TBR Football

Mohammed Kudus signing for Tottenham Hotspur brought a lot of excitement, as well as one potentially awkward reunion between him and Micky van de Ven.

Players are always apprehensive when joining new teams simply because they have to step into a locker room with people they aren’t familiar with, but Kudus was well acquainted with Van de Ven.

Unfortunately for Kudus, that wasn’t a positive situation. The two men were involved in an on-field fight when West Ham United travelled to play Tottenham.

Spurs came out on top that day with a 4-1 win, with Kudus being sent off for hitting the Tottenham defender in the face.

Mohammed Kudus says it’s ‘nice’ playing with Micky van de Ven

When it was revealed that Tottenham had bought Kudus during the summer transfer window, fans immediately speculated about whether or not the two men could co-exist.

However, there have been no signs of any issues between them on the pitch or in training, with Kudus revealing to Sports Illustrated that it was something that got left within that game.

“I think it’s just, whatever happened on the pitch stays on the pitch, you know?

“I was just fuming in that game, and I just reacted straight away, and then it’s done and dusted after the game.

“So it’s nice playing with him now, it’s a small world in football.

“So just try to patch up and move on.”

Kudus previously revealed he joined Tottenham because of Thomas Frank, and he has already been showcasing his qualities by delivering four assists this season.

Micky van de Ven believes Mohammed Kudus ‘punched’ him last season

The clash between the two men last season was heavily talked about due to how volatile and aggressive the incident was, and Van de Ven was not pleased in the moment.

After the game, he spoke to Sky Sports about the clash and claimed that the former West Ham United star had punched him.

“I had a duel with Mohammed Kudus and fell down on the ground. I had a feeling that he kicked too much through the ball, and hit me like three times. I was a bit mad and stood up and pushed him.

“Then he literally punched me, he punched me in the face, and I went down. I didn’t know what happened afterwards.

“That was the situation. If the FA says you need to get fined, it’s not how I think about it. I think it should be a different situation.”

Fortunately for Tottenham fans, it appears the two men have put the incident behind them and are now able to perform to the best of their abilities for Spurs.

Tottenham moved up to second in the Premier League after beating Leeds United 2-1 at Elland Road.

Mathys Tel broke the deadlock for Thomas Frank’s side but Noah Okafor pounced on a rebound to touch into the empty net and level the scores just 10 minutes later.

Spurs had drawn their previous two matches but took all three points when Mohammed Kudus lashed into the bottom corner, via a deflection, shortly before the hour mark.

There were plenty of positives for Thomas Frank, whose tenure at Tottenham has got off to a steady start, and Peter Crouch singled out one player for particular praise.

Peter Crouch praises Mohammed Kudus

Mohammed Kudus proved to be Spurs’ hero after popping up with the second-half winner, and he was a constant menace for the usually dependable Gabriel Gudmunsson at left-back.

He had also teed up Tel for the visitors’ opening goal and looks to be growing in confidence with every passing game, making him a formidable prospect for the top-flight’s best defenders.

However, Crouch was impressed with an area of his game that perhaps flies under the radar.

“We were saying about him before he scored, he’s one of those players you just hate to play against if you were a full-back,” the pundit said on TNT Sports.

“He never seems to lose the ball, he’s so strong, he can go past people, he’s so dangerous, incredibly strong, and he was ultimately the main man.”

Kudus now has five assists and a goal to his name in the league, and he is more than paying back the £55million Spurs splashed out to sign him from West Ham United.

Why Mohammed Kudus celebrates sitting on a stool

Since arriving in the Premier League, Kudus has celebrated every goal by sitting on a stool. This, he revealed last season, was a nod to his Ghanaian heritage.

“It’s my roots. Where I come from, the chiefs and the kings, they sit on stools,” Kudus said. “I thought it would be nice to share a little bit of life where I am from.

“I thought, ‘Why not do something different?'”

