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One Tottenham star appears to be finding some joy on international duty, and has been praised for his heroics following some recent criticism from supporters.

Following a disastrous end to their last round of fixtures prior to this break, Spurs face a difficult task in the form of a trip to take on Premier League champions Man City at the Etihad Stadium.

Right now, there hasn't been a better time to play City in quite a while, with the Sky Blues enduring four consecutive defeats in all competitions for the first time in Pep Guardiola's managerial career.

The first of those losses actually came at the hands of Ange Postecoglou, who guided Tottenham to a 2-1 win over City in the Carabao Cup just over a fortnight ago, courtesy of Timo Werner's first goal since March and a brilliant long-range strike from Pape Matar Sarr.

However, if they're to replicate those heroics against a Guardiola side still boasting plenty of quality, they will have to be far better than their last two performances.

Spurs suffered a 3-2 defeat to Turkish champions Galatasaray last week, which arguably flattered Postecoglou, as the home side could have come away with a much greater win considering the chances they created.

That was followed by a dismal 2-1 loss at home to Ipswich Town in the Premier League, with the likes of Radu Dragusin and Pedro Porro enduring nightmares in Tottenham's last match.

Depending on whether Micky van de Ven will be back at that point, who could come back in to replace the former in Postecoglou's line-up, both Dragusin and Porro will need to put in far better shifts.

Another star who was subject to criticism after his display against Ipswich was big-name forward Son Heung-min. The £190,000-per-week forward boasts three goals and three assists from his opening eight Premier League matches this season, but supporters weren't impressed with his performance against Kieran McKenna's side.

Tottenham star Son Heung-min hailed after South Korea heroics

That is according to pundit John Wenham, who told Tottenham News that Son could get a confidence boost from his South Korea performances on international duty.

The 32-year-old scored his 50th goal for South Korea with a penalty against Kuwait on Thursday, leading his country to a 3-1 win in their World Cup qualifier.

“To reach 50 goals for South Korea is impressive,” said Wenham. “It was a penalty on this occasion. However, you still need to score. I never devalue a penalty, they’re still difficult to convert.

“Therefore, hopefully, that will give Son a confidence booster. He was someone who seemed to take a lot of fan criticism for his display against Ipswich. I don’t think it was against him personally, I just think it is because his standards are so high. He is a world-class player, so people expect a lot of him.”

It's never a good thing to say that the international break has come at the perfect time for your football club, but the international break has come at the perfect time for Tottenham Hotspur all the same.

Ange Postecoglou is trying to whip his talented squad into shape this season but chequered form is preventing Spurs from making headway in the Premier League.

Having been defeated at home against newly-promoted Ipswich Town, who hitherto were winless in the top flight, there's plenty for the craggy-faced Postecoglou to chew on.

He'll need his players to return from international action refreshed and injury-free next week, but he'll still be hoping for some positive performance that could reorient certain struggling players.

How Spurs players are getting on

Cristian Romero has looked out of sorts this season and he won't be feeling any better after Argentina suffered a shock defeat against Paraguay. Albeit, the centre-half didn't have all that much to do, winning his one contested duel and completing 95% of his passes, as per Sofascore, before being withdrawn at the break due to injury.

Guglielmo Vicario and Destiny Udogie's Italy side enjoyed a 1-0 victory over Belgium on Thursday evening in the Nations League, though neither started, the latter introduced for the final 20 minutes.

On Friday, Euro 2024 champions Spain passed a tough test in Denmark and Pedro Porro made his mark at right-back, discernibly deeper than he's used by Postecoglou, something that he clearly favours stylistically.

Over in Asia, Heung-min Son scored as South Korea defeated Kuwait 3-1. Also away from European competition, Yves Bissouma put in a barnstorming display for Mali against Mozambique in his country's African Cup of Nations qualifier.

In a new role, he might just have been the pick of the Lilywhites bunch.

Yves Bissouma thrived in fresh role for Mali

Bissouma sits deep in Tottenham's midfield, controlling and crunching ahead of the defensive partnership, typically Romero and Micky van de Ven. As per FBref, the 28-year-old ranks among the top 4% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and the top 7% for tackles won per 90.

A high-energy player with a shrewd eye for a goal, Bissouma might be as combative as they come but he's also endowed with high-level technicals and was utilised further forward against Mozambique on Friday evening.

