GIVEMESPORT

Jamie O'Hara has criticised Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson for not contributing enough for the Lillywhites, claiming that the Welshman is 'frustrating' and that he 'stands behind players'.

Johnson has enjoyed a prolific start to the new season, netting seven times in 17 appearances for Ange Postecoglou's side. Despite this, the 23-year-old has been lamented for some of his displays, while Alan Pardew claimed last week that the wide man shouldn't be starting regularly for the North Londoners.

O'Hara has added to this discourse by venting his exasperation with Johnson, feeling that in spite of his impressive goal-scoring record this season, he could be producing more in his all-round game.

O'Hara: Johnson is 'Frustrating'

"He stands behind players"

Signing for Tottenham last summer in a £45 million deal, leaving boyhood club Nottingham Forest, Johnson experienced an inconsistent debut campaign in N17. Netting just five times in 34 appearances, he's kicked on in front of goal this term, scoring seven goals already.

However, having converted six of these strikes in six consecutive games between mid-Sepember and early October, a run which prompted Alan Shearer to dub him 'undroppable', it would appear that this may have merely been a hot streak. Scoring once in his last seven games prior to the international break, he's struggled to have the same impact in the final third in recent weeks.

With Tottenham reportedly ready to move for Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo, it's possible that the Lillywhites' hierarchy are already eyeing a replacement for Johnson. While such a cut-throat move may seem harsh to many, O'Hara would appear to agree that the player has limitations, expressing his frustration over him on talkSPORT on Saturday:

"He's frustrating Brennan Johnson, isn't he? I watch him for Spurs all the time, [he's] quick, he's got a flurry of goals for Spurs, but there's still moments in those games where I'm like, 'give me more', you know?

"Make something happen. When he gets the ball, he stands behind players. But fair play to him, his goal record for Spurs has been unbelievable this season, but, I still feel like there's more you need to get out of him."

Jamie O'Hara believes Tottenham defender Cristian Romero has been a 'liability' for Ange Postecoglou's side this season, claiming Micky van de Ven has been 'ten times better' than the Argentine.

Spurs have endured an inconsistent start to the new season, losing five of their opening eleven Premier League matches. This return sees them sat tenth, having conceded 13 goals, the same tally as Fulham, and more than the likes of Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle.

It's fair to suggest that Postecoglou's team have looked vulnerable at the back, with Van de Ven and Romero starting the bulk of the games together at the heart of the Lillywhites' defence. This has prompted O'Hara to lament the latter, claiming Romero's counterpart has performed significantly better this him this season.

O'Hara: Van de Ven has been 'Ten Times Better' than Romero

The pair haven't been effective together

Since Van de Ven joined Tottenham for £43 million last summer, the Dutchman and Romero, earning a purported £165,000 a week, have formed a consistent partnership at the centre of Spurs' back-line. Largely performing well together last season, the duo haven't been as effective as unit so far this campaign.

Shipping three goals away at Brighton when deployed next to each other, the North Londoners' defensive record has seen a more stark decline when Van de Ven has been out injured. The 23-year-old is currently suffering from a hamstring injury, and missed defeats to Galatasaray and Ipswich.

Inevitably, negative results are sparking discussions about who is the issue at the back for Tottenham, with different narratives circulating. Discussing the topic on talkSPORT on Saturday, Dean Saunders and Jamie O'Hara both lambasted Romero, while that latter claimed the Argentina international has been significantly outshone by his partner this season:

Saunders: Do you think Van de Ven makes more mistakes than Romero?

O'Hara: No, Romero makes a mistake every game.

Saunders: He's rash, isn't he?

O'Hara: Romero is a World Cup winner. You'd say he's not world-class?

Saunders: He's not world-class, no. I'd get him sent off in ten minutes.

O'Hara: He's been a liability for Tottenham this season. Van de Ven has been ten times better than him this season. He's a better player.

Tottenham Hotspur have unveiled their new badge, which sees a subtle change from the logo fans have become used to over the past decades. While the design has changed many times over the north London club's history, the cockerel standing on top of a football has become synonymous with Spurs.

