TBR Football

Tottenham Hotspur some more defensive nous in their team at the moment.

Spurs have scored plenty of goals this season, but, their defence hasn’t been great, especially in recent times.

Indeed, Tottenham have a defensive injury crisis on their hands at the moment.

Cristian Romero injured himself against Chelsea a few weeks ago and is still yet to return, while Micky van de Ven has another hamstring problem.

Archie Gray and Djed Spence had to play as makeshift centre-backs at the weekend, and that is a huge problem.

Tottenham need some more defensive cover, and, luckily, according to Duncan Castles, speaking on The Transfers Podcast, help could be on the way.

Indeed, Castles claims that Spurs are in talks to sign Milan Skriniar.

Tottenham in talks to sign Milan Skriniar

According to Castles, Spurs are in talks with PSG about the potential signing of Milan Skriniar.

Ko Itakura has been linked with Spurs as well, but Skriniar appears to be emerging as a key target and PSG are open to letting the former Inter Milan ace go.

“They’re also been in talks with Paris Saint-Germain about taking Milan Skriniar, who’s another notable player available in this window,” Castles said.

“PSG will let him go. They’ve allowed him to talk to other clubs. Again, not a favourite of Enrique’s.

“They have interest in him from Serie A clubs, and they are basically going to wait and see who gives them the best offer by the end of the window. So that is an option for Tottenham to get someone into their defence, who’s actually a centre back in the centre of their defence.”

Antonio Conte wanted Milan Skriniar at Tottenham

It’s interesting to hear that Spurs are in for Skriniar now, because Tottenham wanted Skriniar years ago under Antonio Conte.

Indeed, Conte wanted to sign Skriniar for Tottenham after an impressive spell at Inter Milan.

Skriniar’s stats under Conte speak for themselves.

Skriniar was also a big fan of Conte during his time at Inter, praising the manager, via Football Italia.

“It’s clear that in Milan, Conte slowly instilled his vision of football in us, making us understand how to behave on the pitch,” Skriniar said.

“In the first place, he influenced us with his winning mentality. He played a significant role in these successes and in my growth, like [Luciano] Spalletti did before him.”

Tottenham weren’t able to sign Skriniar during Conte’s time in north London, but now, they may be able to make a breakthrough in this deal and sign the PSG ace for Ange Postecoglou.

Skriniar could be just what the doctor ordered at Spurs amid their current defensive issues.

Antonin Kinsky has revealed the position which he used to play before he became a goalkeeper following his amazing Tottenham Hotspur debut.

Kinsky was superb on his Spurs debut as he managed to keep a clean sheet against Liverpool and produced some impressive moments throughout.

Tottenham fans were in awe of Kinsky’s ability on the ball as the 21-year-old was spraying the ball around the pitch like an outfield player.

So interestingly enough, the young Czech goalkeeper explained the role he used to play as a kid before eventually copying his father and standing between the sticks.

Antonin Kinsky reveals he used to play as a midfielder

Antonin Kinsky has explained how he used to play as a midfielder before he became a goalkeeper and how it helped him.

Following his debut against Liverpool, it will not surprise many to learn of his old position as he just looked so assured on the ball at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

When asked about playing in midfield when he was younger, Kinsky told Kudy Beži Zajic: “I was there until maybe 13 or 14. Then I just started gradually alternating. I feel it had an impact because when you’re in those game situations you’ve got to get used to players being closer to you, having to navigate quicker and you’ve got to handle the ball faster.

“I was always taller than the other kids, therefore, I scored plenty of goals. My dad used to say ‘Don’t rush forward instead focus on midfield play, scanning the game so you can get used to it’.

“As a goalie, I wouldn’t need to outsprint someone but rather have a general overlook of the game so he taught me that since I was a kid and I would say that makes me the goalie that.”

Did Antonin Kinsky want to be a midfielder or goalkeeper?

Tottenham’s new number 31 claims that he always wanted to copy his father and become a goalkeeper.

Kinsky’s father, also named Antonin, was a professional goalkeeper and played in the top tier of Russia and the Czech Republic.

Kinsky added: “Well I always wanted to be a goalie but he used to say it would be better to start as an outfield player and as I was kind of good at it. But I used to say, ‘Nooo, I want to be a goalie’.

“I was fine as a player but eventually, it happened anyway. He told me to concentrate on these things and then when the time was right I could make the switch if I felt like it. He used to play as an outfield player too so I followed in his footsteps.”

Tottenham Hotspur need to be busy in this January transfer window.