Kudus sat on a ball boy’s plastic chair after netting against Leeds, but he used a custom-made wooden stool from Ghana for his celebrations last season.

Tottenham have had some seriously strong players over the years.

Indeed, Spurs have had their fair share of man mountains in their team.

Djed Spence is a very strong player, while Yves Bissouma has previously been praised for his strength.

Speaking to Sports Direct, Cole Palmer has been building his so-called perfect footballer made up of a number of attributes.

Of course, some selections were rather straightforward as Lionel Messi was picked for his left foot and Kevin De Bruyne was picked for his right foot.

However, when it came to strength, Palmer chose a former Spurs player.

Cole Palmer says Kyle Walker is the strongest player he’s seen

Palmer was asked to build his perfect footballer.

Of course, Palmer has played with and against some of the strongest players in the game.

Palmer is currently a teammate of Reece James, who is noted as a very strong footballer.

However, according to the England star, the strongest player he’s ever seen is none other than Kyle Walker.

Walker and Palmer played together at Manchester City, while Walker made his name in the Premier League with Tottenham before a £50m move to the Etihad.

Kyle Walker said two Tottenham players were incredibly strong

Palmer noted that Walker is the strongest player he has seen, but the right-back has singled out two other players in the past for their strength.

Indeed, speaking on his podcast earlier this year, Walker noted that Mousa Dembele and Victor Wanyama were the two strongest players at Spurs back in the day.

“Yeah, I remember, I remember at Tottenham, when Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele was there. And in training, you used to hear that sound of, you know, like the legs just smashing into each other. And that were two big, big lads,” Walker said.

“You’d wince, you know, like when they went into a challenge together, because you know, they were both fully committed to it. It wasn’t, didn’t want to hurt each other. Obviously, they’re playing both for the same team, but it showed the desire and they wanted to be the best in training.

“And I think that just shows, you know, why they both had such fantastic careers.”

Between Walker, Wanyama, Dembele, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen and Harry Kane, Spurs had a seriously strong team back in the day, but, sadly, that strength couldn’t deliver any trophies during that period.

Tottenham Hotspur beat Leeds United 2-1 on Saturday afternoon.

The north London club’s solid start to the Thomas Frank era continued here, but, before the match, the conversation was largely centred around one player.

Indeed, this was the first time Archie Gray had returned to Elland Road since his £40m move to Spurs last summer.

Of course, Gray was a Leeds player, and even as such a young player, he was something of a fan favourite due to his family ties to Elland Road.

Speaking on Tottenham’s YouTube channel before the game, Clive Allen was discussing Gray’s potential, and he gave the teenager a glowing review.

Clive Allen says Archie Gray is a ‘big talent’

Allen spoke about Gray ahead of his return to Leeds.

Gray didn’t get on the pitch against his former club, but Allen noted that the youngster is a ‘really big talent’, who should get opportunities in the future.

“I think this will be an emotional day for him,” Allen said.

“He was very good at Leeds in the early days of his career before his move to us. He’s a player that when called upon he’s very reliable and he’s a really big talent.”

How good could Archie Gray become?

As Allen says, Gray looks like a big talent, and that’s the view of many within football.

According to Dan Kilpatrick, speaking on The Tottenham Way Podcast earlier this year, there are people in football who believe Archie Gray could grow into a Steven Gerrard type player.

“I think his best position is still a little bit up in the air. There’s a kind of assumption that, you know, he arrived here as a six and he was going to play deep. I think I’ve spoken to people that think he’s more of a kind of Gerrard type who could get up and down the pitch and kind of be a threat around the opposition goal,” Kilpatrick said.

At the age of just 19 and with so much versatility, Gray is a blank canvas of a footballer who could grow to become a top class player for Tottenham later down the line.

The present is going well at Spurs, but the future looks particularly bright at Tottenham.

Tottenham moved up to third in the Premier League after a 2-1 win at Elland Road.

