TBR Football

Tottenham Hotspur have picked up another win under Thomas Frank, but Xavi Simons avoided disaster against Villarreal on Tuesday night.

Tottenham Hotspur are off the mark in the Champions League after beating Villarreal 1-0 in North London.

The winning goal was an absolute gift, as Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Junior fumbled Lucas Bergvall’s cross into his own net.

Spurs failed to build on that early lead, and a sloppy second-half display handed Villarreal chances to draw level.

Tottenham held on in the end, but Spurs avoided disaster with a couple of second-half moments.

Mark Clattenburg’s verdict on Xavi Simons incident in Tottenham Hotspur win

Micky van de Ven avoided a red card late on, as he only picked up a yellow after hauling down Georges Mikautadze.

Fellow Dutchman Xavi Simons also escaped a dismissal on his home debut as a Tottenham player.

Simons joined Tottenham in August, and there is real excitement about his arrival from RB Leipzig.

Simons almost turned his home debut into a disaster, though, as he brought down Nicolas Pepe while sitting on a yellow card.

Referee Rade Obrenovic spared Simons, but former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg made his feelings clear.

Speaking to Amazon Prime Video, Clattenburg suggested that Simons was ‘very fortunate’ to avoid a second yellow card.

Clattenburg noted that VAR cannot get involved in second yellow card decisions, but believed referee Obrenovic was ‘wrong’ to not send Simons off.

“Yeah, I think he’s very fortunate,” said Clattenburg.

“You see Van de Ven made a foul in the midfield to try and stop a promising attack, and I think Simons there is wanting to stop that promising attack. For me, this is a second yellow card, but, unfortunately, the VAR can not interfere on second yellow cards; it’s the referee’s call, that has to stay, but I think the referee gets this one wrong,” he added.

Thomas Frank may face a decision on Xavi Simons

Simons showed flashes of his quality once again, with his ability in tight areas coming to the fore.

The problem is that Simons isn’t a natural winger and may be better off as a number 10 moving forward.

Tottenham fans wanted Simons centrally after his display against West Ham United, only to see him out wide against Villarreal.

Spurs supporters have reiterated their stance on Simons and are urging Frank to be brave and play him as an attacking midfielder.

Frank has used Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr in a three-man midfield against West Ham and Villarreal, deploying them either side of Joao Palhinha and then Rodrigo Bentancur.

Frank would need to drop one of those players in order to play Simons as a number 10, and it remains to be seen whether he will make that switch.

Xavi Simons made his first appearance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and whilst the Dutch international looked lively, Spurs fans spotted an issue emerging.

Thomas Frank’s team returned to the Champions League and marked it with a 1-0 win, as Lucas Bergvall’s cross was turned in from the Villarreal goalkeeper.

Tottenham Hotspur will be delighted with the result, but less so with the performance as the team looked rather flat for large swathes of the match.

Meanwhile, Simons’ first game at the new stadium has supporters talking, but they are keen for their manager to make a change with their summer recruit.

Tottenham fans urge Thomas Frank to move Xavi Simons centrally

Tottenham fans have been urging Frank to move Xavi Simons centrally, with the sense that his talent is wasted out wide.

Simons, who cost Tottenham £52m over the summer, looked promising against the Spanish side, but it’s clear that he could be better utilised in the number ten role.

The Dutch international was eventually withdrawn after 76 minutes for Brennan Johnson as Spurs looked to find a second goal against the La Liga side.

The 22-year-old still managed 53 touches against the Yellow Submarine, but made just one key pass in a rather quiet display on the left.

Simons, whom Pedro Porro called ‘magic’, could certainly be better used elsewhere in the team and gives Frank food for thought moving forward.

During the game, Spurs supporters took to X to share their thoughts on Simons’ struggles in their clash with Villarreal.

One fan said: “Really would love to see Simons inside at some point tonight. Being wasted in possession at the left wing.”

