The Spurs Web

Manchester United and Manchester City are both ready to challenge Real Madrid for the signature of one of Tottenham’s key players.

Real Madrid keen on Tottenham man

It has been widely reported over the last few weeks that Pedro Porro has emerged as one of Real Madrid’s top targets for next summer.

The latest outlet to make this claim was Relevo, who stated last week that Carlo Ancelotti’s men have been fans of Porro since his time in Portugal and see him as the ideal choice to replace the ageing Dani Carvajal.

However, it has now emerged that the La Liga giants might face competition for the Tottenham man from two Premier League giants.

PL offer expected to arrive for Pedro Porro

This information comes from Wednesday’s print edition of AS (as relayed by Sport Witness), who name Manchester United and Manchester City as Madrid’s competitors for the right-back’s signature.

The outlet points out that Ruben Amorim is a big fan of Porro and has a good relationship with the Tottenham man’s entourage.

It is revealed that the 25-year-old’s representatives are ‘convinced’ that the Red Devils will make an attempt to take him to Old Trafford.

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However, the publication adds that with the Spaniard’s current deal running until 2028, Tottenham will not consider selling the player for less than €70m (£58.3m).

Real Madrid’s interest is the main worry

One would not expect Porro to be desperate to leave Tottenham to join Man Utd as that move does not represent a clear step up.

Spurs will not have many concerns about losing the defender to a Premier League rival as the length of his contract means that they can ward off interest.

However, Tottenham would be wary of the prospect of Real Madrid entering the race as Porro might push for a move to the Santiago Bernabeu. Being a Spaniard, the allure and prestige of playing for Los Blancos would be significant for the Spurs man.

Man City host Tottenham as the Premier League returns after the international break. Let’s take a look at the last 10 matches between the two sides to see who has come out on top.

Tottenham vs Man City head-to-head record

The last ten games between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City extend back to the 2020-2021 season. Considering that Manchester City won four Premier League campaigns during that period and Tottenham finished 7th, 4th, 8th and 5th, the head-to-head results are relatively well split.

Results for Tottenham

Won: 4

Draw: 1

Lost: 5

Goals scored: 12

Goals against: 17

Of the teams Pep Guardiola has managed against more than 5 times, the only side he has a worse points per game average against than Tottenham is Liverpool.

Different Managers, same problems

Guardiola has been in the dugout for City’s last ten games against Tottenham, but across from him have sat 5 different Spurs managers in that time.

He has faced; Jose Mourinho, Ryan Mason (although Ryan Mason is always there), Nuno Espírito Santo, Antonio Conte and Ange Postecoglou. Despite there being different managers and different approaches, the games have played out in a similar way.

When Manchester City have won, it has appeared relatively comfortable. They almost always dominate possession and generate more chances at goal.

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However, Tottenham’s wins often embody a sense of chaotic luck. Packed deep into their own box, riding their luck with City missing good opportunities, Spurs somehow score their one or two shots on target with several last-minute goals featuring as well.

Playing against City seems to inspire Spurs players

As Manchester City each year continue to cement their dominance, their strength invites challenge and some of Tottenham’s players appear to thrive in that fixture.

City fans are often wary of Son Heung-min, whose goals were significant in knocking Manchester City out of the Champions League in 2019. Son has scored in four of the last 10 matches he has played against City, but there is another Tottenham player who relishes the fixture even more.

Manchester City is the club Dejan Kulusevski has made the most goal contributions against in his career. With 3 goals and 4 assists across 7 games, when Tottenham click against City, he is likely to be involved in the goals.

Former Tottenham scout Bryan King is not convinced by some of the players at Ange Postecoglou’s disposal and has a particularly harsh message to one player.

How good is Spurs’ squad?

Tottenham‘s starting eleven on paper is full of quality and many will feel that it is good enough to challenge the best sides in the division.

However, we have not really seen much evidence that these players can perform consistently for a sustained period of time.

This was the point that was made recently by The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke, who pointed out last week that even Tottenham’s best players are yet to show they can deliver the goods week-in, week-out.

Pitt-Brooke said on The View From The Lane podcast: “I think there’s a big problem, which is that the players are so inconsistent. Even the good players are not capable of doing it week in, week out. And I know this is a problem which, they’re certainly aware of inside the club.