Across his five qualifying campaign matches for Mali so far, the £55k-per-week talent has averaged 30 passes per game in the opponent's half, whereas just seven per match in his own.

There's perhaps something in that for Postecoglou, who could operate with Bissouma in front of the number six in a kind of roving role. He's robust and dynamic enough, for sure, having won eight duels, completed four dribbles and picked up the crucial assist in Mali's 1-0 triumph.

Tottenham Hotspur have really put their fans through the wringer so far this season.

One moment, the North Londoners put three past Manchester United at Old Trafford, and then the next, they hand Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town their first Premier League wins of the season.

Ange Postecoglou has certainly brought back the entertaining style of football that Spurs fans used to pride themselves on, but he hasn't been able to iron out the inconsistencies that could ultimately cost him come May.

However, it's not entirely his fault as he's got to work with the players he has, and some of them, like Radu Dragusin, just don't appear to be good enough, so Daniel Levy and Co should look to bring in a replacement in 2025, a player they could get for free.

Dragusin's season so far

Now, the first thing to say is that while Dragusin has been generally quite poor so far this season, he's obviously not the sole reason that Spurs have struggled in games, but he certainly hasn't helped either.

For example, on his European debut for the club against Qarabağ FK, a game which should have been a relatively easy one for the club, he managed to get himself sent off before ten minutes were played.

Fortunately, his teammates put in an impressive showing and came away with all three points and, in turn, protected him from what could have been a considerable level of backlash had they lost with ten men.

Unfortunately, he was much more at fault for the loss to Galatasaray last week, as he once again made countless foolish fouls, took a poor touch that led to Victor Osimhen's first goal and generally looked out at sea in what was an extremely hostile environment.

It's not just been in Europe where the former Genoa ace has struggled either, as he was notably poor against Ipswich Town in the Premier League last weekend as well and received a paltry 3/10 match rating from respected Spurs writer Alasdair Gold.

Overall, it's hard to see Dragusin improving much as the season progresses, so it would be wise for Levy and Co. to look for an upgrade, and the good news is that they have already been linked with one.

The impressive defender who could replace Dragusin

So, while there are undoubtedly a whole host of talented defenders that Spurs could work on bringing to North London next year, one in particular would be an excellent addition to the team: Jonathan Tah.

The good news is that, according to a report from the Boot Room earlier this week, the club are interested in the German ace and have already talked with intermediaries about a potential deal.

However, it gets even better, as the 28-year-old's surprisingly small £45k-per-week contract is set to expire in the summer, meaning he'll be available for free and will be able to sign a pre-agreement with non-German clubs from January.

With all that said, why would the Bayer Leverkusen ace be a great signing?

Well, the first big bonus is that, as well as being 6 foot 5, which should help him adapt to the physical nature of the Premier League, the Hamburg-born "battleship", as dubbed by former teammate Christoph Kramer, is vastly experienced.

Across his career, the defensive titan has made 20 appearances for Hamburg, 23 for Düsseldorf, 370 for Leverkusen, who he helped win a league and cup double last season, and has won 32 caps for the German national team, so it's unlikely that there would be any situation in a Spurs shirt that would see him overawed and make silly mistakes akin to Dragusin last week.

Finally, he's no slouch with the ball at his feet, either.

According to FBref, which compares players across Europe's top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, the German ace sits in the top 1% of centre-backs for pass completion, the top 6% for total shots, the top 11% for touches in the opposition's penalty area and the top 14% for attempted and progressive passes, all per 90.

It's been a mixed campaign for Tottenham Hotspur so far this season.

Ange Postecoglou's side have looked incredible in some games, like the ones against Manchester United and Aston Villa, but then utterly hopeless in others, like the ones against Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town.

However, while it's easy to focus on the negatives, there are also some undeniable positives, such as the attractive and ultra-attacking style of play the manager has firmly drilled into his team.

On top of that, several players have been sensational this season, including one who's starting to emulate Harry Kane in some of his play, and no, it's not Dominic Solanke.

Harry Kane's Tottenham legacy

When it comes to Spurs' modern-day legends, there are none greater than Kane.

The England captain joined the club's youth setup as a teenager and, following several loans all over the country, earned his opportunity over a decade ago and never looked back.

In all, the 31-year-old made 435 appearances for the North Londoners, in which he racked up a frankly ridiculous tally of 280 goals and 61 assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement once every 1.27 games.

