The Boy Hotspur

Pedro Porro has branded himself ‘rubbish’ compared to Spanish counterparts Dani Carvajal and Jesus Navas.

Porro has been among Tottenham’s most important players over the last 18 months and this season alone, he’s among the club’s top two when it comes to tackles (18), blocks (12), interceptions (10) and chances created (13).

The Spaniard also has one goal to his name, netting Spurs’ first of the season in their 1-1 draw with Leicester City.

Porro’s form has been such that he’s already being linked to Real Madrid, and recently declared he is ‘proud’ to see his name associated with the 15-time European champions.

Pedro Porro ‘rubbish’ compared to Carvajal and Navas

Despite all that, Porro takes a dim view of himself in comparison to current Real Madrid right-back Carvajal, as well as fellow Spaniard Navas who, at 38, is still going strong at Sevilla.

However, he’s working hard to reach those levels every day.

“I always look at everything. I get up every morning to improve, I’m a player who always wants more and who takes care of the smallest detail. We don’t have to get stuck on what we do well,” Porro told MaisFutebol while on international duty with Spain.

“I’m a very sincere player, who tells things as they are. I still have a lot to improve, I’m 25 years old.

“I look at the careers of Jesús Navas and Dani Carvajal and say: I’m rubbish. It’s true! If people talk to me about the careers they had, I say: well, I’m on the right track. May I be like them one day, because they are my idols.”

Tottenham star Dejan Kulusevski has voiced his confidence in his performances this season, making it clear that he is not surprised by his current form.

Speaking during the international break while preparing to captain Sweden against Slovakia and Estonia, the 24-year-old attributed his strong displays to intense preparation and hard work.

Kulusevski explained that while his standout performance against Manchester United earned him praise, his consistent form throughout the season has been equally impressive.

He credits his improvement to a stronger mental approach and better physical conditioning, adding that he has matured both on and off the pitch.

As quoted by Fotboll Skanalen, Kulusevski said:

“It (being a protagonist) came out in that match, but I have worked incredibly hard to be able to play at that level. I’m not shocked. I’ve just been waiting for it. Every match has felt good, but that one was perhaps extra good.

“I want to try to maximize this career as much as possible and never be one of the crowd.

“It has been the whole season. I really feel that I am stronger mentally and physically this season. I have changed the “mindset” a bit. I think that is to my advantage. I have grown off the pitch as well. The plan is to get better every day, and I feel that I am becoming that.”

Although Kulusevski has only registered one goal and two assists in his 10 appearances so far, his contributions have been critical to Tottenham’s attacking dynamics. (Transfermarkt)

Primarily used in the number 10 role under manager Ange Postecoglou, the Swedish international has played a crucial part in creating opportunities and driving the team’s offence forward.

He has even stepped in as a striker when Tottenham’s forwards were sidelined but acknowledged that he feels more comfortable in an advanced midfield role rather than as a striker or a right-winger.

Statistically, Kulusevski is among the league’s top creative players, ranking fourth in shot-creating actions and fifth in key passes this season.

As Tottenham navigate a mixed start to their campaign, Postecoglou will be looking to Kulusevski to maintain his current form.

Tottenham Hotspur have received some welcome news on the injury front, as journalist Paul O Keefe provided a positive update on key forwards Son Heung-min, Richarlison, and summer signing Wilson Odobert.

According to O Keefe, Spurs are optimistic that both Son and Richarlison will be able to return to full training next week, making them available for selection ahead of the Premier League clash against West Ham after the international break.

He shared the update on X:

“Some positive injury news for a change. Tottenham are hopeful that Richarlison & Son will take full part in training with the squad next week and be in contention for West Ham.”

Some positive injury news for a change. Tottenham are hopeful that Richarlison & Son will take full part in training with the squad next week and be in contention for West Ham. There's even a hope Wilson Odobert could join in training.

— Paul O Keefe (@pokeefe1) October 10, 2024

Son has been out of action since suffering a hamstring injury during Tottenham’s Europa League opener against Qarabag. The Spurs captain has missed four games so far, but he is expected to make his return in time for the crucial West Ham fixture.

Richarlison has also been sidelined after sustaining an injury in training, with the Brazilian missing eight matches due to a longer-than-anticipated recovery.

His return to full fitness will bring added firepower to Tottenham’s forward line, where he will be eager to challenge new signing Dominic Solanke for the starting striker role.

The French winger’s return will provide manager Ange Postecoglou with more options as Spurs navigate the demanding season.

With these crucial players set to return, Tottenham will be looking to regroup and come back stronger after the international break.

Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on Tottenham Hotspur’s rising defensive talent Micky van de Ven, as they prepare to bolster their backline next summer.