Mohammed Kudus netted his first goal for Spurs after Noah Okafor had cancelled out an opener from Mathys Tel – who sent a message to Thomas Frank having being left out of the UEFA Champions League squad.

However, it was Guglielmo Vicario who received praise from the opposition manager Daniel Farke after helping Tottenham defeat Leeds.

Daniel Farke brands Guglielmo Vicario “Man of the Match”

The German believes the Italian – a £17m signing from Empoli in June 2023 – was the best player on the pitch at Elland Road after he managed to limit a dangerous Leeds side to just one goal.

Leeds recorded 16 shots – four of which were on target – compared to nine shots (three on target) from Tottenham, so Vicario was certainly kept busy.

Farke told TNT Sports: “Their goalkeeper was Man of the Match probably. Fantastic, fantastic saves.”

BBC Sport also quote the 48-year-old as saying: “Six goals in the last three games for a newly-promoted side is not too bad. But yeah, their goalkeeper is Man of the Match.

“Sometimes you need just a scruffy goal, a bit like they scored today. Today, against such a good opponent – Tottenham are in the Champions League, they are towards the top of the table – we missed too many chances to get something.”

Vicario has now conceded nine goals in ten appearances this season, but can boast four clean sheets.

The numbers behind Guglielmo Vicario’s Man of the Match display

The Italian was at fault for Okafor’s goal after parrying a shot back into a dangerous area, but responded well to ensure Tottenham secured all three points.

As you can see, the Tottenham No.1 delivered a heroic performance, making three saves – all of which came from shots inside the box – also succeeding in his one aerial duel as well as winning a freekick to relieve the pressure.

Vicario also completed 21 passes at Elland Road.

Thomas Frank brought in plenty of exciting new players during the summer transfer window, but one player is proving to be even more exciting than Xavi Simons.

A lot of attention was placed on Tottenham signing Simons, who cost the club £51million from RB Leipzig, with the forward having proven his quality already this season.

However, he’s not the only player who Tottenham brought in during the summer transfer window, and one of Frank’s other new signings wowed against Leeds United this weekend.

Tottenham defeated the Whites 2-1 with goals from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, and one player shone brightly throughout the game.

Mohammed Kudus is proving to be even more exciting than Xavi Simons

While a lot of attention was placed on Simons for his performance again, it was Mohammed Kudus who stole the spotlight with a brilliant individual effort throughout the game.

Kudus scored his first goal for Tottenham to win the game, meaning he has now contributed five goals for Spurs this season.

Kudus joined Spurs from West Ham United for £55million, in a move that Alan Pardew labelled “disrespectful” due to the rivalry between the teams.

The 25-year-old hasn’t let that get to him, though, as his performances this season have shown what he can offer the club.

Kudus revealed he joined Tottenham because of Frank, and it wasn’t just his goal against Leeds that proved the Spurs boss’s decision was the right one.

No player completed more dribbles than him in the fixture at Elland Road, nor did anyone win more than his 10 duels, proving that Kudus is willing to get involved physically when needed.

Peter Crouch was impressed by Mohammed Kudus against Leeds United

Kudus caused problems throughout Tottenham’s win against Leeds United, being at the heart of everything Frank’s team did offensively.

The winger was named the Player of the Match for his efforts at Elland Road, and Liverpool legend Peter Crouch spoke about his performance after the final whistle on TNT Sports.

“Just get the ball out to Kudus. At times he felt unplayable, so strong, he can go past people. He was the match winner today.”

Kudus immediately put last season behind him, which proved to be a tough individual campaign, to remind fans of his talent.

While Simons is putting in an excellent shift for Spurs, Kudus could be the true spark in the Tottenham team.

Tottenham earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday.

Spurs took the lead through Mathys Tel but were pegged back less than 10 minutes later when Noah Okafor pounced on a rebound to sweep into the empty net.

Thomas Frank’s side were again unconvincing in spells but emerged with all three points after Mohammed Kudus lashed into the bottom corner via a wicked deflection.