Supporters will be delighted to know the bird won't be going anywhere, and it will still be stood upon a football. Instead, a very minor detail has been removed from the crest. Since 2006, the club name 'Tottenham Hotspur' has been present below the logo, but that will no longer be the case going forward.

Fabrizio Romano took to social media to confirm the new Spurs emblem, with the club confirming the change by saying:

“We have removed the curved Tottenham Hotspur text from beneath the cockerel.

“This enables us to increase its scale across different environments and stand proud as a true icon for the club.”

The new direction is part of Tottenham's attempt to completely re-brand the club digitally. The club's website goes into more detail surrounding other alterations to its brand. As part of the announcement of the new crest, the club statement read:

"The world-famous cockerel stands prouder than ever and is supported by a silhouette version, along with the reintroduction of the THFC monogram and new colours, patterns and hallmarks linked to the Club’s heritage."

Spurs aren't the first Premier League side to alter their identity this season, as Liverpool changed their iconic badge before the start of the 2024/25 season to make the Reds more marketable to an online audience. This is a less extreme change and is unlikely to attract too much negative attention from supporters as the fundamental elements of the previous badge still remain.

Spurs have claimed to be a pioneer in modernising their badge, first doing so in 2006. The club website reads: "A Club of firsts, Tottenham Hotspur took an unprecedented step in 2006 to modernise its identity by simplifying the badge around its world-famous cockerel, that has since stood alone in minimalistic, iconic fashion and which other clubs are now doing."

TalkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara says Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven ‘would walk into Manchester City’s team’ and has praised the Dutchman as ‘world-class’.

Van de Ven has impressed since his move to Spurs from Wolfsburg in the summer of 2023, with his pace and defensive strength proving crucial to Ange Postecoglou’s backline.

Despite enduring extended spells on the sidelines due to injuries, the Dutch international has still managed to win over fans in North London during the last 18 months.

O’Hara seems to be an admirer of the 23-year-old as well, suggesting he would be a sure starter under Pep Guardiola at Man City in a heated debate with his TalkSPORT co-host Dean Saunders:

“I think Van de Ven is a world-class player. He walks straight into Man City’s team, he walks into any team.”

To which Saunders responded:

“Not a chance, not yet. He needs to show for a couple of years that he can keep playing in the Premier League at that level without making mistakes. No mistakes.

“Top players don't make mistakes. Van Dijk hardly makes a mistake. He does now and again, but not as many as others. That's why he's Van Dijk. Konate doesn't make that many mistakes, Man City centre-backs don’t.”

Van de Ven has established himself as one of the first names on the Tottenham teamsheet when he is fit and available, as well as a threat in front of goal, scoring three times in his 35 appearances in the Premier League.

The £34m-rated 23-year-old limped off in the Carabao Cup win over Man City last month and has not featured since, but Postecoglou later admitted his injury is not too serious and he is expected to return soon after the international break.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Van de Ven has made eight appearances in the Premier League this term, assisting twice in 711 minutes of action.

Postecoglou, however, is no closer to having a fully fit squad at Tottenham, following Cristian Romero’s latest injury on international duty and Wilson Odobert recently undergoing surgery on his hamstring.

Spurs will face reigning champions Man City next in the Premier League, followed by a Europa League clash against Roma in mid-week.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing 'intelligent' Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra, according to TBR Football.

The 21-year-old, who has spent his entire professional career with Valencia, has also drawn interest from other Premier League juggernauts, including Liverpool and Arsenal, while he has also very much been on the radar of both Barcelona and Real Madrid.

With Valencia mightily struggling in the 2024/25 La Liga campaign, in which they have registered just one victory, and sit last in 20th in the league table, their hand may ultimately be forced should they be unable to escape relegation.

Spurs Joining the Race for Guerra

Valencia may be forced to part ways with the promising midfield talent

Standing at 6-foot-2 in stature, the Spaniard - who has been dubbed a 'joy to watch' and 'intelligent'- has already made 61 senior appearances for Valencia, in which he has mustered five goals and an assist, and per Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, via TBR Football, Guerra is likened to that of former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder, Xabi Alonso, who was widely hailed as one of the best lying deep playmaking midfielders in world football history.