Ange Postecoglou’s job is safe for now, but after a recent poor run of results, Spurs sit 12th in the Premier League and pressure will soon be put on the Australian.

Luckily, with the January window now open, help could be on the way.

Tottenham want three new signings this month, and they’ve already signed one player in the shape of Antonin Kinsky.

Kinsky had an impressive debut against Liverpool on Wednesday, and according to Dean Jones, Spurs are currently looking at a bargain midfield signing.

Tottenham looking at Angel Gomes

According to Jones, Tottenham are looking at signing Angel Gomes from Lille.

The midfielder is a free agent in the summer, and Spurs are looking to agree a move that would see the England international arrive at the end of the season.

However, there has been some indication that Spurs could accelerate that move and try to do a cut-price deal for Gomes this month.

“They’re also looking at central midfielders and I don’t think it’s going to be anyone earth-shattering,” Jones said.

“They’ve looked at Angel Gomes, who obviously becomes a free agent in the summer. I think primarily that that’s what they’re trying to trigger at the moment just to get him as that free agent to come in the summer. But I know there’s also been some inclination as to like, but what about now?

“What about if he came now? Because obviously, he wouldn’t cost that much to get in now. They’ve also looked at a few others.”

Angel Gomes record alongside Jonathan David

Interestingly, Gomes isn’t the only Lille player Tottenham have been linked with this month.

Indeed, Jonathan David is a Tottenham target too, and if Spurs play their cards right, they could end up with both players.

Gomes has actually played more games alongside David than any other teammate, 116, and in that time they have a decent record together.

David and Gomes know each other very well as players, and this is a partnership that Spurs may well want to re-unite in north London at some point.

There needs to be wholesale changes in this Spurs squad if Tottenham are to kick on in the Premier League, and the arrivals of Gomes and David could be just what the doctor ordered.

Whether or not Spurs get either of these deals done remains to be seen, but Tottenham would be wise to bring in both players for a combined bargain fee.

Ange Postecoglou would have been beaming with pride after Tottenham Hotspur beat Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

The former Celtic boss’ satisfaction would not just have stemmed from witnessing Tottenham emerge victorious but also seeing how his group of players battled on against one of the best teams in the world.

The Tottenham players are fully behind Postecoglou and it was evident against Liverpool as they put in perhaps their most complete display of the season on Wednesday.

While the contest was far from a classic, a plethora of Spurs players caught the eye, handing Arne Slot only his second defeat in all competitions this campaign.

Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall were hailed as they rose to the challenge of facing an in-form Liverpool side.

Ange Postecoglou loves managing Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall

In the aftermath of Tottenham’s famous victory, Ange Postecoglou expressed his gratitude towards managing both Gray and Bergvall.

Postecoglou said via Football.London: “And in a position he’s [Gray] never played mate, you know, he’s never played. An 18-year-old. Name me another Premier League team that’s got two 18-year-olds and one playing out of position consistently.”

“I’m so happy they’re at our football club and you know, in two or three years’ time, I just pray to God I’m the beneficiary of their talent, mate because if somebody else is getting it, I won’t be happy.”

Gray’s display against Liverpool was dubbed “superb” as he put in another mature display as a makeshift centre-back.

While Bergvall set a 17-year-old record against Liverpool by becoming the youngest Tottenham player (18 years and 341 days) since Gareth Bale (18 years and 71 days) to score in the Carabao Cup.

Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Antonin Kinsky hailed in Liverpool win

Gray, Bergvall and Antonin Kinsky were lauded by former Tottenham defender Michael Dawson for their inspired displays against Liverpool.

“I have to look at Bergvall, 18 years old. [Antonin] Kinsky, 21 years of age, just come in. And Archie Gray. I thought the three of those players were absolutely magnificent.”

“Bergvall certainly, the way he pressed and made the opportunity for Pedro Porro. But it’s a performance from back to front they can be proud of.”

Michael Dawson concluded: “It is only halfway and I don’t see Liverpool playing like this in the first week of February.”

Tottenham’s future could be very bright as they seem to have signed a pair of future stars.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking at signing a new attacker this month.

Randal Kolo Muani has been linked to Spurs, and Kolo Muani is close to agreeing terms with Tottenham.

However, a deal isn’t sealed just yet, and Tottenham do still have some negotiating to do with PSG.

Indeed, according to Dean Jones, speaking on the Ranks FC Podcast, Tottenham are somewhat apprehensive about doing a loan deal with an obligation to buy as they’re worried about signing another Timo Werner type player.

Werner has been at Tottenham for 12 months now, and the German’s performances simply haven’t been up to scratch in that time.

