TBR Football

Tottenham Hotspur’s squad have been in high spirits in training following what has been a great start to the season under Thomas Frank.

Thomas Frank’s team have won four of their first five matches and conceded just once across all competitions this term.

Following their Europa League triumph last season, Tottenham Hotspur’s squad appear to have become much closer, and there seems to be a strong bond at Hotspur Way.

Ahead of their next match, Kevin Danso has been spotted hurling encouragement at one of his teammates who appears to be short of confidence right now.

Kevin Danso’s encouragement for Wilson Odobert

Danso was spotted shouting encouragement at Wilson Odobert following the Frenchman’s impressive moment in training.

The 20-year-old has not had an easy run since making the switch to Spurs, following a bad hamstring injury and then struggling to find any consistency.

But it’s clear that Odobert is highly rated and well-liked among the playing squad at Spurs, so it was great to see Danso showing him love.

After Odobert’s lovely dribble and goal in training, in the background, Danso could be heard shouting, “Wilson, come on! That’s it, come on!”

Reports suggest that Thomas Frank has taken a shine to Odobert since arriving at the club.

Odobert, who cost Tottenham £25m, will be hoping to get chances across the season and showcase his talent.

The youngster will have the chance to start against Doncaster in the EFL Cup, where he will certainly have the opportunity to catch his manager’s eye.

Kevin Danso was one of Tottenham’s best value summer signings

Over the summer, Tottenham paid £21m to sign Danso permanently, following what was a brilliant loan deal from Lens last term.

Tottenham were delighted with Danso’s performances and were more than happy to pay the money to secure his services long-term.

The 27-year-old has become a key figure in the dressing room, and he has already been showing great leadership skills.

Should one of Cristian Romero or Micky van de Ven get injured, Spurs now have a more than adequate option to replace them.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham Hotspur already have their eye on their first January signing, with the North London club keen to commence talks.

Tottenham Hotspur enjoyed a successful summer transfer window, with Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, Randal Kolo Muani, Joao Palhinha and Kota Takai their five new additions.

Thomas Frank’s team have made an impressive start to the season, winning four of their first five matches and conceding just once.

But plans are already in place to go strong in the next transfer window in a few months’ time, and Spurs are already prepared for talks to begin.

Exclusive: Tottenham ready for January talks to sign Joao Palhinha

Tottenham are expected to hold January talks to sign Palhinha, having been so impressed by the midfielder in the early stages, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.

The 30-year-old has brought quality and experience to Spurs’ midfield, which is exactly why the Portuguese star was brought to North London.

Tottenham can sign Palhinha for £27m, and they could start setting the wheels in motion to ensure his services are secured ahead of next summer.

Bailey told TBR Football: “He’s exactly what they expected. When he left, he was already one of the Premier League’s best holding midfielders. Watching Palhinha play in that position probably frustrates Manchester United fans, knowing he was available and could have joined them.

“To make matters worse, he would have been exactly what United needed. But yes, he’s absolutely top class. I fully expect discussions about a permanent deal to begin in January once the transfer window opens.

The midfielder has proven to be a real coup for the Lilywhites, with Micah Richards shocked Bayern let Palhinha join Tottenham.

“They may even try to finalise the permanent deal sooner. He’s very happy in London, and I don’t see him moving elsewhere. Tottenham are fortunate that there’s really no other club in London that could challenge them,” added Bailey.

“We’ve seen players like Christian Norgaard move to Arsenal, but he’s on another level: an absolute top-class player, a Rolls-Royce of a footballer. From what I hear, he’s as good as they claim. He hasn’t had a holiday in Germany, but he also hasn’t put any unnecessary strain on himself there.

“Since returning, he hasn’t missed a beat. Tottenham are thrilled with him, they genuinely believe they have one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, and it seems they do.”

Joao Palhinha on his time at Tottenham so far

Palhinha has admitted that he is loving life at Tottenham and feels like he has quickly settled back into life in London.

Palhinha told Hayters TV: “Yeah, I think so, it’s new for me in this environment, I love to be back in England. I always enjoyed playing here, to feel the atmosphere here.

“As I said, I just want to enjoy and if it’s possible, win every single game. We know that we will have tough moments, that’s football, but I think the passion and the effort need to be there always.”