Tottenham does have a vast array of midfield options available to them in the squad at the moment, including Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr, and Rodrigo Bentancur. But, they do lack that extra strength in depth, and a young talent like Guerra could well thrive under a manager like Ange Postecoglou at Spurs, with the Australian manager giving the youth in his squad the opportunities to go out and perform on the big stages.

While the midfielder's current release clause with Valencia is set at £84 million, there is some speculation that the Spanish club could be willing to sell at £25 million or even less, making Guerra a highly sought-after prospect indeed.

Ange Postecoglou is reportedly yet to be convinced by Tottenham midfield prospect, Lucas Bergvall, reveals Swedish international, Tobias Hellgren.

Since arriving at the North London club last summer, Bergvall has yet to start a game in the Premier League, and has primarily been restricted to cameo appearances off the bench. However, this is partly to be expected, as the Swede is, of course, a future prospect, although Hellgren insists that the manager is opting against giving the 18-year-old further opportunities, as he is not yet convinced of the youngster's current ability.

Postecoglou Not Convinced with Bergvall

The midfielder will need to earn more game time

Speaking to Fotboll Skanalen, Hellgren noted the true reason behind Postecoglou's decision to opt without Bergvall in many of his starting lineups. He said:

“There is something else to interpret in Ange’s words as well: he is simply not convinced of Bergvall’s current ability.

“Now he has returned to the fact that the Swede has ‘more to learn’ so many times that everyone has understood that he thinks so. Subtly, Ange probably wants to convey instead that Bergvall is not ready – yet – for the high-tempo, heavy metal-like football that is at the top of the Premier League.

“Bergvall received two clear clearances against Manchester United and was the first to smoke at the red card against Qarabag. Being easy to sacrifice is often a good indicator of how high you stand with your coach.”

Spurs paid a fee in the region of £8.5 million for the former Djugarden man, who is expected to play a more prominent role for the club, perhaps a few years down the line. That said, while Bergvall may not be able to feature more consistently for Postecoglou's side in the Premier League at the moment, he has nonetheless started four times in the Europa League, and once in the EFL Cup, implying that he is still receiving opportunities to impress elsewhere.

When asked about the possibility of Bergvall departing on loan for more consistent game time, Hellgren further added that there was still a role he could play at Tottenham, albeit not with the manager fully convinced:

"We are in November, and it is far too early to start talking about a loan. On the one hand, there is value in just being in Tottenham’s environment, on the other hand, there may be openings further on with injuries and suspensions."

Tottenham have key decision-making ahead as they consider how the progression of their emerging defensive talents might impact their January transfer plans.

Spurs have begun gearing up for the January transfer window, with sources confirming that the club has set a substantial budget side to bolster their back line. Injury to Micky van de Ven reveals potential depth issues at the club and they headed into the international break on the back of a difficult home loss to Ipswich Town.

Tottenham Could Show Faith in Youngsters

Phillips, Dorrington, and Vuskovic highly-rated

Tottenham are willing to spend in the winter window but they also need to consider the knock-on effect of other players. The likes of Ashley Phillips, Alfie Dorrington and Luka Vuskovic are all seen as potential first-team contributors for the 2025/26 season. Their long-term strategy may influence how aggressively Spurs pursue reinforcements in January, as they look to balance present needs with the development of their young stars.

For now, Spurs are assessing their options, carefully navigating the complexities of the January market to make choices on the next phase of Ange Postecoglou’s team build. It is understood the club would prefer not to spend more than £25million on the position if they do decide to recruit and that conversations and reports are ongoing in an attempt to uncover the perfect solution.

According to insiders, it remains unclear whether Spurs are targeting a specialist left-back or a versatile player capable of operating both as a centre-back and full-back. Over the past year, the club has explored both profiles, suggesting flexibility in their approach depending on market opportunities.