Tottenham’s concern with Randal Kolo Muani

Jones says that Tottenham aren’t willing to do an obligation to buy deal for Kolo Muani as they don’t want to get burned on this one.

Tottenham signed Timo Werner on loan last season, and it’s fair to say Werner isn’t performing as expected.

The stats show that Werner and Kolo Muani aren’t all that different.

Understandably, Spurs aren’t too keen to commit to Kolo Muani after this level of form in recent times.

“They’re not going to do an obligation because they don’t want to get burned on it. And there’s a chance he’s like Timo Werner or something. And I know Werner hasn’t got an obligation, but it’s just as well because they would be not very happy with that.

“You don’t really know that Kolo Muani is definitely going to fit in. But if there’s an option on it, I suppose they’re definitely open to the idea of signing him, whereas some of the other teams in for him, like Juventus, aren’t so much. For Kolo Muani himself, this is a really key stage of his career.”

The deal PSG are willing to do for Randal Kolo Muani

Tottenham don’t want to do an obligation to buy for Kolo Muani, but PSG are open to a different type of deal.

Indeed, according to Duncan Castles, speaking on The Transfers Podcast, PSG are open to doing a loan swap deal for Kolo Muani.

“The general feeling about the market is that there are very few clubs with cash to spend, especially in this dimension of transfer, immediately, and therefore if PSG can’t get a sale, they will look for a loan with an obligation to buy in the first place,” Castles said.

“If that is unachievable, they will then then look at the potential of a loan swap deal, which you would think might make Manchester United more of a potential candidate in that Manchester United have Marcus Rashford, who Paris Saint-Germain looked quite aggressively at signing a couple of seasons ago.

“But again, although Rashford is for sale and is being offered around by his agents around the top European clubs with interest from Milan and Borussia Dortmund so far and alone, I am told that PSG are not keen on Rashford now, partly because Luis Enrique doesn’t like him as a player and doesn’t think he will fit into his system.”

Whether or not Tottenham have any players that will pique PSG’s interest in this way is unclear, but this is a potential route that Spurs could go down if they want to get this deal done.

Kolo Muani could well be on the move in the near future.

Lucas Bergvall scored his first goal in a Tottenham Hotspur shirt in their 1-0 victory against Liverpool and it’s safe to say it was a massive one as it settled the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

In the 86th minute, Lucas Bergvall showed he has nerves of steel by rifling the ball first-time past Alisson Becker in a moment that could very well define his Spurs career.

The Tottenham teenager made a darting run from deep, after Dominic Solanke got on the end of a raking pass from Pedro Porro, beat Ibrahima Konate to a footrace before holding the Frenchman off and setting him up.

Graham Roberts lauded Solanke’s assist against Liverpool who produced an excellent bit of centre-forward play, continuing to battle on minutes after his initial goal was chalked off as the Englishman was offside.

But the Swede is the man of the moment, with Bergvall garnering praise from Michael Dawson for not shying away from the occassion.

If Ange Postecoglou manages to spearhead the Lilywhites to the final by getting a result against Arne Slot’s side in the second leg, the 18-year-old’s winner will look like it was worth its weight in gold even more than it is currently.

What Lucas Bergvall did in Tottenham vs Liverpool like Gareth Bale

Spurs already have one foot in the final but there are not many more daunting tasks in football than taking on a Liverpool side in a knockout fixture at Anfield.

After Bergvall scored the decisive goal on Wednesday, he became Tottenham’s youngest goalscorer in the Carabao Cup, aged 18 years and 341 days since Gareth Bale, who scored against Middlesborough in September 2007 (18 years and 72 days).

This summer and in the winter window, Johan Lange has seemingly made a concerted effort to target young players, be it the Spurs midfielder, Archie Gray, who shone against Liverpool, Antonin Kinsky, Wilson Odobert and Yan min-Hyeok.

Glenn Hoddle is a fan of Bergvall, who seems to be proving that Tottenham have made the astute decision by signing youth prospects with such high potential.

Lucas Bergvall stats in Tottenham vs Liverpool

The former Djurgårdens wonderkid’s all-round display was impressive aside from his goal as well, as he carried the ball at will, won challenges in the middle of the park and looked composed in possession. Here are the statistics that exemplify Bergvall’s influence on proceedings.

Going up against a Liverpool midfield that consisted of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones, the highly-rated technician had a difficult task on his hands.

But as the statistics suggest, Bergvall scored, created three chances and misplaced just four passes while also winning two out of his three challenges, embracing the test of facing the best of the best.