According to a report from Fichajes, the Spanish giants are monitoring the Dutch centre-back, who has quickly become one of the Premier League’s standout defenders.

While Spurs are not willing to sell him, Madrid could test them with a strong offer.

Since joining Spurs, van de Ven has impressed with commanding displays, earning him a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising defenders.

His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Real Madrid said to be readying a substantial offer to bring the 23-year-old to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Real Madrid are in need of defensive reinforcements as Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba enter the latter stages of their careers. Van de Ven, known for his defensive solidity and offensive contributions, fits Madrid’s long-term vision for a refreshed backline.

His versatility, including two assists in just six Premier League matches this season, has only added to his value.

However, Tottenham are unlikely to part with their defensive star without a fight. Van de Ven is under contract until 2029, meaning any deal would require a considerable financial outlay.

The Dutchman has swiftly become a key figure in Spurs’ defence under Ange Postecoglou, making him central to the club’s future plans.

While Real Madrid’s interest signals potential competition in the transfer market, for now, van de Ven remains a cornerstone of Tottenham’s defensive unit, with Spurs keen to retain their prized asset amidst growing European attention.

Tottenham Hotspur are among the Premier League giants keeping track of Dortmund talent Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, according to reports.

Spurs certainly aren’t short of attacking power, with Brennan Johnson on a run of six goals in six games, Dominic Solanke finding his feet and Dejan Kulusevski putting in impressive performances.

That’s without mentioning Son Heung-min, Richarlison and Wilson Odobert, who are working their way back from injury.

If anything, it’s at the back where Postecoglou needs to tough Spurs up, with his side still prone to frustrating defensive collapses; most recently throwing away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 against Brighton.

Tottenham tracking Dortmund talent Jamie Bynoe-Gittens

Nevertheless, according to German outlet Bild, Spurs have joined Chelsea and Liverpool in attending recent Borussia Dortmund matches in order to take a look at Bynoe-Gittens.

The 20-year-old has been on the radar of clubs for a while now, but finally appears to be cashing in on his considerable talent this season.

Born in London, Bynoe-Gittens joined Dortmund from Manchester City in 2020 — the same career path trodden by compatriot Jadon Sancho — and is capped 23 times for England across various youth levels, registering two goals along the way.

Graeme Souness has slammed Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou for being too ‘naive’, mistaking braveness for stupidity.

Postecoglou has now been in charge of the Lilywhites for 16 months and there’s no doubt he has improved them during that time, leading them back to the Europa League with a fifth-place finish last season.

However, Spurs have also been prone to defensive collapses, most recently throwing away a 2-0 half-time lead to lose 3-2 against Brighton before the international break.

To say Postecoglou’s rein has been a rollercoaster would be understating it.

Reflecting on Postecoglou’s time in charge so far, Souness has accused the Australian of naivety, especially when it comes to his selection of backroom staff.

“He’s walked into Tottenham without bringing any of his own staff,” Souness said (via Spurs Web).

“Is he so naïve as to think he can trust any of the coaching staff he’s inherited not to go to the chairman with their tittle-tattle?

“I would not take a job and think I can just walk into it – it’s madness – you need to go in with people you trust because being a manager is lonely.”

Ange Postecoglou ‘lucky not brave’, says Souness

Souness also harked back to Tottenham’s 4-1 defeat at home to Chelsea last season.

Despite taking an early lead, Spurs were pegged back when Cristian Romero was shown a 33rd-minute red card, with Cole Palmer netting the resulting penalty.

Things got much worse from there, with Destiny Udogie being shown a second yellow card in the 55th minute, leaving Spurs facing over half an hour with just nine men.

Chelsea went on to score three more goals to seal an emphatic victory and, in reality, should have won by more.

Souness has slammed Postecoglou’s refusal to be pragmatic in that game, with Spurs instead still trying to take the game to Chelsea whenever they got the chance.

“When I think of Ange Postecoglou, I go back to that game against Chelsea where they got two players sent off and he still had them playing right up to the halfway line,” said Souness.

“The only time you can do that is when you’ve got 11 players on the pitch and the ball is constantly under pressure.

“The minute someone can get their head up, you’re in trouble. They could have conceded four or five more goals that game – I thought that was naïve. It’s naïve to talk like that and say that the more open the game is, the better it is. If they’d lost that game seven or eight goals to two, you’ve lost the players as a manager. He wasn’t brave that day, they got lucky.”

Darren Bent believes Dominic Solanke would have been a ‘hit’ had he signed for Arsenal instead of Tottenham Hotspur over the summer.