However, as his impressive number of assists would indicate, the sensational striker was more than just a poacher, and as the number ten on his back would have given away, he was more than adept at creating chances for his teammates.

In fact, it was with current club captain Son Heung-min that the Walthamstow-born star created the greatest goalscoring partnership in Premier League history, with the pair combining for 47 goals.

Amazingly, of those 47 goals, only 23 came from the Englishman, with the other 24 coming from his South Korean teammate, proving yet again that he was a supremely gifted creator.

Now, Spurs might never see a player like Kane again, but someone in their current squad is proving himself to be adept at scoring and creating, and they play particularly well with Son.

The Spurs star emulating Kane

So, let's get right to the point, and while he's playing well this season, with six goals and two assists to his name so far, the player in question is not Solanke.

Instead, it's Swedish superstar Dejan Kulusevski, who has found himself playing almost exclusively in midfield this season, where he has seen his influence grow and performances dramatically improve.

For example, he was the beating heartbeat of arguably the team's best performance this season, away at Old Trafford, scoring a goal and becoming the first away player since the 03/04 season to create nine chances in one match there.

Moreover, the "world-class" international, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who was first brought to the club by former manager Antonio Conte, has already beaten his assist tally from last season.

In just 17 appearances across all competitions, the 24-year-old dynamo has provided five assists and scored twice, whereas last year, he provided just three and scored eight goals in 39 games.

On top of having a far more significant influence on proceedings, akin to Kane, the former Juventus ace has also always played well with Son, with the pair creating nine goals between them, which may well increase now the 24-year-old's in the midfield.

Ultimately, while nobody can fully replace Harry Kane at Spurs, Kulusevski is doing his best to emulate his creative abilities this season, and so far, he's doing a pretty good job of it.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou personally wants a "fantastic" Premier League player who can alternate with Pedro Porro, amid concerns surrounding the Spaniard's "inconsistent" form right now.

Tottenham's rumoured transfer plans for January

The Lilywhites and technical director Johan Lange are reportedly planning for the winter window, with a few players linked in the build up to January.

From Espanyol forward Javi Puado, whose contract expires at the end of this season, to Real Madrid's Arda Guler - there are suggestions that Spurs do have a shortlist of players in mind for when the window reopens in under two months.

Spurs are considering a January bid for Puado, as Espanyol may be inclined to sell him on the cheap, rather than lose him for nothing in the summer. Tottenham are considering a loan move for Guler as well, as his future at the Bernabeu is uncertain amid struggles for consistent game time under Carlo Ancelotti.

The north Londoners have struggled to galvanize a run of winning form this season, often securing statement results only to fall short in games they're expected to win soon afterwards.

Tottenham's wins over Man City and Aston Villa, which were followed by defeats to Galatasaray and Ipswich Town recently, sum up their current situation - with questions surrounding Postecoglou as a result.

"It would be crazy for Spurs or Postecoglou to change that and he's not going to," said Alan Shearer to Betfair (via BNC) earlier this season.

"He plays with a high line, with his full-backs going into midfield and at times the opposition will catch him out. Certainly from set-pieces, teams see a weakness. Whether that's the goalkeeper or the Tottenham set-up but he's not changing.

"Sometimes fans have to be patient because it'll work one week and maybe not so much the other. Spurs have to stick with Postecoglou, there's no doubt about it but you know as a manager and as players that you have to deliver on the pitch.

"If you don't, you'll get criticised, and at the minute Tottenham haven't had a good start to the season."

Tottenham explore January move to sign Tariq Lamptey

According to Football Transfers, Lange could help Postecoglou's cause by making a mid-season swoop for Brighton defender Tariq Lamptey.

It is believed Postecoglou personally wants Lamptey as an alternative to Porro. Despite his mainstay status, the right-back has been "inconsistent" in terms of form, and having a back-up option could help to reinforce the squad as they look to tackle the rest of this season strongly.

Tottenham are competing on a trio of fronts this season, and their squad has been laid bare by injuries to key players lately. The 24-year-old is also out of contract at the end of this season, meaning Brighton could be inclined to sell in January.

"You look at Tariq Lamptey, and he's a fantastic player, a fantastic right back," said pundit Ian Wright.

"Maybe he's seeing his path to England is blocked,” Wright said on PL Stories. For me, I think that when you look at the player who kept him out of Chelsea, Reece James, and how good he is, you can understand why Lamptey might seek opportunities elsewhere."