Despite the result moving Spurs up to second, not everyone was happy.

Indeed, supporters were quick to take to social media after Leeds‘ equaliser and urged Frank to drop one player – although he later went on to become their hero.

Tottenham fans want Thomas Frank to drop Guglielmo Vicario

Guglielmo Vicario looked like a real bargain after arriving at Spurs under Ange Postecoglou for just £17million, reportedly after a recommendation from Fabio Paratici.

However, a series of sloppy errors and a failure to command his penalty area at set-pieces have resulted in too many dropped points.

He was also arguably at fault for Leeds’ goal, having unconvincingly parried out Brenden Aaronson’s strike, and matchgoers look to have had enough.

One supporter wrote on X: “Vicario just feels like he’s going to cost us a goal a game at this point.”

Another said: “For someone so happy to shout, gesture and dish out advice to others, Vicario needs to look at himself.”

A third called for him to be dropped, adding: “Yeah, I think Vicario has to sit out a few games for now.

“Not been terrible, but these little niggly errors will keep eroding his confidence to the point where he’s now error-strewn. Sit him out a few games.”

“Definitely time for Vicario to be dropped,” a fourth supporter said. “Man’s a liability.”

A fifth was equally unimpressed, posting: “Serious words need to be had with Vicario. Can’t be palming it into there. LIABILITY.”

Another wrote: “Vicario having another mare. I’ve always thought he was better than [Antonin] Kinsky but might be time for a change.”

Guglielmo Vicario says Tottenham are heading in ‘right direction’

TBR Football reported that Tottenham officials were concerned about Vicario heading into the new season but he remained at the club, despite interest from AC Milan.

However, he has shown no signs of allowing the speculation around his position to get to him, and Leeds boss Daniel Farke even hailed him as the man of the match after several eye-catching late saves.

Looking ahead to the future, Vicario stressed in an interview that Spurs are moving in the right direction.

“We have a great foundation here,” he said. “This is my third season. I can see it now more clearly. Also, what we’ve built throughout the last two seasons, and this year we want to make another step.

“As I said, I think we have a great foundation, a big group of lads, everyone wants to contribute. Also, if you have to play 10 minutes, five minutes, everyone is very tuned in and this makes things easier for us.

“It’s a big part. We are in the right direction.”

Jamie O’Hara was critical of Thomas Frank before Tottenham even kicked a ball in the clash against Leeds United.

Spurs travelled to Elland Road looking to bounce back from two disappointing draws against Wolves and Bodo/Glimt, managing to do exactly that as goals from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus sealed a 2-1 win.

However, Thomas Frank was questioned by Jamie O’Hara before the game even kicked off after choosing not to include Pape Sarr in the starting XI.

Jamie O’Hara questions Thomas Frank for overlooking Pape Sarr

The man from Dartford was left upset after seeing the Senegal international named on the bench rather than in the starting XI.

Suggesting the Tottenham No.29 should have started, O’Hara – who has concerns over Mikey Moore – wrote on X (previously known as Twitter): “Sarr (has) been our best player this season.”

Before the clash at Elland Road, the man born in Thiaroye had scored one goal and provided two assists in five Premier League appearances, so you can see why O’Hara wanted him to start.

However, Sarr had missed the 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Doncaster due to a thigh injury, so Frank was presumably keen to manage the 23-year-old’s workload given his importance to the team.

The Dane did introduce the O’Hara favourite in the 73rd minute against Leeds, and he proceeded to deliver a fine cameo performance which helped Tottenham seal all three points.

How Pape Sarr performed against Leeds United

The Senegalese wonderkid may have only played 23 minutes of the game after replacing Mathys Tel in the 73rd minute, but he helped to provide some steel in midfield and ensure Leeds United could not snatch an equaliser – despite six minutes of added time.

Sofascore shows that Sarr – who Ally McCoist adores – registered one tackle and one successful aerial duel.

He also completed 83% of his passes and recorded one clearance.