The 30-year-old was rested for Spurs’ 1-0 win over Villarreal during midweek, but has already become a key part of Frank’s side in North London.

The Thomas Frank era at Tottenham has got off to a good start, and the new manager looks to have quickly got to grips with his squad.

Spurs beat Villarreal in the Champions League to open their campaign in style, while they have won three of their first four matches in the Premier League.

Frank has been praised for fixing Tottenham’s leaky defence, and he looks a savvy replacement for Ange Postecoglou after his sacking in the wake of the Europa League success last campaign.

Despite many of his Spurs players standing up to be counted, the new man at the helm has been especially impressed with one of them, believing they are among the very best.

Thomas Frank says Cristian Romero is among the world’s best

Cristian Romero was named Tottenham’s new captain after Son Heung-min departed for MLS, and the centre-back hasn’t looked back, delivering a string of solid performances.

Thomas Frank has spoken warmly of the Argentine and is pleased he is getting the credit he deserves.

“I rate him super high,” the Spurs boss said in his pre-match press conference. “I agree with you that he is one of the best centre-backs right now in the world. It clearly helps when you have won the World Cup, Copa America and Europa League final and more things.

“But the best are performing consistently week in, week out. Year in, year out. I don’t know Cuti inside out because I have only been here for three months but I have followed him over the years.

“I definitely see a more mature player and person. Not that he hasn’t been that before. It’s not like it has happened in the last three months. I’m not saying that because he was very good last year and won the World Cup a few years ago.”

Romero certainly appears to be relishing his enhanced responsibilities after being given the captain’s armband, and he memorably skippered the Spurs side that won the Europa League in May.

Cristian Romero wants Tottenham to improve

But the 27-year-old wants more from Spurs and urged them to stay grounded after beating Villarreal.

He posted on X: “Great night for all of us, back competing where we love [in the] Champions League. Strong start, but this is a long [road] and we have to keep working and improving.

“Big thanks to all the fans for the incredible support today. Always together.”

If Tottenham are to challenge for trophies in Frank’s first campaign in charge, then Romero will undoubtedly have a huge part to play.

Tottenham Hotspur ended their lengthy trophy drought last season.

After 17 years of not winning any silverware, Tottenham captured the Europa League last season, and they will be hoping to build on that again this year.

Spurs have certainly started well under Thomas Frank this season, winning three of their first four league games and getting off to the perfect start in the Champions League.

Tottenham’s new signings have been impressive too as Joao Palhinha has earned plaudits already.

Spurs look like they could be in the mix for major honours again this year, but, according to Alan Shearer, Tottenham’s chances this season lie solely with two players.

Alan Shearer says Tottenham’s success rests solely on two players

According to Shearer, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are the two players who will define Spurs’ season.

Indeed, speaking on The Rest is Football, Shearer claimed that if Tottenham are going to have a good season, they need to find a way to keep both Van de Ven and Romero fit.

“Not really, no. I mean, the two centre-halves had to work hard, Van de Ven and Romero again. And I do think if Spurs are going to have a good season, then it’s key those two stay fit, because they’re such an integral part to what they do,” Shearer said.

“I mean, both of them at times had to put in some, a couple of great challenges. Van de Ven was involved in a decision which could have gone slightly different, maybe a red card, but ultimately, I think it was the right decision in the end, later on in the game. But yeah, there wasn’t anyone really that stood out for Tottenham.”

Tottenham’s record when Van de Ven and Romero both play

Shearer says that Tottenham’s season depends on Van de Ven and Romero, and he may not be wrong.

Indeed, these two are two of Spurs’ best players, and they are the bedrock of that defence when it’s operating at its best.

Tottenham finished 17th last season, but their record over the past two years when Van de Ven and Romero are both on the pitch at the same time is excellent.

The numbers clearly show that Spurs are a better team when these two play, but, sadly steering clear of injury and suspension isn’t easy.

If Tottenham are to move the needle this season, they need Van de Ven and Romero to be consistently available for selection.

Tottenham Hotspur couldn’t have asked for a much better start to the Thomas Frank era.

Indeed, after finishing 17th in the Premier League last season, Spurs are flying high in third place right now after winning three of their first four games.

Tottenham have been playing very well, and numerous players have been performing above expectations.