“Xavi Simons is a real threat when he cuts inside, so it baffles me why he’s on the wing. Being wasted,” added another.

There were further question marks over Simons’ position: “Can we please put Xavi into the 10 position? He is so wasted out on the wing.”

Finally, another added: “100% need Xavi in the middle, he’s so wasted out wide. Also need to see Udogie, Spence is being overused.”

Chris Sutton claims Xavi Simons was ‘lucky’ not to be sent off vs Villarreal

Chris Sutton believes that Simons was ‘lucky’ not to be sent off on the night for a challenge he made on Nicolas Pepe.

The forward was booked earlier in the match and appeared rather fortunate not to have received a second booking.

Sutton told BBC Sport: “Simons is a lucky, lucky boy. He’s on a yellow card and that was a yellow card challenge. Villarreal were breaking there. Tottenham get away with one.”

For now, Simons looks like he’s still adjusting to life in North London, but he will generally be pleased with how lively the youngster looks.

Bobby Zamora has reflected on his career and revealed the one Tottenham Hotspur star who never gave the ball away during his time at the club.

Zamora worked with a wide range of top stars throughout his football career, including those at Fulham, West Ham United, and Brighton & Hove Albion.

While he played alongside top goalscorers and brilliant defenders, one midfielder wowed him over the years with his ability to retain possession.

Keeping hold of the ball is a crucial skill within the game, and while the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Paul Scholes have often been praised for their ability in this sense, Zamora spoke about someone else who deserves more attention.

Bobby Zamora praises Mousa Dembele’s ball retention skills

Zamora recently appeared on the Beast Mode On podcast to reflect on his time in the game, where he was asked about what it was like to play alongside Mousa Dembele.

The former Tottenham midfielder played alongside Zamora at Fulham, and the former England international was impressed by what he saw from him.

“If you pass him the ball, you know he’s not going to give it away.”

Zamora’s comments align with previous praise that Kieran Trippier heaped on him, as the full-back claimed Dembele is his most skilled teammate of all time.

Zamora also praised another midfielder he worked with regarding their ball retention skills when speaking about Javier Mascherano.

“His ability to keep the ball, just one-two touch, just never seemed to give the ball away.”

Mousa Dembele is an underrated Premier League midfielder

Dembele doesn’t get brought up in conversations about the great Premier League midfielders from fans, but he has been given numerous plaudits by those who played the game.

Jack Wilshere admitted he hated playing against Dembele, while former Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger claimed Dembele is the most underrated player he’s ever faced.

Zamora’s comments are just the latest in a long list of praise that Dembele has received, proving his talent.

Tottenham Hotspur sent Mikey Moore on loan to Rangers, but Gers manager Russell Martin already finds himself under immense pressure.

All Tottenham Hotspur youngsters now dream of becoming a first-team superstar like Harry Kane.

That journey is not an easy one, but Tottenham have some exciting talents for the future.

Daniel Batty was involved in training last week and could be one to watch following his move from Manchester City earlier in 2025.

Mikey Moore is another top prospect in the Tottenham ranks, but his loan move to Rangers is proving to be a little tricky.

Chris Sutton on Tottenham Hotspur teenager Mikey Moore’s time at Rangers

Moore is highly regarded at Tottenham and has been tipped as a star of the future.

Thomas Frank is a big fan of Moore, but sent him on loan to Rangers to gain first-team experience in Scotland.

Moore has failed to convince Rangers fans so far, and Spurs may be concerned about the winger’s situation in Glasgow.

Russell Martin is under enormous pressure just weeks into the season, having inexplicably managed to start the season without a win in his first five league games.

Pundit Chris Sutton has now suggested that he was excited to see Moore in action, having been dazzled by his cameos at Tottenham.

Sutton told BBC Radio Five Live’s Monday Night Club that Rangers is a ‘toxic’ place for players like Moore, with young players ultimately carrying a ‘burden’ amid poor results.

