TBR Football

Peter Crouch has been asked to build his perfect footballer, and selected one of his former Tottenham Hotspur teammates alongside some world-class talent.

After a prolific spell at Portsmouth, Crouch followed Harry Redknapp to Tottenham in the summer of 2009.

The 44-year-old spent two seasons at White Hart Lane before signing for Stoke City.

Crouch featured alongside some top talent, including the likes of Gareth Bale and Jermain Defoe, but it is another ex-Spurs man who he has now name-dropped.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, the former England international was asked six questions to build his dream player. Here are his answers:

A year after Crouch’s exit, Modric also departed North London, signing for Real Madrid in 2012.

During their two years at Spurs, the duo played together on 66 occasions.

Jermaine Jenas disagrees with Peter Crouch’s Luka Modric verdict

Zinedine Zidane has been left similarly in awe of Modric, dubbing him the best long-distance shooter in the world.

But while Crouch and Zidane have been quick to praise the Croatian, Jermaine Jenas actually believes he played with somebody better at Tottenham.

When naming his best midfield teammates for club and country, Jenas opted for Michael Carrick as his number one and put Modric in second place.

On Carrick, he said: “I think from playing with him at Spurs, seeing Michael at the peak of his powers controlling midfields in the way that he did, it gave everyone else more freedom.

“It gave Davids more freedom, it gave me more freedom. He absorbed so much pressure.”

Carrick has now become a manager, but has been out of work since the summer following his Middlesbrough exit.

Harry Kane claims that a Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate is the name that comes to mind when thinking about the biggest aerial danger in football history.

Harry Kane scored goals galore for Tottenham, eventually becoming the club’s all-time top goalscorer.

Among his many strengths, the England captain was, and still is, particularly lethal in the air – a crucial skill for any striker who knows where the back of the net is.

That said, Kane doesn’t even consider himself the biggest aerial threat to have ever played for Spurs.

Harry Kane backs Peter Crouch in the air

Speaking with GOAL for a TikTok, Kane was tasked with building his ‘perfect player’ based on a variety of attributes.

When asked about aerial ability, he made no hesitation in naming former Tottenham striker Peter Crouch.

Crouch began his career in the Tottenham Hotspur academy, leaving without making a senior appearance after loan spells elsewhere.

However, after making a name for himself at Queens Park Rangers, Liverpool, and Portsmouth, he returned to Spurs in 2009 for £10m.

At 6’7”, it’s no surprise Crouch was Kane’s choice as the ideal aerial threat, as he was widely regarded as one of the best in the business in that department.

Kane holds the Premier League record for most headed goals in a season

Despite Kane’s admiration for Crouch, the now-Bayern Munich forward has also made life difficult for defenders in the air.

Kane holds the Premier League record for most headed goals in a single season, scoring 10 during the 2022/23 campaign:

Crouch? Nowhere to be seen! Give yourself some credit, Harry.

Gary Lineker claims Thomas Frank is using Mathys Tel all wrong at Tottenham Hotspur, with the French forward once again struggling as they lost to Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Despite being a goal to the good after an early Rodrigo Bentancur strike, it was Unai Emery’s side who prevailed on Sunday afternoon, with Morgan Rogers and Emi Buendia goals inspiring a comeback.

The loss meant Spurs dropped down to sixth in the Premier League table under Thomas Frank, with the initial honeymoon period for the new manager seemingly over.

A few cracks are starting to show in the Spurs side, particularly in the attacking positions – and that includes Mathys Tel.

Lineker and Richards on Mathys Tel at Tottenham

The French forward was signed permanently from Bayern Munich in the summer after a loan spell under Ange Postecoglou last season – but he hasn’t hit the ground running.

Despite scoring his first Premier League goal for Tottenham last weekend, Tel struggled against Villa – something both Gary Lineker and Micah Richards acknowledged.