One name that surfaced in the past is Lutsharel Geertruida, who was on Tottenham’s radar before his summer move from Feyenoord to RB Leipzig. Similarly, Alessandro Buongiorno was considered as an option during the last window but ultimately joined Napoli. Both players indicate the type of profile Spurs have been monitoring—a combination of defensive reliability and adaptability.

Tottenham Eyeing Move for Jonathan Tah

A deal is considered as ambitious

Currently, one of the standout names on their list is Jonathan Tah of Bayer Leverkusen. The German international, who has been described as "one of the best defenders in Germany", is commanding attention from Europe’s elite clubs, including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona. He is currently in line to become a free agent at the end of this season. While Tottenham’s interest is genuine, a move for Tah would be ambitious given the competition for his signature.

Should Spurs pivot towards a different profile, Patrick Dorgu has been identified as a potential target. The Lecce left-back has also been used as an attacker and has been on Spurs’ radar for some time. He could provide the depth they seek without breaking the bank. Another option reportedly under consideration is David Hancko of Feyenoord, a versatile defender who has impressed with his consistency and technical ability.

National Media Blown Away by 'Star Man' Tottenham Star for his Country  GIVEMESPORT

Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool are set to compete for the signature of talented Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson, who has starred in the Bundesliga so far this campaign, reveals Christian Falk.

The 20-year-old has featured on 16 occasions across all competitions, registering three goals and an assist in the process, and his performances have caught the eye of a plethora of top clubs. With a contract expiring in 2029, however, his employers will be keen to fend off interest, but as interest continues to grow, a move away from the Mainhattan is becoming increasingly likely.

Tottenham Among English Clubs to Register Interest in Larsson

The Swedish youngster has been a key player for the Bundesliga side

Via Christian Falk's Fact Files, the Bundesliga insider confirmed the three clubs that were in the race for Larsson, though the Swede remains in little rush to make a decision.

"Hugo Larsson is one of the most valuable players in the Frankfurt squad. Yes, there shall be interest from many Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham. All of them are keeping an eye on the player. He’s a very humble guy and he doesn’t want to make all these quick steps, as he wants to make careful, considered decisions about his future."

In particular, Tottenham's interest in the midfielder was revealed exclusively to GIVEMSPORT earlier in April, but given his recent form, the competition has only increased as a result. In tandem with the player's importance to the Frankfurt setup, Spurs may be asked to cough up as much as an eye-watering £70 million for this deal, according to reports. Such a fee would make Larsson the most expensive signing in their history.

His quality is undeniable, however, and as a well-rounded midfielder, previously described as being an "absolute unicorn", he could be a fantastic coup for Ange Postecoglou's squad at the right price. If a deal were to materialize, Larsson would join the likes of Lucas Bergavall and Archie Gray to form a high-talent trio of youth midfield prospects at the north London club.

When Ange Postecoglou was appointed as Tottenham Hotspur boss in 2023 after the sacking of Antonio Conte, many had their doubts over how he would fare in north London.

The Australian's first season in charge saw Spurs get off to a flyer, with the club sitting atop the Premier League standings at the end of matchweek 10 after eight wins and two draws. But they would not be able to sustain their form and finished in fifth place with 66 points, two adrift of the final Champions League place.

Known for his entertaining brand of football which excites neutral fans, the 2024/25 campaign has been hit-and-miss, currently sitting 10th in the league after 11 games - albeit just three points off third - and seventh in the newly-formatted Europa League table, just three points from the top.

Having also eliminated Manchester City from the League Cup, Spurs have also reached their first quarter-final of the season, and with these five players demonstrating the most improvement under the manager, could a piece of silverware finally be on the cards?

Pedro Porro

Defender

Pedro Porro was signed by Spurs, initially on loan, from Sporting CP on transfer deadline day in January 2023, with the deal being made permanent that summer due to the obligation to buy clause.

But his start to life in London was not an easy one, when, during his debut, which came under Conte, former Spurs manager Tim Sherwood heavily criticised the Spaniard's performance in a match that saw Tottenham suffer a 4-1 defeat to Leicester.