“All the guys who you need to be at their best week in, week out, they’re not really, you know, Son is not having a good season, I don’t think. Admittedly, he’s had injuries, obviously, I think he has credit in the bank for being so good for the last nine years, but he’s not having a good season.

“Romero is not having a good season. Maddison is so inconsistent, he’s no longer in the team. Kulusevski is the one who is having a good season, but, you know, he can’t win games all by himself every single week. And so I think overall, there are big, big questions about the consistency of the players.”

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Bryan King says one Spurs man needs to pull up his socks

King too is not convinced that the current Tottenham squad is as good as it appears on paper. When asked about the club’s recent struggles, the former Spurs scout told Tottenham News: “You need your players, and you need a good squad.

“However, I’m not sure Spurs’ squad is as good as people think it is. They haven’t exactly set the world alight this season. Five or six of the midfielders are international players.”

The pundit was particularly critical of Maddison for failing to maintain a high standard of performance, insisting that the England international needs to start doing what he is paid to do.

King added: “Maddison has got to start improving and get a hold of himself. One week he’s playing like an England international and the next week he doesn’t even get a mention. I’d say to Maddison that you’re a highly paid professional, so start doing your job.”

Criticism of James Maddison is harsh

Maddison did not lose his place in Tottenham’ starting eleven because of his poor performances. He was dropped by Postecoglou for the sake of team balance, with the midfield being much better rounded with Pape Sarr’s running power, now that Dejan Kulusevski is playing as the advanced eight.

Tottenham are simply too vulnerable at the back if both Kulusevski and Maddison play together in the middle of the park. The England international started the season impressively and he cannot prove his critics wrong from the bench.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly worried that recent developments have jeopardised their chances of getting decent money for one player in the January transfer window.

Tottenham man’s injury nightmare continues

Richarlison has struggled to be fit for a sustained period across 2014 and his latest hamstring injury has severely derailed his chances of rescuing his Spurs career.

Dr Rajpal Brar, a doctor in physical therapy and a sports scientist, recently told Tottenham News that the Brazilian might have suffered a grade three or grade four muscular injury, and could thus be sidelined for many months.

It has now been reported by GiveMeSport that the striker is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the year, which has given a serious headache to Spurs.

Tottenham’s concern about Richarlison

The report says that with the former Everton man set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines, Spurs are concerned that his time out of action will reduce their chances of being able to sell him for a big-money fee.

The Lilywhites were reportedly hoping that the 27-year-old would rediscover some form and impress suitors enough to make a lucrative offer in January.

It is revealed that Richarlison attracted interest from Saudi Arabia during the summer transfer, with Al-Hilal toying with the idea of testing Spurs’ resolve with an offer back then.

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However, the North London club are now fearful that the forward’s injury woes will result in them struggling to move the player on.

Will Tottenham sign another striker in January?

As much as Ange Postecoglou will feel for Richarlison and want the striker to put his injury woes behind him, the Spurs boss would also want a forward who he can rely upon to share the load with Dominic Solanke.

One would expect Spurs to enter the market for a versatile forward who can play across the frontline in January, which would make it extremely hard for Richarlison to force himself back into the Australian’s plans when he recovers.

The Premier League is back, and Saturday evening’s clash promises fireworks as Manchester City host Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium. Both teams are eager to bounce back after disappointing runs before the international break, making this match crucial in shaping their season’s trajectory.

City are looking to recover from an unprecedented four-game losing streak under Pep Guardiola, while Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs aim to prove their mettle despite inconsistency in recent matches. With both sides facing fitness concerns, this encounter is set to be a tactical battle with plenty of drama.

What time does Tottenham v Manchester City kick-off?

Location: Manchester, England

Stadium: Etihad Stadium

Date: Saturday, 23rd November

Kick-off Time: 5:30 PM

Referee: John Brooks

VAR: Michael Salisbury

How both teams enter the match

Manchester City enter this fixture amidst a rare poor spell, having lost their last four matches in all competitions. Defeats to Brighton and Bournemouth in the league, Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League, and Spurs in the EFL Cup have exposed vulnerabilities in City’s defence and midfield, exacerbated by injuries to key players.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are also struggling for form, losing three of their last five matches. Recent defeats to Galatasaray in the Europa League and Ipswich in the Premier League have raised questions about their consistency. However, Spurs have enjoyed success against City in recent years, having won five of their last ten league encounters.