Lineker told Stick to Football: “Thought Tel struggled a little to make an impact, and a lot of the times because, obviously, I look at this side of football when they played a really high line like Villa did today with not necessarily that much pressure on the ball.

“I’ve said before, I don’t mind when players get offside, but he was going so early. He wasn’t just offside – he was like five yards offside most of the time.

“He needs a little bit of work. I preferred him perhaps on the left-hand side when I’m seeing him play there. But he wasn’t making the natural runs of a striker that understands how to beat an offside trap, which is not that difficult when a team plays such a high line with no pressure on the ball.”

Richards responded: “Exactly that. I echo your thoughts as well. I like him better off the left. But in terms of what Thomas Frank was trying to do, there’s a clip or an image of him when they got the goal – he was so happy with the way they pressed.

“He wants pace, he wants mobility, and in terms of Tel, he’s done all right in recent weeks, but I don’t think he’s a natural number nine. He doesn’t look like it yet, but he’s very young and can learn.”

Where is Mathys Tel’s best position?

The proof is in the pudding. As both pundits stated, Tel’s best position is the wing, and he performs better off the left – as suggested in the table below.

As a Bayern Munich player, Tel also spoke in an interview with the Bundesliga’s English channel about his favourite position:

“I’m somewhere between a number nine and a left winger. I can also play on the right, but I’m more comfortable as a striker and on the left.”

Tel is most effective cutting inside and, with his height, actually provides a different option on the wings – one that Frank and his Tottenham side can utilise.

Tottenham’s season took a blow after their defeat against Aston Villa, but Thomas Frank couldn’t help but marvel at the performance of one player against his side.

Spurs lost 2-1 on Saturday afternoon despite taking the lead in the fifth minute through Rodrigo Bentancur, with goals from Morgan Rogers and Emi Buendia completing the turnaround.

Rogers slammed a superb strike beyond Guglielmo Vicario for the equaliser before Buendia jinked inside and fired into the bottom corner to stun the hosts on 77 minutes.

However, Thomas Frank insisted post-match that he was satisfied with his side’s performance, believing they were only undone by two moments of magic.

Thomas Frank praises Morgan Rogers’ goal

Morgan Rogers scored 14 goals last season but started the new campaign poorly despite being linked to several ‘Big Six’ Premier League clubs during the summer.

But he had netted for England against Wales during the international break and finally ended his Aston Villa drought with a sumptuous, confidence-boosting effort.

Frank admitted he was also impressed with the goal, saying: “If you said to me before the game, ‘they will shoot from there, Rogers and Buendia’, from that situation, I would say, ‘of course, it’s not dangerous’, but fantastic quality shot from Rogers.

“In those very little moments, they had more quality in the end.”

According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham are among Rogers’ admirers, and they are even said to have begun exploring moving for him after making him a dream target.

Unsurprisingly, Villa are desperate to keep Rogers, and there is a belief among figures in football that a deal for the 23-year-old would currently be ‘almost impossible’.

Unai Emery on Morgan Rogers’ performance

Rogers looked back to his scintillating best against Spurs and deservedly scored his first Villa goal in 20 games across all competitions after a testing couple of months.

Boss Unai Emery was always confident his big moment would eventually arrive at club level, and he believes it was a testament to his tireless efforts across the pitch.

“Morgan is playing and scoring, but he’s helping the team for 90 minutes,” Emery said. “He has that capacity. He was always doing his task. He’s a hard worker. When you work, you show your skill.

“[Ollie] Watkins didn’t score or assist, but he played fantastic for 30 minutes. They are both very important for us.”

TBR Football understands that Tottenham Hotspur have been keeping a close eye on the progress of FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa.

The Spanish striker has been enjoying a successful spell over in Portugal and now looks primed to finally make his big move to one of Europe’s top five leagues.

Aghehowa almost joined Chelsea back in 2024 from Atletico Madrid, only for the deal to fall apart in the final stages, and the Blues signed Joao Felix instead.