Ange Postecoglou might have no choice but to give the Lilywhites a sensation a run of games as he possesses the quality and mentality to thrive in big-pressure environments.

Tottenham haven’t wasted any time in the January transfer window as they’ve already made their first signing.

Antonin Kinsky has joined Tottenham from Slavia Prague, and Tottenham fans are excited about Kinsky after his debut in the Carabao Cup.

Spurs beat three Premier League sides to the Kinsky signing, and people within the club appear to have high hopes for the young goalkeeper.

Kinsky was impressive in his debut against Liverpool.

Indeed, fans were impressed by Kinsky on Wednesday, and Ange Postecoglou praised Kinsky too.

According to Ben Jacobs, speaking on Last Word on Spurs, Tottenham view Kinsky as a player who has a lot of potential, claiming that he could even challenge Guglielmo Vicario for a spot as Spurs’ number one.

How Tottenham view Antonin Kinsky

Jacobs shared what he knows about the young goalkeeper.

The journalist says that Kinsky is viewed as a long-term challenger for Vicario’s goalkeeping throne, and Tottenham really believe in this player’s potential.

“But no, Kinsky is at worst a number two and has really been brought in to challenge Vicario. All the other ones you mentioned are effectively down the pecking order. Austin was excellent, arguably the man of the match against Newcastle, but he was very much forced into that spotlight,” Jacobs said.

“What you will probably find once he settles is that with Vicario out, Kinsky gets some relatively imminent Premier League game time. So I expect him to be thrown straight into the deep end. To your point about his mentality, the feeling from Tottenham is he’s very strong-willed, he’s very vocal, he’s a good leader, he’ll fit in well in the dressing room.”

“So it should be a top signing and a steal at 12.5 million and as I say, Tottenham’s perspective is kind of, Vicario is the number one, but is he? Vicario is the number one when he’s fit, but could this kid challenge? So it’s not a case of one and two, it’s a case of, yeah, Vicario is probably the short term number one, but Tottenham really believe that Kinsky has the long term potential to either challenge or supplant him.”

Tottenham’s future defensive unit

Kinsky may not be Spurs’ number one right away, but at the age of 21 now, the Czech goalkeeper has a long road ahead of him in north London.

Kinsky isn’t the only young star who could establish himself at Spurs in the coming years either.

Indeed, Tottenham have a whole host of fantastic young players who could all grow together as a defensive unit.

Alfie Dorrington is rated highly by Tottenham, while Luka Vuskovic looks like a potential star.

Micky van de Ven is already brilliant in the Spurs first-team, and he has a long way ahead of him.

Add into this mix the abilities that Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall possess in the midfield, and you have a very exciting future to say the least.

Tottenham’s current situation is dire, there’s no getting away from that, but the future may be looking bright at Spurs.

Ange Postecoglou will already be trying to mastermind a game plan for Tottenham Hotspur’s visit to face Liverpool at Anfield in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

Although Tottenham were victorious in N17, it will be a completely different challenge facing Arne Slot’s Liverpool side away from home.

On his first visit to Anfield last season, albeit in the Premier League, Postecoglou and his side were beaten 4-2, a scoreline that was somewhat remedied by late goals from Richarlison and Son Heung-min.

But as they did on Wednesday evening, Spurs will need to find a way to stifle Liverpool’s attacking output, and Postecoglou may look to pack out his midfield again.

That being said, when speaking after the game, the Spurs manager made an interesting comment about the options available to Slot in comparison to himself.

Ange Postecoglou points to the advantage Arne Slot has at Liverpool

Postecoglou spoke to Spurs Play and was honest about the much better squad depth that Liverpool were able to call upon in the second half.

When chasing a winner themselves, the away side introduced Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez in a triple change, options Postecoglou would love to have.

The Spurs manager was proud of his players, but nodded to the advantage that Slot has right now.

Postecoglou said: “The players are really committed to the way we want to play, they haven’t wavered in that.

“People keep asking me to change what we are trying to do, but I just see players who believe in what we want to be and what we are trying to be.

“You saw tonight, Liverpool put some significant talent on the pitch in the second half. Some of the best players in the country came on. We can’t do that.

“We are relying on players who every three days are putting in massive efforts physically and mentally and through that whole time they haven’t wavered in still trying to play our football and be aggressive with everything we do.”

Tottenham sweat on fitness of several stars ahead of Carabao Cup second leg

Of course, once Tottenham recover the likes of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and James Maddison, things will look a lot brighter.

Sending a messenger after the game, Van de Ven was delighted with Dominic Solanke, one of Spurs’ ever-present options right now.