Tottenham team news

Tottenham face significant defensive challenges as they head to the Etihad. Micky van de Ven remains a doubt after sustaining a hamstring injury during the Carabao Cup clash against City.

Cristian Romero, who withdrew from Argentina’s squad following a foot issue, will be assessed ahead of the match. Meanwhile, Rodrigo Bentancur begins a seven-game suspension, and Wilson Odobert remains sidelined. Richarlison is unavailable due to a hamstring injury.

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Manchester City team news

City have received a significant boost with the return of Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, Manuel Akanji, and John Stones to training. However, doubts linger over the fitness of Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, and Matheus Nunes, while Rodri and Oscar Bobb remain long-term absentees. Guardiola’s defensive setup could be crucial, given their recent struggles at the back.

Predicted Tottenham Line-Up

Vicario, Porro, Romero, Dragusin, Udogie, Kulusevski, Bentancur, Sarr, Johnson, Solanke, Son

Our prediction

Manchester City’s unbeaten run at the Etihad Stadium, now spanning 52 games, gives them a psychological edge, but Tottenham’s track record against City under Guardiola cannot be ignored.

Tottenham will count on James Maddison, with six goal contributions in nine starts, to exploit City’s weakened midfield without Rodri. Maddison’s creativity and Son Heung-min’s pace could trouble a vulnerable City defence, particularly on the right.

Expect an open game with chances aplenty as both sides rely on possession-based football. Spurs’ attacking trio of Johnson, Solanke, and Son could thrive against City’s depleted defence. However, with Erling Haaland leading the line for City, Tottenham’s shaky backline faces a stern test.

Expect a high-tempo battle with plenty of chances as two attacking sides look to outdo each other in this crucial Premier League tie.

One Tottenham star admits that he and his international teammates have to deal with a lot of unwarranted criticism over the last 12 months, and admits they are delighted to shut up the naysayers.

New dawn for Sweden

It was a new low for Sweden last year when they failed to qualify for the European championship and that has predictably led to wholesale changes in the set-up, with Jon Dahl Tomasson taking over.

The former Newcastle United midfielder has completely revamped the squad since arriving, with several young players being brought into the set-up, including Tottenham‘s very own Lucas Bergvall.

He is now building a team around a new core, with Dejan Kulusevski very much in the heart of it, and the Scandinavian side have looked extremely formidable over recent months.

Dejan Kulusevski happy to shut up critics

This new-look Sweden side, which is full of budding stars like Kulusevski, Hugo Larsson, Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak and others, were dominant across the Nations League campaign.

They ended it with a 6-0 thrashing of Azerbaijan in Stockholm, a result which ensured that they finished top of League C, Group 1, and confirmed their promotion to League B for the next edition of the competition.

When asked how the squad felt about the criticism a few months ago, Kulusevski told Fotbollskanalen after the win over Azerbaijan: “You are hungry. Everyone on this team wants to silence a lot of people, I think. There’s been a lot of nonsense.

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“There has been too much nonsense and too many people talking. So, it comes from there too. You want to silence people. Sometimes it hurts when we play well, and that’s something you like as a player. To go out and enjoy your football and show how good you are.”

Kulusevski accuses critics of taking joy in Sweden’s misery

The Tottenham man was in a combative mood after the final whistle, even accusing some critics of enjoying sticking the knife into the national team.

When asked what sort of criticism he was exactly referring to, the Tottenham man responded: “You know that for sure. You know better than me. You know that. It’s two years. Tough year. But when it’s tough, you see people. How they enjoy it. And it’s fun for me.

“Because later when it turns around, I want to hear them too. Because it’s easy to talk when things have been tough, but when things look like this, maybe it’s harder to comment.”

One Tottenham man’s agent says it is an honour for his client to be linked with moves to top clubs, and has made a clear statement about the player’s plans for January and next summer.

Spurs star’s talkative agent

Many Tottenham fans will already be at the end of their patience with Radu Dragusin‘s agent, Florian Manea, as he regularly gives interviews to the media about his client’s future.

Spurs themselves will not be too thrilled about Manea’s regular statements to the press, particularly since there continues to be plenty of speculation linking the centre-back with a return to Italy.