But following a successful spell at the Estadio do Dragao, in which he has netted 35 goals in 54 matches, Spurs are now eyeing a deal.

Exclusive: Fabio Paratici is a fan of Samu Aghehowa

Fabio Paratici is believed to be an avid admirer of Samu Aghehowa and has added him to Tottenham Hotspur’s list of targets, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.

Paratici’s return to Tottenham was confirmed earlier this week, and work has already started on adding reinforcements to Thomas Frank’s squad.

The 21-year-old is now a name added to the list of strikers Spurs are potentially looking to sign over the next 12 months.

Aghehowa has an £87 million release clause at Porto, but would be available for much less than that fee owing to Porto’s financial position.

Currently, the Lilywhites have a strong selection of strikers, although Richarlison’s form has been rather volatile, Dominic Solanke has struggled with injuries, and Mathys Tel is still young and learning.

Newcastle tried to sign Aghehowa, but ended up bringing in Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade over the Spaniard.

The youngster has made a great start to the new season in Portugal, netting eight goals in nine games for Porto.

Paratici could now lead Spurs’ pursuit of the striker, who was included in the latest Spanish squad for the October international break.

Dusan Vlahovic remains a target for Tottenham in 2026

As TBR Football has already revealed, Paratici is fully versed on Dusan Vlahovic’s situation, with his contract with Juventus set to expire next summer.

But with him being available on a free transfer in 2026, he is emerging as a potential option for the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich, so he would not be an easy pick-up for Spurs.

The 25-year-old has shown decent form for Juve this season, producing four goals and one assist in nine appearances.

TBR Football understands that Newcastle and Tottenham both possess strong interest in Brazilian youngster Rayan from Vasco Da Gama, with a Premier League transfer race hotting up.

The 19-year-old starlet is enjoying his breakout season at present, with the Vasco teenager claiming ten league goals so far this season inside just 26 games, alongside a further five in other competitions.

The left-footed right winger is emerging on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs, with TBR Football learning that Tottenham and Newcastle have been watching him closely in recent weeks.

And with both clubs having been in for a winger in the summer market, it could spark another transfer battle in the coming windows if the duo are looking to land the South American talent.

Exclusive: Newcastle and Tottenham have closely watched Rayan ahead of potential Vasco Da Gama transfer

TBR Football understands that Rayan is emerging on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs, with Tottenham, Newcastle and Brighton watching him closely in recent weeks.

Furthermore, the likes of BlueCo, The City Group, Arsenal and Liverpool are all understood to have assessed him in 2025, adding to English interest in his services.

It is also believed a number of suitors from Italy, Spain and Portugal are keen and intermediaries are working hard on moving him in the January window and have engaged in preliminary talks.

TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, confirmed: “Rayan has enjoyed a very good season, but it remains to be seen if Vasco are willing sellers, but I am told intermediaries are operating with the belief a deal is there to be had.

“He has impressed hugely in recent months and a move to Europe is looking likely and it could very well be England.”

If Vasco name their price, he could be on the move sooner than anticipated.

Rayan could follow other Premier League Brazilians who have excelled in England

Rayan could join a growing list of stars to have swapped early Brazilian stardom for the Premier League.

Notable inclusions over the past few years include Chelsea bright spark Estevao, who has taken to Stamford Bridge with ease, whilst other notable players such as Joao Pedro, Richarlison, Murillo, Gabriel Martinelli and Rodrigo Muniz have all excelled after moving over from South America.

At just 19, and with 11 caps for Brazil’s under-20 side, he’s evidently a talent for the future, though it could take him a while to get into Spurs or Newcastle’s side.

One of Tottenham Hotspur’s young talents out on loan has just suffered an injury during his loan spell away from the club.

Tottenham have several big-name players out on loan who have been performing very well, but one of them has suffered a big blow.

Yang Min-hyeok has been impressing at Portsmouth; meanwhile, Luka Vuskovic has also done very well out in the Bundesliga.