A member of Ange Postecoglou's squad has been contacted by an interested suitor ahead of the looming January transfer window, as they look to tempt him with a mid-season move away from Tottenham.

Postecoglou facing backlash amid inconsistent Spurs form

The general theme of Spurs' start to this season has been wild inconsistency.

While Tottenham chiefs are showing faith in Postecoglou, amid some doubts among the fan base over whether he is the right man for the helm, it is imperative that the Australian inspires a winning run right after the international break.

This last fortnight has seen the north Londoners beat both Man City and Aston Villa in statement displays, but they followed those excellent results up with humbling defeats against Galatasaray in the Europa League and struggling Ipswich Town - who secured their first win of the season against Postecoglou's side.

Crystal Palace also scraped their only victory of the Premier League campaign so far at the expense of Tottenham, and this trend needs to seriously change if Postecoglou is to challenge for major silverware this season.

“What I’ve been told is, is that he’s so desperate not to be seen as sort of an Australian caricature,” commentator Sam Matterface told talkSPORT (via The Boot Room).

“He doesn’t want to be Jesse Marsch 2, he doesn’t want people to throw the sort of Australian Ted Lasso thing at him.

“So he tries to sort of not be the playful, happy character and tries to be serious, that’s what I’ve been told. It doesn’t come across very well. And Mark Scott of Match of the Day has had two rather difficult exchanges with him in a couple of weeks. I know Crook and I have both had interesting exchanges with him as well over the last year.”

If their form continues in this manner, there is every reason to believe players could start to ponder jumping ship.

However, one player who may be looking for a way out as soon as possible is left-back Sergio Reguilon. The left-back, on a reported £120,000-per-week (MEN), is out of Postecoglou's plans and has been unable to contribute on the field.

Fenerbache open talks with Reguilon after José Mourinho demand

According to Turkish news outlet Sabah, former Spurs boss José Mourinho, who signed the Spaniard during his tenure at N17, has asked Fenerbache chiefs to sign a new left-back for his system.

In response, Fenerbahce have made contact with Reguilon personally, as they make their way through a list of targets for the role.

The last few years have been more than a little turbulent for Tottenham Hotspur.

From numerous managerial changes to the loss of Harry Kane and a complete change of style on the pitch, it's fair to say that the fans have been put through quite a lot following their team.

Fortunately, despite there still being undeniable issues that need to be ironed out in the coming years, Ange Postecoglou has seemingly instilled in many, including the board, a sense that Spurs are at the start of what could be an incredibly exciting journey.

However, to reach his goal, the Australian will undoubtedly have to overhaul parts of the squad, which should, in turn, see an exciting youngster like Mikey Moore given more game time regularly, although the young Englishman could soon have an incredibly promising rival to develop alongside in the coming years.

Mikey Moore's incredible talent

So, before we get to the youngster who could challenge Moore in years to come, let's look at why so many people are, and so many more should be excited about the young Englishman.

The main reason is his frankly ridiculous record at the youth level, as in 33 matches for the Lilywhites' various junior sides, the "fearless" 17-year-old, as dubbed by James Maddison, has found the back of the net on 20 occasions and provided 15 assists to boot, equating to an average of 1.06 goal involvements every game.

It's not just in the academy where he's impressed either, as in 36 appearances across the England U15s to U19s, the Southwark-born sensation has scored 19 goals and provided seven assists, meaning he's maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.38 games at the international level.

Finally, while he hasn't scored a competitive goal for the senior side just yet, he's looked impressive in his ten appearances to date, particularly against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League, when he won the Man of the Match award and was compared to Neymar of all people by teammate Maddison.

However, with all that said, he could be competing with another exciting youngster for game time in the coming months, someone who's showing as much, if not even more talent at a senior level.

The prospect who could challenge Moore

So, the youngster who could prove to be Moore's biggest rival at Spurs is none other than 18-year-old Min-hyeok Yang, who signed for the club from South Korean club Gangwon FC in the summer but is set to officially join up with Postecoglou's squad before January.

According to Transfermarkt, the Lilywhites paid €4m for the exciting attacker, which is about £3m and a record for a player coming straight from South Korea to European football.