Indeed, Joao Palhinha has earned plenty of praise recently, while Richarlison has started well too.

However, perhaps the star of the show so far this season has been Lucas Bergvall, and speaking on the Wildcards Podcast, Jermaine Jenas has reserved some special praise for the midfielder.

Jermaine Jenas hails Lucas Bergvall

Jenas spoke about Bergvall after his impressive Champions League performance in midweek.

The pundit says that Bergvall has a ridiculous amount of potential, and that he has a really mature head on young shoulders.

“Just the old head on young shoulders is the way I see it. I think the boy has got like a ridiculous amount of potential already. I think I saw, I mean, you saw a lot of it last year,’ Jenas said.

Lucas Bergvall has been tipped for greatness by Dominic Solanke

Of course, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard Bergvall discussed in these terms.

Indeed, Bergvall has been tipped for greatness before by Dominic Solanke.

“I just want to ask you about Lucas in the past six months. He came in as an 18 year old straight out of Sweden, what have you seen him change over the last six months?” Solanke said last season.

“He’s obviously matured and has learned a lot since he came in already, which is great, we want players like that here. He’s showing that he’s putting in some very good performances and he still has a lot to work and improve on, and I’m sure he’ll be a great player for us.”

Of course, whether or not Bergvall ultimately makes good on this potential remains to be seen, but, so far under Frank, he has been an exceptional performer in this Tottenham team.

Don’t be surprised if Bergvall does become a true world superstar at Tottenham.

TBR Football understands that one of Tottenham Hotspur’s top young talents remains keen on fighting for his place under Thomas Frank despite playing limited minutes.

Thomas Frank’s Spurs squad has become rather bloated following a strong summer transfer window, and that has made competition for places rather strong.

Kota Takai, Radu Dragusin, Yves Bissouma and Mathys Tel all missed out on Spurs’ Champions League squad.

The Danish manager has been sparingly using one of Tottenham Hotspur’s top youngsters, handing him limited game time so far this season.

Exclusive: Archie Gray unlikely to push for Tottenham loan

Archie Gray is unlikely to push for a loan move away from Tottenham in January, with the midfielder expected to stay and fight for his place in the team, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.

The 19-year-old has played just 89 minutes of football so far this season, with his only start coming in the first Premier League match against Burnley.

Spurs’ last Premier League win away at West Ham saw him miss out on the squad entirely, which will be a concern, given Tottenham paid £40m for Gray last summer.

Asked whether Gray could be heading out on loan, Bailey told TBR Football: “I don’t think so. I think it’s a wake-up call. Look at what Lucas Bergvall is doing. Gray is one of those players who will not shy away from a fight. I’ve seen him since he was 14, so I’m a bit biased.

“He’s an absolute superstar. He should be pushing for England contention, though he probably won’t. He has all the potential in the world, and it’s good that he’ll now be seen more as a midfielder.

“It hasn’t helped him in the past, but Tottenham appreciated what he did last season when he filled in at the back. He could do that because he’s a brilliant footballer with a brilliant football mind. That’s why he could play in defence, he is that good.”

Frank tried to sign Gray at Brentford, but the teenager instead opted to make the move to North London.

“He could be a good Premier League defender, but he’s potentially a world-class midfielder. Tottenham have two absolute superstars in Bergvall and Gray,” added Bailey.

“In terms of a loan, I don’t think Gray will want that, but we’ll see. Sarr is playing well, Bergvall is playing well. Gray is probably fifth or sixth in the pecking order at the moment, but it will be interesting to see how he breaks through.”

Thomas Frank on Archie Gray’s best position

Speaking about him last month, Frank was keen to give a definitive answer as to his best position, claiming that he is a ‘flexible player’.

Frank told the media: “We need to be aware of putting different players in different positions. I think he’s a player who is a flexible player.

“He can definitely play at centre-back and right-back, but I think he’s more natural as a midfielder, but he can play all three positions.

“I like his dynamism, he covers a lot of ground, he’s good in duels, good under pressure, and has a desire to carry the ball forward as well.”

Tottenham Hotspur have high hopes for Luka Vuskovic and saw the defender take on Harry Kane in the Bundesliga last weekend.

Tottenham Hotspur fans can feel pretty excited about the future under Thomas Frank.