Both Juventus (Gazzetta dello Sport) and Inter Milan (InterLive) are thought to be after Dragusin, while more recently, sources have indicated that Antonio Conte has identified the Tottenham man as an option to bolster the Napoli defence (Nicolo Ceccarini to BianconeraNews).

Florian Manea addresses speculation

Manea has once again spoken out to address the speculation over Dragusin’s future, making a rather interesting statement about his client.

He said that it is an honour to know that Napoli want the Romanian and while he ruled out a January transfer, he suggested that the centre-back’s position will be re-evaluated next summer.

When asked about Napoli’s interest in Dragusin, Manea told Telecapri (as relayed by CalcioNapoli1926.it): “It’s an honour for Radu to be wanted by teams like Napoli and Juve, but right now these are just rumours.

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“We are focused on Tottenham, he still has five years left on his contract. It is not easy to go to a top club and impose yourself right away, he is still 22 years old.

“If he never plays this season it is normal that other evaluations will be made: in January he won’t move, in June he will be evaluated.”

Radu Dragusin needs to do his talking on the pitch

If Dragusin wants to become a regular in Ange Postecoglou‘s starting eleven, he has to ask his agent to remain quiet and do his talking on the pitch.

The 22-year-old has been getting regular starts of late in light of Micky van de Ven‘s injury and has not set the world alight.

Tottenham Hotspur have been told that they will have to spend big if they want to sign one emerging Serie A star in January.

Tottenham eyeing 20-year-old defender

While it has been widely reported over recent weeks that Ange Postecoglou wants to bolster his defence in January, there is still confusion on what position the Spurs boss wishes to strengthen.

GiveMeSport reported on Sunday that the Lilywhites are still deciding whether they want to sign a versatile centre-back or a left-back to serve as cover for Destiny Udogie.

The report said that if Spurs decide to do the latter, Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu is the name at the top of their wishlist.

This was far from the only report linking Patrick Dorgu with a move to Spurs, with various Italian outlets suggesting over the last month that Tottenham are in pole position to secure the left-back (Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness).

Patrick Dorgu will not come cheap

Sky Italy journalist Francesco Modugno has now also named Tottenham as a contender for the Lecce man’s signature but he insisted that Postecoglou‘s side would face competition from the likes of Chelsea and Napoli for the player.

The reporter further asserted that it would take an offer of around €40-€50m (£33.4m-£41.7m) to price the 20-year-old away from Stadio Via del Mare.

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When asked about Napoli’s rumoured interest in Dorgu, Modugno said (via Calcio Napoli 24): “Can Dorgu really go to Napoli? I know one thing: in Lecce, they are sure to make the highest capital gain ever in the Corvino era. The boy could have gone to Tottenham and Chelsea last year, and Lecce could sell him for €40-50m. Patrick is predestined.

“In a recent interview I did with the former Salento coach Gotti, the coach confided in me that ‘God wanted him to play football’. He has infinite technical and physical means. In short, whoever wants him must pay at least a lot of money.

“There is no doubt that Napoli likes him, but he interests all the ‘big’ clubs, especially the English ones, who are looking carefully at a player like him: a very young player, good in the trident and who can also operate further back, even capable of scoring.”

Tottenham are unlikely to pay £40m for Dorgu

Dorgu will be signed as a backup for Udogie, which is why it would be surprising if Tottenham spent big on the Denmark international.

Having said that, the Italian has certainly not set the world alight this season and Postecoglou might feel that the former Udinese man needs to have someone breathing down his neck to bring the best out of him.

The performance of one on-loan Tottenham attacker on Monday received glowing reviews from his national media, who were left surprised by what they saw.

Tottenham man grabs opportunity with both hands

Bryan Gil has shone since his loan switch to Girona in the summer and the winger was unlucky to not represent Spain last month, being forced to pull out of the squad through injury after receiving a call-up.

However, the 23-year-old made his opportunity count on this occasion, coming on as a substitute in the 60th minute in the Nations League clash against Switzerland and making a decisive contribution.

The Tottenham man found the back of the net just eight minutes after coming on, winning the ball back inside the opposition box after his pass was intercepted and producing a fine finish into the far corner.