Now, the reason the Gwangju-born dynamo could become a big rival for Moore following his arrival is that, like the Englishman, he's primarily a winger who can play off the right or left, meaning that, as well as pushing each other, there is also a world in which the pair become the club's starting wingers a few years down the line.

With that said, how has the promising youngster performed this season? Are fans right to get excited about his arrival? In short, very well and yes, they certainly are.

In 37 first-team appearances this season, the promising prospect has racked up a seriously impressive haul of 11 goals and six assists, meaning he's averaging a goal involvement once every 2.17 games despite being so young.

Now, it would be unfair to expect the talented winger to come into the first team and make a difference straight away, but the signs are encouraging.

Ultimately, Spurs are fortunate to have two sensationally talented youngsters in Moore and Yang in the squad, and while there is every chance they both make it into the first team, they are sure to provide the perfect competition for one another as well.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has been tipped to offload a "quality player" at the club next year, even if he has a "great season".

Players most likely to leave Spurs at the end of 2024/2025

A quartet of fringe players in Ben Davies, Sergio Reguilon, Fraser Forster and Alfie Whiteman appear certain to leave at the end of this Premier League campaign, with their contracts expiring in 2025.

Reguilon could even terminate his Spurs contract and leave before then, according to some reports out of his homeland recently, as the likes of former club Sevilla and Getafe take an interest in bringing him back to La Liga.

Davies, meanwhile, has been a faithful servant to the club and is still playing a crucial role when the likes of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are unavailable for selection - partnering Radu Dragusin on occasion.

The Welshman appears set to bring his decade-plus-long stay at N17 to an end next year, though, with back-up keepers Forster and Whiteman in the same situation.

Son Heung-min's deal also expires in 2025, but the club possess an option trigger a one-year extension and keep him in north London until 2026 - something which they're apparently set to do.

“I have something to say about Heung-min Son, a top player of Tottenham Hotspur," said Fabrizio Romano this week (via GiveMeSport).

"It's important to say that, according to my information, Tottenham are prepared to take the option to extend the contract of Son. So if you check on Son, on all the websites, for example, Transfermarkt, you can see that his contract is expiring in the summer of 2025.

“But Tottenham have an option, have a clause in the contract to extend the deal for one more season, 25/26, and they are in the process, from what I'm hearing, of extending this contract for one more year.”

With Son's future secure, the same cannot be said for Timo Werner.

The RB Leipzig loanee, who scored his first goal since March in Tottenham's 2-1 win over Man City a fortnight ago, has been criticised for his wasteful finishing in front of goal.

The German faces a battle to convince Spurs to take up the £8.5 million buy-out option in his contract, despite Ange Postecoglou believing he is a "quality player".

John Wenham tips Tottenham to offload Werner no matter what

Pundit John Wenham, speaking to Tottenham News, is convinced that Levy will offload Werner and send him back to Leipzig at the end of 24/25 - regardless of whether he finishes the season strongly.

“I don’t see Tottenham signing Werner permanently,” Wenham said.

“Even if he goes on to have a great season this year, considering his wages, I just think it is too much of an outlay to commit to permanently. Therefore, if the season were to finish next week, he would just be released. That would be the end of it, and Spurs would move on.”

Tottenham Hotspur chiefs see a £50 million forward as a "key" possible signing, with the Lilywhites among a trio of sides who are looking to bring him in next year.

Postecoglou under fire as Spurs consider January moves

Manager Ange Postecoglou is as frustrated as anyone by Spurs' early-season form. The Australian has been unable to garner a consistent run of form from his side so far, who are fresh off the back of a fortnight of results which sums up their current state perfectly.

Two weeks ago, Spurs knocked Premier League champions Man City out of the Carabao Cup, and followed that up with a statement 4-1 win at home against top four rivals Aston Villa.

However, the following week saw them fall 3-2 to Turkish Süper Lig side Galatasaray in the Europa League, and were then humbled with a 2-1 loss at home to newly-promoted Ipswich Town on remembrance Sunday.

Doubts are now beginning to surround Postecoglou and whether the 58-year-old is really the right man to take them forward. While Postecoglou retains the backing of Tottenham's board, and is in no imminent danger of the axe, results will need to improve if he is to maintain the faith of club officials.

"That's down to me," said Postecoglou on Tottenham's inconsistency. "That's my responsibility. The inconsistency we're having this year, ultimately it comes down to me and my approach and something I need to try and fix and see if I can help the players in that area."