However, a youngster who has gone under the radar at Spurs could be set for a ‘lengthy spell’ on the sidelines with an injury.

Tottenham’s George Abbott suffers a quad injury at Wycombe

Tottenham Hotspur loanee George Abbott has suffered a quad injury on loan at Wycombe Wanderers and could need surgery.

Abbott, who’s been called ‘versatile’, had been playing so well for the League One side, but now he will be out for quite some time.

At this stage, it is unclear whether the midfielder will need to undergo surgery, but he is set to miss a few months at least.

This season, the 20-year-old has made 14 appearances for Michael Duff’s team and had been making great progress.

The youngster enjoyed a great loan spell at Notts County last term and there was a hope that he could enjoy another strong loan spell at Wycombe.

During pre-season, Abbott won Tottenham’s running drill as he clocked the fastest kilometre compared to any other Spurs player.

The North London club and Wycombe will now be hoping that the youngster can make a speedy recovery after his strong start to life at the Adams Park Stadium.

Tottenham’s Tyrese Hall scores winning goal on loan at Notts County

Another Tottenham loanee who has been impressing on loan is Tyrese Hall, with the midfielder currently at Notts County.

The 20-year-old made it five goals in his last five games for the club with a late winner away at Barnet on Saturday afternoon.

Hall broke the deadlock in the 94th minute to secure three points for Notts County and move them up into ninth place in League Two.

Xavi Simons had another frustrating afternoon in Tottenham Hotspur colours as he disappointed in the 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa.

The 22-year-old hasn’t quite found his feet in English football since arriving from RB Leipzig in a deal worth around £51 million.

Glenn Hoddle hopes Simons will shine eventually at Spurs, but another underwhelming display against Villa will leave question marks over his signing.

Right now, there is a worrying trend which is emerging from Simons and Tottenham Hotspur supporters are starting to grow concerned.

Tottenham fans express Xavi Simons frustrations vs Aston Villa

Tottenham fans have been expressing their frustrations towards Xavi Simons’ unwillingness to take a shot as he disappointed against Aston Villa.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham really likes Simons, so perhaps supporters will need to show some patience, but the signs aren’t too promising.

The winger failed to muster a single effort at goal in the defeat to Villa, despite working his way into some good positions in front of goal.

Simons was eventually hauled off after 79 minutes for Lucas Bergvall, but he can’t count himself as fortunate to have stayed on for so long.

Creatively, the youngster also struggled to make much happen for his team, with just one key pass made against Unai Emery’s team.

Tottenham fans wanted Simons in the number ten and have got their wish over recent weeks, but he’s not really taken his chance there just yet.

During the game against Villa, Spurs supporters took to X to share their frustrations towards the former Barcelona and PSG youth star.

One fan said: “Xavi Simons hit that rocket against England at the Euros and then just decided to never shoot again.”

“Simons gotta be more authoritative, man, shoot the ball,” stated another Spurs supporter.

There was further criticism for the midfielder: “Xavi Simons takes no responsibility when he had a clear shot but decides to pass the ball out wide.”

Finally, another added: “I’d drop Xavi for the next game, he was shocking again today, it’s like playing with 10 men, even Odobert has done more.”

Frank must now consider whether to use Simons again in the number ten role, or whether he looks to use Bergvall or Pape Matar Sarr there instead.

Thomas Frank must change Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha partnership

One of the first changes Thomas Frank needs to make is to switch up the double pivot of Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha.

Joe Hart praised Bentancur and Palhinha, but it’s clear that when Spurs are facing teams who sit deep, they need a more creative option in there.

The midfield duo are good defensive options, but when it comes to progressing the ball forward, Frank’s team are left with real problems with them in there together.

Frank has a plethora of midfield options who could replace either one of them, especially Archie Gray, who has shown he deserves his chance.

Thomas Frank has now confirmed why Tottenham Hotspur defender Destiny Udogie is missing from the Premier League match against Aston Villa.