Xavi Simons’ recent move to Tottenham has dazzled supporters, given the Dutch playmaker’s enormous potential.

Frank is also taking a look at young talent at the club, as Daniel Batty trained with Tottenham’s first team last week.

The likes of Micky van de Ven, Pape Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Destiny Udogie still have major potential – and we cannot forget about Luka Vuskovic.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Luka Vuskovic on his performance against Harry Kane

Tottenham agreed to sign Vuskovic from Hajduk Split back in 2023, teeing up a deal for the teenager to arrive in 2025.

After a loan spell at Westerlo, Vuskovic finally joined Spurs this summer and caught the eye in pre-season.

Tottenham still loaned Vuskovic out to Hamburger SV, handing him a chance to play first-team football in Germany.

The 18-year-old made his first Bundesliga start last weekend as he featured against Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich.

Kane scored twice in a 5-0 Bayern victory, and Vuskovic has admitted being unhappy with his display against the former Spurs hero.

Speaking to Kicker, Vuskovic admitted that it was ‘tough’ to play against Kane, branding him one of the very best strikers in the game.

Vuskovic added that he wasn’t happy with how he played, believing that he still could have done better even against an elite striker like Kane.

“It was a tough task against Harry Kane, one of the best strikers in the world, but I’m not happy with how I handled it,” he added.

HSV players impressed with Luka Vuskovic

Few 18-year-old defenders would manage to hold their own against Kane, so Vuskovic shouldn’t be too hard on himself.

Vuskovic has impressed HSV teammates, who told Kicker that they like what they have seen so far.

“Luka has been very present from day one and a player who will help us progress,” said goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes.

Nicolai Remberg added, “He brings a lot of the qualities we need. Maybe he’s still lacking a few routines, but I would never say the task was too difficult for him at the start. He will really help us.”

It’s clear that Vuskovic is still settling in at Hamburg, but his teammates appear to be confident that he will have a great season before returning to Tottenham.

Hamburg take on Heidenheim in the Bundesliga this weekend and will hope to bag their first victory of the season, after one draw and two defeats so far.

Tottenham Hotspur have picked up another win under Thomas Frank, but Xavi Simons avoided disaster against Villarreal on Tuesday night.

Tottenham Hotspur are off the mark in the Champions League after beating Villarreal 1-0 in North London.

The winning goal was an absolute gift, as Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Junior fumbled Lucas Bergvall’s cross into his own net.

Spurs failed to build on that early lead, and a sloppy second-half display handed Villarreal chances to draw level.

Tottenham held on in the end, but Spurs avoided disaster with a couple of second-half moments.

Mark Clattenburg’s verdict on Xavi Simons incident in Tottenham Hotspur win

Micky van de Ven avoided a red card late on, as he only picked up a yellow after hauling down Georges Mikautadze.

Fellow Dutchman Xavi Simons also escaped a dismissal on his home debut as a Tottenham player.

Simons joined Tottenham in August, and there is real excitement about his arrival from RB Leipzig.

Simons almost turned his home debut into a disaster, though, as he brought down Nicolas Pepe while sitting on a yellow card.

Referee Rade Obrenovic spared Simons, but former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg made his feelings clear.

Speaking to Amazon Prime Video, Clattenburg suggested that Simons was ‘very fortunate’ to avoid a second yellow card.

Clattenburg noted that VAR cannot get involved in second yellow card decisions, but believed referee Obrenovic was ‘wrong’ to not send Simons off.

“Yeah, I think he’s very fortunate,” said Clattenburg.

“You see Van de Ven made a foul in the midfield to try and stop a promising attack, and I think Simons there is wanting to stop that promising attack. For me, this is a second yellow card, but, unfortunately, the VAR can not interfere on second yellow cards; it’s the referee’s call, that has to stay, but I think the referee gets this one wrong,” he added.

Thomas Frank may face a decision on Xavi Simons

Simons showed flashes of his quality once again, with his ability in tight areas coming to the fore.

The problem is that Simons isn’t a natural winger and may be better off as a number 10 moving forward.

Tottenham fans wanted Simons centrally after his display against West Ham United, only to see him out wide against Villarreal.

Spurs supporters have reiterated their stance on Simons and are urging Frank to be brave and play him as an attacking midfielder.