Bryan Gil gets rave reviews from Spanish media

The game was poised at 1-1 when Gil came onto the pitch and he was one of the most lively players on the park in the final 30 minutes as La Roja emerged 3-2 winners in dramatic fashion.

A number of popular Spanish outlets were left mightily impressed with the Tottenham man’s displays and have sung his praises after the win.

Sport gave Gil a 7/10 and wrote: “He scored a very good goal and gave a more attacking presence to the team. Good minutes.”

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Marca were particularly complimentary of the winger, giving him a rating of 8.5/10 and writing: “He came on to the pitch in the 60th minute, Bryan Gil arrived, more lively than anyone else, to steal the ball between Monteiro and Freuler, face Comerty and put it in under the goalposts. Bryan’s first goal for Spain and the first, also, for a Girona player. He didn’t stop recovering the ball from the moment he came onto the pitch. What a player.”

Meanwhile, Diario AS wrote about Gil: “He scored a goal with the skill that only the Cadiz natives of Barbate, Paquirri’s village, have. That left foot of Bryan’s gave life to Spain.”

Will Tottenham come to regret their treatment of Gil?

It is almost certain that Gil will leave Spurs next summer, with a £12.5m release clause reportedly set to become active at the end of the season.

It seems certain that the former Sevilla man will evolve into a top player over the next few years as his talent has never been in doubt.

Footballers often credit their success to personal talent, dedication, or brilliant coaching, but for Kyle Walker, one player’s training ethic has stood out above all others, and surprisingly, it’s not one of his decorated Manchester City teammates.

Walker’s journey from Tottenham to Manchester City

Before his record-breaking time at Manchester City, Kyle Walker had already established himself as one of the Premier League’s finest full-backs during his spell at Tottenham Hotspur. Making 229 appearances for Spurs between 2009 and 2017, Walker became a staple of the North London side’s defence, often combining his pace and power with Danny Rose on the opposite flank.

When Walker moved to City in 2017, his career trajectory took a sharp incline. Under Pep Guardiola’s meticulous coaching, he became part of one of the most dominant teams in English football history, amassing over 300 appearances and claiming six Premier League titles among a slew of other accolades.

While Manchester City’s star-studded squad has undoubtedly played a role in Walker’s personal success, it was on a recent episode of his podcast that he named a former teammate as the most impressive trainer he has ever encountered.

A nod to Tottenham days: Danny Rose takes centre stage

Despite sharing a dressing room with some of the finest footballers in the world at Manchester City, Kyle Walker cast his mind back to his Tottenham days to heap praise on Danny Rose. Reflecting on their time together, Walker didn’t hold back in describing Rose’s professionalism during training sessions.

Walker revealed on the You’ll Never Beat Kyle Walker podcast, saying: “I promise you, he is the best trainer I have ever seen in football ever. It was 110% every time. I’m not saying he’s the best trainer and he can’t play football. On Saturday, he was still good.

“First one in training, all the time, he’d be doing his stuff and be the best trainer every day and if you played for Tottenham you couldn’t tell me otherwise. My last season with me and him on the wings was a joy.”

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This glowing endorsement paints a picture of a player whose behind-the-scenes efforts were unmatched, even if his later career trajectory didn’t follow the same glittering path as Walker’s.

Reflecting on Rose’s career and training culture

Danny Rose, who retired after an illustrious career that included 214 appearances for Spurs, may not have won the same honours as Walker, but his dedication to the game remains undeniable.

The full-back, known for his consistency during Tottenham’s peak years under Mauricio Pochettino, left a lasting impression on teammates and fans alike.

Rose’s career, however, wasn’t without its challenges. Under José Mourinho, Rose struggled for game time, an issue documented in the Spurs’ All or Nothing series. Mourinho, candid as ever, told Rose during a now-famous exchange: “The week before Liverpool, you were fantastic in training and that made me decide that in the most difficult game against the most difficult opponent, you play. I think you didn’t play well.”

This admission perhaps highlighted the gulf between Rose’s exceptional training ethic and his occasional struggles to replicate it consistently on matchdays.

In naming Rose the best trainer he has ever worked with, Walker not only paid a significant compliment to his former teammate but also offered a reminder of how hard work and professionalism can leave a lasting legacy—even if the accolades don’t always follow.