Spurs shelled out £65m (per BBC Sport) for Solanke over the summer after the striker netted 21 goals across all competitions for Bournemouth last season — including 19 in 38 Premier League appearances.

After an initially slow start with Spurs, disrupted by an ankle injury, Solanke has found his rhythm, notching three goals and two assists in his last four starts across all competitions.

Solanke’s form has earned him a recall to the England national team, making his first appearance for the Three Lions since 2017 in their 2-1 defeat to Greece on Thursday.

Despite the disappointing result, Solanke was able to provide the assist for Jude Bellingham’s equaliser just 15 minutes after coming on.

Could Dominic Solanke have been successful at Arsenal?

Everything appears to be trending in the right direction for Solanke at Spurs.

However, according to former Tottenham striker Darren Bent, the 27-year-old could just as easily have proven successful at fierce north London rivals Arsenal, who have reportedly been in the market for some time now.

“Yeah, I think he would have been a hit at Arsenal. For sure,” Bent told talkSPORT (via TBR).

“Because he has got the right temperament, looks like he wants to continue improving, I have never heard any stories about him being a bad egg. Yeah, I think he would have been a hit at Arsenal.”

The good times keep on rolling for Brennan Johnson, who has scooped Tottenham Hotspur’s Goal of the Month award for September.

Johnson was looking destined to become a Spurs failure but has re-ignited his career with six goals in six games after deciding to delete his social media in the face of online abuse.

One of those goals came after just three minutes to open the scoring as Spurs ran riot in a 3-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Johnson’s chance arrived at the end of a barnstorming surge forward from centre-back Micky van de Ven, who tore the United defence open and put it on a plate for his Welsh teammate.

Brennan Johnson scoops Spurs award

Van de Ven’s role in the goal was what grabbed the headlines but ultimately, it was Johnson who put the ball in the back of the net.

As such, it’s Johnson who has been given Tottenham’s Goal of the Month award for September after Son Heung-min scooped the award in August for a strike against Everton also set up by Van de Ven.

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Johnson has scored another two goals since that United strike, helping Spurs beat Ferencvaros 2-1 in the Europa League before opening the scoring to give them a 2-0 half-time lead at Brighton.

Of course, the Lilywhites conspired to throw that lead away, losing 3-2 at the Amex Stadium.

Up next for Spurs is a home clash with London rivals West Ham United following the international break.

Michael Dawson has hailed the form of Tottenham Hotspur forward Brennan Johnson following his recent goalscoring run.

Johnson looked destined to be a flop with the Lilywhites and took the decision to delete his social media following the abuse he received following the 1-0 defeat to north London rivals Arsenal in September.

But since then, Johnson has come to life, netting six goals in six consecutive appearances across all competitions, three of which have been opening goals.

If Johnson can continue in this fashion for the rest of the season, he may well save his Spurs career and establish himself as one of the Premier League’s most potent wingers.

Dawson praises in-form Spurs star Brennan Johnson

Johnson’s form has certainly caught the attention of ex-Spurs centre-back Dawson, who is thrilled with the ‘confidence’ being shown by the Wales international.

“This is something we haven’t seen an awful lot from Brennan Johnson in a Spurs shirt,” Dawson reflected following Johnson’s recent goalscoring performance in the 3-2 defeat to Brighton (via Spurs Web).

“He can come in off that right, he can end up in the middle of the 18-yard box and I think that showed a player full of confidence. Six in six.

“We saw him in the north London derby and after the game he got an awful lot of criticism on social media. He deleted that and, for me, it seems like it’s the best thing because he has gone on to score six in six. Brennan is off that and we are starting to see what I saw an awful lot at Nottingham Forest. He was scoring goals and playing with confidence – a very good return for him.”

Club insider Paul O’Keefe has shared an update on summer signing Wilson Odobert, who has been out with a hamstring injury during the Carabao Cup tie against Coventry City last month.

The injury saw the young forward leave the pitch after just 18 minutes, and he has subsequently missed six games since.

Paul O’Keefe last week shared an update on Odobert’s condition, explaining that the winger is facing a longer recovery period, suggesting that he could be out for another six weeks.

However, his latest update is a positive one. He has now claimed on X that there is hope that the 19-year-old could return to training with the squad next week.

Odobert, who joined Spurs from Burnley earlier in August for a reported fee of €29.3 million, made an impressive debut in a 4-0 victory over Everton, showcasing glimpses of his talent and future potential. However, he has been unable to build on that performance due to his injury setback.

He expressed his disappointment in a recent interview and stated that he is working hard to recover.

Tottenham’s next game is against West Ham after the international break and Spurs will hope to bounce back from their shock defeat to Brighton with a win against Julen Lopetegui’s side.