"I don’t want to keep picking on the kid, but he needs to be relieved of his duties at the moment...I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt because it’s his debut, but Pedro Porro is so bad it’s unbelievable."

But, since Postecoglou has taken over, he has come on leaps and bounds, having 14 goal contributions in 50 appearances - bearing in mind that he is a right-back - and so far he has got forward so much, he has averaged 6.34 crosses per 90 minutes in the last two seasons. This has made him virtually undroppable, and he has now wholly established himself to be one of the most integral members of the team's spine and one of the best right-backs in the club's history.

This season has seen Porro take yet another leap in his development, which has seen his name enter the conversation for being one of the best right-backs in the Premier League. But with such good form comes the attention from even bigger clubs, which now has Spurs fearing the worst, with reports that Real Madrid have taken some interest in the 25-year-old.

Pape Matar Sarr

Midfielder

Prior to Postecoglou's arrival at the club, Pape Matar Sarr had seen just 475 minutes for Tottenham under three different managers (two interim). But he has since become an important member of the squad, having now made 52 appearances - in which he has scored six goals and contributed five assists.

While the Senegalese midfielder has largely come off the bench this season, last year he started 27 of 34 games in the league, and under Postecoglou has gone from averaging 0.83 shot attempts per 90 minutes to 1.91 shot attempts. Sarr is also much more involved in Spurs' attacking play and has gone from creating 1.65 shot-creating actions per 90 to 2.55 over the last two seasons.

Yves Bissouma

Midfielder

Like Sarr, Yves Bissouma has been reignited under Postecoglou, following a disappointing debut season with the club under Conte. Even in his first season with the Australian at the helm, Bissouma struggled to earn his place in the starting eleven, making just 28 appearances in all competitions, though he did deal with injury.

Bissouma's start to the 2024/25 campaign was not ideal for him, nor the club, after he was internally suspended following social media footage depicting him inhaling a substance. Upon his return to the side, he scored, before running over to his manager in celebration, offering his apologies for his previous behaviour.

Since then, he has continued to find his footing, and put on some impressive displays, netting twice in 12 total appearances, while he has re-found his calmness and composure when on the ball, averaging 91.5% passing accuracy.

Defensively, he has become reliable for Postecoglou, going from averaging 2.50 tackles and interceptions per 90 to 4.44, while he also makes far more clearances, going from an average of 0.87 to 1.59 per 90 minutes.

Brennan Johnson

Winger

Not enough can be said about the improvements, particularly as it pertains to his goal contribution numbers, that Brennan Johnson has made, especially this season. Having made the switch from Nottingham Forest to Spurs in the 2023 summer transfer window after a season in which he had netted eight times, Johnson was only able to muster five goals, though he did have 10 assists - all of which came in the Premier League.

After a sluggish start to the 2024/25 campaign, in which he drew so much fan criticism - and some unacceptable, and abhorrent, abuse too - the Welshman decided to deactivate his social media accounts, in a move which actually appeared to instill some fire inside him.

He would net a goal in seven consecutive games and has looked unstoppable at times. As such, this has seen him considered by some to be one of the Premier League's most improved performers this season in what has arguably been the best season of the 23-year-old's young career so far.

Dejan Kulusevski

Winger/Midfielder

Despite so many players having improved under Postecoglou, perhaps nobody has been more instrumental to the success Spurs have seen so far this season than Dejan Kulusevski. Having been deployed both out wide, and in central midfield, since his arrival from Juventus, it is clear that Postecoglou is now finally getting the best out of the Swede.

With impressive display after impressive display, in which he has contributed to 18 goals in his 56 appearances under the manager, seven goal contributions of which have come in 17 appearances this season, Kulusevski has become one of the biggest attacking threats in the league.

This is supported by his shot on target percentage rising from 23.3% before Postecoglou took over, to 34.9%, while he has also seen increases in his progressive passing per 90 minutes, rising from 2.91 to 5.08 per 90. This has seen him emerge as one of the best players in his age bracket. Put simply, if Spurs want to come away from this season with silverware in their cabinet, then Kulusevski will be pivotal to having that chance.