Lucas Bergvall also picked up an ankle injury – leaving Ange Postecoglou short of options in central midfield.

Then, Dejan Kulusevski was forced off with a knock just 19 minutes into the 2-0 defeat against Crystal Palace on Sunday, a match Mathys Tel also suffered an issue in, as the Frenchman was treated on the pitch after the final whistle.

Now, there has been another issue at Tottenham involving Brennan Johnson.

In footage no Spurs fan will be pleased about, Sergio Reguilon wiped out the Wales international, leaving his teammate rolling around in pain on the turf at Hotspur Way.

Somebody can even be heard saying “red card” in the background after the incident.

In fairness to the Spaniard, he does seem to slip into Johnson, and makes sure to check if the Tottenham No.22 is okay before resuming his involvement in the session.

As you can see in the footage, it takes the 23-year-old a while to get back to his feet, visibly moving gingerly when he does, although he eventually appears to shake off the problem by the end of the video.

Ange Postecoglou cannot afford to lose Brennan Johnson

Johnson was heavily criticised earlier this season, with many unimpressed by his lack of effectiveness in the attacking buildup.

However, the Nottingham-born forward is highly effective when it comes to arriving at the back post and scoring important goals.

The Wales star has netted 17 in 48 appearances, more than anybody else at Tottenham this season.

Therefore, whether you like Johnson or not, and whatever you think of his overall game, he has shown enough to prove he can be a difference maker in the UEFA Europa League final, so Postecoglou will hope this knock in training is nothing serious.

Tottenham’s Europa League run may offer a glimmer of hope, but Ange Postecoglou’s post-match comments following the 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace have raised a major red flag.

The Australian was brought in to lead a new era in North London, one defined by attractive, attacking football and a sense of direction Spurs fans had been craving.

He made a promising start, and for the first time since the Mauricio Pochettino era, supporters felt genuine belief that they finally had the right man to take the club forward.

But his second season has unravelled. With Tottenham sitting 17th in the Premier League on just 38 points, Sunday’s loss was damaging enough. Yet it was Postecoglou’s reaction afterwards that was even more alarming.

His comments suggested he may not possess the mentality required to manage a club with Spurs’ expectations.

After Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, Postecoglou seemed to suggest in his post-match comments that their woeful form in the Premier League is a result of trying to navigate a successful European campaign.

When asked about the stark contrast in their Europa League campaign and the league where they just suffered their 20th defeat, Ange snapped: “Yeah, look and I get it and people are banging the drum about this record with defeats, but if people don’t see there is a correlation between the two, I am not going to sit here and, it’s not exactly Pythagoras’ theorem.

“It’s quite simple to understand we would have had much better results if we didn’t have to navigate this. So, either you understand or you don’t and beat us over the head, I get it.”

It may sound like a manager simply managing priorities but deeper, it’s a concerning insight into Postecoglou’s mindset.

He seemed to suggest that the club’s poor domestic form has been a by-product of their European run, a view that simply doesn’t align with what a club of Spurs’ stature should accept.

This isn’t a club fighting for mid-table respectability or punching above their weight in Europe. This is a team that should be expected to compete on all fronts – and not at the expense of their Premier League.

To suggest that a successful European campaign justifies an awful Premier League campaign is not just weak but unacceptable. Top managers don’t make excuses. They find solutions.

Every top club expects to fight for every available silverware. It is part of the game. His comments suggest that he may not have the mentality to navigate one without compromising on the other.

Is Europa League success enough to save Ange Postecoglou’s job

There’s no denying the excitement around Tottenham’s Europa League campaign. They were solid in the group stage, winning five of their eight matches, and suffered just one defeat in the knockout stages en route to the final.

Spurs also created an incredible European home record on the way, something that no other English side managed this season.

Now they face Manchester United in Bilbao, in a match that could salvage their season. Victory would end their 17-year trophy drought and book a place in next season’s Champions League.

But even if Spurs do lift the trophy, it cannot hide the failures of Postecoglou’s second season.

Ange’s side has now recorded more defeats in a single Premier League campaign than any other manager in the club’s history.

Europa League success would be a moment to celebrate. But Tottenham can’t afford to let a single night in May conceal months of poor performances and disappointing public comments that show a disconnect from what the club expects.

Adding to the unease is the number of times Postecoglou has clashed with Spurs fans this season following defeats – further evidence of a growing disconnect between the manager and the supporters.

Some may argue that winning a major trophy should be enough to keep him in the job, especially when elite names like Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte failed to do the same.

And that perhaps would have been a fair claim had he not made those worrying comments.

Ange Postecoglou will have been so frustrated when he saw Dejan Kulusevski forced off with an injury, but the Swede wasn’t the only Spurs player in need of treatment against Crystal Palace.

Tottenham Hotspur suffered their 20th league defeat of the season as they were beaten 2-0 at home to Crystal Palace as Eberechi Eze netted a brace in North London.

The defeat was further compounded by Dejan Kulusevski being forced off with an injury issue and another of Ange Postecoglou’s men needing treatment.

Postecoglou will now be sweating over the fitness of the injured duo with nine days remaining until the Europa League final against Manchester United.

Mathys Tel receives treatment after full-time vs Crystal Palace

Mathys Tel was spotted in some discomfort after the full-time whistle against Crystal Palace as the winger was given medical attention.

The Frenchman managed to complete 90 minutes against United, however, after the game, he looked in some discomfort, which will be a concern for Postecoglou.

Tel is expected to be Tottenham’s first summer signing with the North London club hoping to negotiate down their £45m option to buy him.

Postecoglou made eight changes from the Tottenham team that defeated Bodo/Glimt in a bid to rest players ahead of the major European final awaiting his team next week.

The Australian manager is already set to be without two key players in James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall, so losing yet more players to injury would be a major blow.

What Ange Postecoglou said about Dejan Kulusevski’s injury

Fortunately, in the case of Kulusevski, the 25-year-old looks to have avoided a serious injury with Postecoglou expecting him to be ok.

The 59-year-old claims that the Swede only suffered a knock and the medical team are not overly concerned about the issue.

Speaking after the game, Postecoglou told the media: Should be OK, just talking to him after. The medical team are not too concerned with him, more of a knock than anything else. So we’re hoping he should be OK.”