Perhaps when Richarlison is fully fit, Solanke can be afforded a break, but he’s already becoming vital to Spurs’ efforts.

Solanke loved Antonin Kinsky’s debut, another real position from Tottenham’s win over Liverpool.

A result that sets up a second leg at Anfield quite superbly, a game that will be a big test for both clubs, and Liverpool will hope to have recovered their best form by then.

Antonin Kinsky was thrown straight into the deep end, making his Tottenham Hotspur debut against Liverpool and Mohamed Salah in the club’s crucial Carabao Cup semi-final.

Prior to his first Tottenham start, 21-year-old Kinsky had only made 33 appearances for Slavia Prague in Czech Republic’s top flight, explaining the size of the task.

However, Kinsky dealt with the pressure remarkably well, a performance that was underlined by his ability with the ball at his feet.

Spurs fans could quickly forget about some horror moments when Fraser Forster took too long in possession – there’s now a new, better-suited face in town.

Solanke loved Kinsky’s debut, explaining that he was very happy to welcome the young Czech star to N17.

Jamie Redknapp makes exciting prediction about Antonin Kinsky at Tottenham

Of course, it has to be said that Kinsky did have one or two nearly moments, when he almost made a mistake with his hands, and not his feet.

However, when reflecting on the keeper’s debut for Sky Sports, former Tottenham star Jamie Redknapp was still monumentally impressed.

The pundit said that it was a ‘big decision’ for Postecoglou to throw Kinsky straight in, but a call that then immediately paid dividends.

Speaking at full-time, Redknapp said: “Really good. Big decision to throw him in. He looked calm, confident. Good with his feet, made a couple of good saves, the one from Nunez at the end.

“He looks like he’s certainly going to be a good goalkeeper for the future.”

A superb first outing in a Tottenham shirt, but only the start for a keeper who has already set a very high bar for his level of performance.

Antonin Kinsky days away from his first North London Derby

In addition to Kinsky’s first minutes on the pitch, there was also a heartwarming moment when the 21-year-old headed straight to his family at full-time in the crowd.

The keeper gave his sister a big hug, a sign of how big the occasion was for Kinsky, one that he handled well.

It’ll now be interesting to see whether Kinsky keeps his place against Tamworth in the FA Cup this weekend, or whether Postecoglou rewards Brandon Austin for his capable performance when called upon of late.

Of course, there’s the small matter of a north London derby to navigate next week, and the Spurs manager may want to give Kinsky another chance to build confidence and momentum beforehand.

Tottenham Hotspur have the advantage in their Carabao Cup semi-final after beating Liverpool 1-0 in their first leg in North London.

Spurs thought they’d opened the scoring in the 77th minute, but Dominic Solanke’s goal was chalked off due to offside following a lengthy VAR check.

Tottenham didn’t let this affect them, however, and they went on to break the deadlock nine minutes later as Solanke outmuscled Ibrahima Konate and set up Lucas Bergvall to fire home.

Meanwhile, Spurs newcomer Antonin Kinsky had a debut to remember as he kept a clean sheet and made a superb late save to deny Darwin Nunez.

Spurs legend Graham Roberts took to X after the game to praise Kinsky’s display and also named four other players who stood out for him on the night.

Graham Roberts hails Tottenham quintet Dominic Solanke, Lucas Bergvall, Antonin Kinsky, Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray

Roberts described Solanke as “absolutely unreal”, and of Bergvall and Kinsky, he said: “Wow, what a performance”.

He also praised the two centre-backs on the night, Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray, and wished Rodrigo Bentancur well in wake of the injury he suffered during the game.

How the media rated Kinsky display v Liverpool

Football.london’s Alasdair Gold provided a lengthy write-up on Kinsky as he gave the £12.5million man a 9 out of 10 rating.

Gold wrote: ‘On his debut, his first test came with a difficult bouncing ball that Dragusin left for him and the young keeper knocked it up and over the onrushing attacker’s head before catching it in a calm bit of play

‘His distribution was excellent in the first half but he did fumble a shot just behind him which could have been disastrous had he been closer to goal.

‘Did make a big save with his arm to deny Nunez in the second half and again from his header. Overall a terrific debut and a clean sheet and the defence trusted him from the very first moments.’

Meanwhile, the Evening Standard gave Kinsky a rating of 8 out of 10 for his efforts on the night.

They wrote: ‘Very convincing debut from the Czech goalkeeper, whose distribution was an instant hit with the Tottenham fans and just what was needed.

Made a remarkable late save to deny Darwin Nunez.’