The January transfer window is looming, and could provide a solution. There are reports that Tottenham are considering a loan deal for Real Madrid playmaker Arda Guler, who is facing an uncertain future at the Bernabeu considering his lack of game time under Carlo Ancelotti.

James Maddison has blew hot and cold this season, after such a promising start to his career last year, which has resulted in the Englishman missing out on four consecutive national team squads - including for Euro 2024.

Tottenham looking to sign Takefusa Kubo

This has led to reports that Spurs could bring in an alternative to Maddison. Another player capable of playing that role is Japan international Takefusa Kubo, who is currently plying his trade at Real Sociedad in La Liga.

Reports out of Spain this week claim Tottenham are looking to sign Kubo, and view the 23-year-old as a "key" potential addition for Postecoglou. Both Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also in the mix, though, so there is fierce competition for his signature heading into next year.

His contract includes a release clause of around £50 million, so Spurs know the price needed to bypass negotiations with Sociedad and head straight to the player to discuss terms.

“I think he’s having a good season," said Zinedine Zidane on Kubo in 2020, during the player's time at Real Madrid.

"He’s playing a lot and that’s what we all wanted. He is a very interesting player, for the present and the future. I’m happy he’s doing well. Of course, if he were to stay at home tomorrow then that’d be better.

“But, I wish him the best and urge him to continue like this. His future, though, we won’t decide until the summer. That’s something for later.”

The sky is blue, the grass is green, and Tottenham Hotspur have been an incredibly entertaining yet inconsistent team again this year.

Ange Postecoglou's side have put in some of the most impressive performances of the season so far, like their 3-0 win away to Manchester United and their 4-1 dismantling of Aston Villa just over a week ago.

Yet, as they did last season, the North Londoners have also found ways to lose to substantially weaker teams like Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town while also completely capitulating against Brighton & Hove Albion.

That said, for all the issues in and around Postecoglou's team at the moment, there are plenty of positives, including the form of summer signing Dominic Solanke, although he is being outscored by a former loan flop.

Dominic Solanke's form this season

Yes, following his £65m move from Bournemouth in the summer, there was a lot of expectation and pressure placed upon Solanke's shoulders heading into this season.

The Spurs faithful were hoping that he'd be able to replicate the sensational form he showed for the Cherries last year, which saw him score 21 goals and provide four assists.

Unfortunately, an ankle injury just one game into the league campaign meant that supporters had to wait a little while longer to see their record-signing in full flow, but as the old saying goes, good things come to those who wait, and after a couple of underwhelming performances against Arsenal and Coventry City he was ready to show the fans what he could do.

The Basingstoke-born poacher got off the mark in the league against Brentford in mid-September, and in the next six league games, he scored another three goals and provided an assist while also scoring another goal in the Europa League last week to go with the one he scored against Qarabağ FK in September.

Overall, the former Liverpool ace has racked up a reasonably impressive haul of six goals and two assists in 15 appearances for Postecoglou's side, equating to an average of a goal involvement every 1.87 games.

However, while that's a great start, the 27-year-old is being outscored by a former Spurs flop signed on loan by José Mourinho.

Spurs' loan flop outscoring Solanke

Let's get straight to the point: the player in question is midfielder Gedson Fernandes, who joined Mourinho's Spurs outfit on an initial 18-month loan deal from Benfica in January 2020.

There was an element of excitement around the move, as, despite being just 21 years old at the time, he had already made 59 senior appearances for the Portuguese giants and was part of the team that won the league the season prior.

Unfortunately, Spurs fans never even got much of a chance to form their own opinion of the player, as over the following year, he played just 447 minutes of action across 14 appearances, ten of which were off the bench, before he was sent back to Lisbon with it clear that he was not going to get any real game time under the special one.

The following few years saw him spend time on loan with Galatasaray and Caykur Rizespor in Turkey before securing a permanent move to Turkish giants Besiktas in the summer of 2022, where he remains.

Last season saw him play a key role in the side, making 45 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing six assists, but he's done even better this year.

In just 18 appearances for the Kara Kartallar, the São Tomé-born dynamo has scored seven goals and provided two assists. Therefore, he is currently outscoring Solanke despite playing in central midfield.

Ultimately, Spurs were right to send him back when they did, as he clearly wasn't of the level required to play in the Premier League, but it's undoubtedly a happy ending to see the 25-year-old find his feet at such a big club.