It was not a display to shout from the rooftops about, but it was a solid contribution from a player who would surely have been starting were it not for that recent thigh complaint.

Leeds United fans have all made the same point about Dominic Calvert-Lewin following his latest performance in the Premier League.

Daniel Farke’s men lost 2-1 against Tottenham Hotspur, with goals from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus proving too much for the newly promoted side.

It was another game without a goal for Leeds United’s striker, though, with Calvert-Lewin failing to get himself on the scoresheet.

Calvert-Lewin joined Leeds United during the summer on a free transfer following the end of his Everton contract, but he has yet to showcase the form he previously showed in the Premier League.

Leeds United supporters are unimpressed by Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s wasteful performance

Calvert-Lewin led the line for Leeds United against Tottenham and tried to be heavily involved in the game throughout it, playing a role in Noah Okafor’s goal with his build-up play.

However, when it came to his attacking output and finding the back of the net, he could not make the impact that fans were looking for.

The former Everton striker had several golden opportunities to score but wasted them, angering the Leeds United faithful, who have wondered if he’s the right man for them.

One supporter wasted no time calling the striker out by saying, “Calvert-Lewin taking three touches when through on goal. Blazing it high and wide. Really, really poor.”

Another bluntly said, that Calvert-Lewin is “as useless as he has always been,” showcasing that they were less than impressed by his performance.

Another supporter said, “If Calvert-Lewin could finish, he’d be a top striker. Just wastes too many chances,” before adding that he was “not good enough” today.

One fan was slightly more positive. He admitted he “likes what Calvert-Lewin offers us,” but ultimately feels that he’s still not the right man for the job. They added, “I don’t think he’s powerful enough to be the saviour.”

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s stats against Tottenham Hotspur

Calvert-Lewin has been looking to get his career back on track at Elland Road after several injury-ravaged seasons towards the end of his Everton run.

However, the England international has only scored once for the Whites and wasn’t able to change that against Spurs.

It was a frustrating game for him as the 28-year-old struggled to get into the game as he was left to feed on scraps, having only made 23 touches throughout the 90 minutes.

Despite the bitter north London rivalry, Tottenham fans must wish they had a player like Gabriel Magalhaes.

The Brazilian has been imperious in both boxes for Arsenal in recent years, remarkably scoring 12 goals across the last three seasons before the current campaign.

Gabriel Magalhaes also scored a late winner against Newcastle last time out to move Arsenal ahead of Tottenham in the Premier League – but Spurs could have their own formidable aerial presence to unleash next season in Luka Vuskovic.

Luka Vuskovic is proving himself to be a colossal figure

The 18-year-old is spending the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Hamburg, where he is already making a name for himself.

Vuskovic – who Spurs spent £12m to sign from Hajduk Split at the age of 16 – became the first player in over five years to win 18 aerial duels in one match within a top European league during a recent stalemate against Union Berlin.

German media outlet Hamburger Abendblatt even nicknamed him Air Vuskovic as a result of his towering dominance in aerial duels.

Like Gabriel, the teenager is not only a presence in his own box, but the attacking areas too.

Vuskovic impressively scored seven goals and provided three assists in just 36 appearances while on loan at Westerlo – averaging a goal involvement every 3.6 games – which is not normal for a defender, especially one so young.

He also already has one goal in three Bundesliga outings this term.

With experienced figures also at Hotspur Way in the form of Cristian Romero to lean on for advice, the sky really is the limit for the Croatia international.

Luka Vuskovic could be the ideal defender for Thomas Frank

Thomas Frank has proven himself to be a coach who puts a lot of focus on dead ball situations, even describing set-pieces as “extremely important” after the 2-2 draw against Bodo/Glimt.

Plans for a training session focused on throws could also be seen on a whiteboard just days after the Dane was hired.

In this respect, Vuskovic could end up becoming the most important cog under Frank once he returns from his loan spell at Hamburg, as he should get plenty of chances to utilise his quite freakish ability in the air.