The Italian international was mysteriously left out of Tottenham Hotspur’s squad against Aston Villa, with Djed Spence starting at left-back.

The North London club returns from the international break looking to build on the 2-1 win over Leeds United, in which Udogie impressed.

Tottenham fans will be concerned about the 22-year-old, given his previous injury record and Thomas Frank has now been speaking about why he is absent.

Thomas Frank confirms Destiny Udogie knee injury

Frank has confirmed that Destiny Udogie misses Tottenham’s clash with Aston Villa due to a knee injury, reports George Sessions.

But the issue is believed to be only ‘minor’, and Spurs will be hopeful that the defender will be able to make a swift return to action.

Speaking about the injury, Frank told Sky Sports: “He came back from international duty with a minor irritation in the knee, so that just keeps him out for this game.”

The Italian international suffered the issue away on duty with the national team and Frank claims he will just be missing for this match.

Last season, Udogie struggled with injuries, and now he has suffered another setback, which hopefully is only minor.

Spurs face a very busy run of football, with games against Monaco, Everton, Newcastle and Chelsea just around the corner.

Spence is a more than capable replacement for Udogie; therefore, concern at this stage won’t be too high at the North London club.

Xavi Simons starts in number ten for Tottenham vs Aston Villa

One of the most exciting bits of team news from Spurs’ line-up is that Xavi Simons starts in number ten after impressing there against Leeds.

The Dutch international produced one of his best displays by featuring in a central role at Elland Road, and in turn, Spurs looked much better in attack.

“I’ll keep saying it, he can play both positions. You never know what you’re going to get in terms of sometimes playing best from the left or sometimes best playing down the middle,” Frank said about Simons on Sky.

Mathys Tel, who scored against Leeds, keeps his place in the team against Villa and will be looking to build on his first goal of the season.

The 20-year-old enjoyed an impressive international break with France U-21s, scoring two and getting an assist.

Mathys Tel has not had the easiest spell at Tottenham Hotspur since making the switch from Bayern Munich, but he has been receiving advice from Harry Kane.

Tel scored his first Tottenham goal of the season just before the October international break in Spurs’ 2-1 win over Leeds United at Elland Road.

Recently, Alan Shearer hailed Tel’s ‘great attitude’, with the Frenchman having had to deal with the disappointment of being left out of Spurs’ Champions League squad.

Now, the 20-year-old has explained what Harry Kane has been telling him and how he can improve as a striker.

Harry Kane tells Mathys Tel to improve his finishing and positioning

Kane has told Mathys Tel that he can improve his finishing and positioning and has been offering him plenty of support.

Tel was omitted from Tottenham’s Champions League squad, but the youngster has not given up, and Kane has been helping him.

The pair played together during their time at Bayern Munich, before the young striker made the switch to Spurs back in January.

Kane helped convince Tel to join Tottenham in the first place after explaining to him the quality of the stadium, training ground and size of the club.

Speaking to the Telegraph, Tel admitted: “Harry Kane helped me a lot. Four days ago, he sent me a voice note, and we spoke together about how I can be better, about finishing, positioning in the box.

“He told me, ‘Whenever you want to call me, just call me. We’re going to talk together and try to find what is the best work for you’.”

Kane, who’s been linked with a Tottenham return, went through similar struggles in the early stages of his career following bad loan spells at Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich City and Leicester City.

But now, the 31-year-old is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world and Tel will be eager to follow a similar path.

Mathys Tel deserves his chance ahead of Richarlison at Tottenham

After opening his account for the season, Tel deserves his chance to start ahead of Richarlison at Tottenham.

The Brazilian produced two goals and one assist in his first two matches of the Premier League season, showing signs of getting back to his best.

But, Richarlison’s volatile form has been slammed, and now is the time for Thomas Frank to give Tel a run in the team.

Over the international break, the young Frenchman scored two goals and got one assist for France U-21 as his confidence continues to build.