Frank has used Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr in a three-man midfield against West Ham and Villarreal, deploying them either side of Joao Palhinha and then Rodrigo Bentancur.

Frank would need to drop one of those players in order to play Simons as a number 10, and it remains to be seen whether he will make that switch.

Xavi Simons made his first appearance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and whilst the Dutch international looked lively, Spurs fans spotted an issue emerging.

Thomas Frank’s team returned to the Champions League and marked it with a 1-0 win, as Lucas Bergvall’s cross was turned in from the Villarreal goalkeeper.

Tottenham Hotspur will be delighted with the result, but less so with the performance as the team looked rather flat for large swathes of the match.

Meanwhile, Simons’ first game at the new stadium has supporters talking, but they are keen for their manager to make a change with their summer recruit.

Tottenham fans urge Thomas Frank to move Xavi Simons centrally

Tottenham fans have been urging Frank to move Xavi Simons centrally, with the sense that his talent is wasted out wide.

Simons, who cost Tottenham £52m over the summer, looked promising against the Spanish side, but it’s clear that he could be better utilised in the number ten role.

The Dutch international was eventually withdrawn after 76 minutes for Brennan Johnson as Spurs looked to find a second goal against the La Liga side.

The 22-year-old still managed 53 touches against the Yellow Submarine, but made just one key pass in a rather quiet display on the left.

Simons, whom Pedro Porro called ‘magic’, could certainly be better used elsewhere in the team and gives Frank food for thought moving forward.

During the game, Spurs supporters took to X to share their thoughts on Simons’ struggles in their clash with Villarreal.

One fan said: “Really would love to see Simons inside at some point tonight. Being wasted in possession at the left wing.”

“Xavi Simons is a real threat when he cuts inside, so it baffles me why he’s on the wing. Being wasted,” added another.

There were further question marks over Simons’ position: “Can we please put Xavi into the 10 position? He is so wasted out on the wing.”

Finally, another added: “100% need Xavi in the middle, he’s so wasted out wide. Also need to see Udogie, Spence is being overused.”

Chris Sutton claims Xavi Simons was ‘lucky’ not to be sent off vs Villarreal

Chris Sutton believes that Simons was ‘lucky’ not to be sent off on the night for a challenge he made on Nicolas Pepe.

The forward was booked earlier in the match and appeared rather fortunate not to have received a second booking.

Sutton told BBC Sport: “Simons is a lucky, lucky boy. He’s on a yellow card and that was a yellow card challenge. Villarreal were breaking there. Tottenham get away with one.”

For now, Simons looks like he’s still adjusting to life in North London, but he will generally be pleased with how lively the youngster looks.

Bobby Zamora has reflected on his career and revealed the one Tottenham Hotspur star who never gave the ball away during his time at the club.

Zamora worked with a wide range of top stars throughout his football career, including those at Fulham, West Ham United, and Brighton & Hove Albion.

While he played alongside top goalscorers and brilliant defenders, one midfielder wowed him over the years with his ability to retain possession.

Keeping hold of the ball is a crucial skill within the game, and while the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Paul Scholes have often been praised for their ability in this sense, Zamora spoke about someone else who deserves more attention.

Bobby Zamora praises Mousa Dembele’s ball retention skills

Zamora recently appeared on the Beast Mode On podcast to reflect on his time in the game, where he was asked about what it was like to play alongside Mousa Dembele.

The former Tottenham midfielder played alongside Zamora at Fulham, and the former England international was impressed by what he saw from him.

“If you pass him the ball, you know he’s not going to give it away.”

Zamora’s comments align with previous praise that Kieran Trippier heaped on him, as the full-back claimed Dembele is his most skilled teammate of all time.

Zamora also praised another midfielder he worked with regarding their ball retention skills when speaking about Javier Mascherano.

“His ability to keep the ball, just one-two touch, just never seemed to give the ball away.”

Mousa Dembele is an underrated Premier League midfielder

Dembele doesn’t get brought up in conversations about the great Premier League midfielders from fans, but he has been given numerous plaudits by those who played the game.

Jack Wilshere admitted he hated playing against Dembele, while former Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger claimed Dembele is the most underrated player he’s ever faced.

Zamora’s comments are just the latest in a long list of praise that Dembele has received, proving his talent.