Sutton even questioned whether those young players can recover from this terrible start, with Moore facing criticism from angry Rangers fans.

“It’s a really difficult place to play. Rangers have recruited a fair few young players, and the environment to play in is toxic,” said Sutton.

“Another player who’s gone to Rangers from down south, who I was really excited about, to see how he’d do, Mikey Moore, the young Tottenham talent.

“I think from the cameos we’ve seen of him, you’re thinking ‘blimey’. I really feel sorry for the young players because they are carrying such a burden on their shoulders, and these are young players; it’s affecting their careers.

“It will be interesting to see whether they can come back from that,” he added.

Harry Kane can still be Mikey Moore’s inspiration at Tottenham Hotspur

Reaching Kane’s level is almost impossible, but he can be of inspiration to Moore.

This loan move at Rangers may not see him become a star overnight, and he may yet be sent back to North London in January if he doesn’t find form.

Martin’s future will be key as well, and any potential sacking could impact Moore’s time at Ibrox.

One loan move does not define a player’s career, though, and Kane is proof of that after disappointing loans at Norwich City and Leicester City.

Kane went on to become a global star and one of the finest players in the world, bouncing back from those loan spells.

Moore could do the same down the line, but he will first look to kick on and help Rangers turn a dismal start to the season around.

Mohammed Kudus has enjoyed a bright start to life at Tottenham, but the club can’t turn down the opportunity to bring in one wonderkid looking to follow in his footsteps.

Spurs signed Mohammed Kudus for £55m from West Ham in July, and the forward has hit the ground running in North London, making a positive impression under new boss Thomas Frank.

Kudus was even backed by Dominic Solanke to produce lots of “special moments” this season, having already showcased the flair which made him a firm favourite during his time with the Hammers.

But football moves on quickly, and clubs will always be on the lookout for talented young players capable of making an impact both now and in the future.

Spurs look to have unearthed a real gem in Ghanaian wonderkid Prince Amoako Junior, and he may well have the potential to go on and become even better than Kudus.

Prince Amoako Junior could be better than Mohammed Kudus

Tottenham target Prince Amoako Junior is enjoying a breakthrough season at Nordsjaelland, having made the move across from the Right To Dream academy, which helps young African players looking to make a professional career in football.

That academy has produced several talents, including Kudus, Simon Adingra and Kamaldeen Sulemana.

Junior is now walking the same path as Kudus, who spent eight years with Right To Dream himself before joining Nordsjaelland in 2018, and he has already attracted big-name Premier League interest.

A left winger by trade, Junior has made a name for himself by regularly cutting inside onto his stronger right foot and taking plenty of shots. He is wowing in the senior team and has become a regular, playing over 600 minutes in the Danish Super League so far this campaign.

Junior has four goals and one assist to his name from his eight league appearances at the time of writing, including a goal and an assist on his debut, and he looks ready-made for the Premier League.

He was named by CIES Football as one of the best U-20 forwards outside of the top five leagues in the world, and there are countless reasons why.

The teenager has a sharp eye for goal, an impressive turn of pace and, perhaps most importantly, natural flair on the ball, which is guaranteed to get supporters out of their seats. There is, of course, room for development, but he would be a cost-effective and low-risk option for Tottenham.

The upside, of course, is that he could eventually go on to surpass Kudus’ achievements.

Arsenal and Tottenham want to sign Prince Amoako Junior

Sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, that several Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Chelsea, via BlueCo, have scouted Junior in person.

Manchester City, via City Group, Newcastle United, Brighton and Brentford also watched Prince as he scored the winning goal for Nordsjaelland in their 1-0 victory over FC Midtjylland.

There is also interest from LaLiga, with Real Madrid circling.

Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Marseille are keeping tabs on Junior, too.

Spurs face fierce competition in the race to sign the wonderkid, but they must make sure they snap him up.

Junior would slot neatly into the first-team right from the off, and the move would make perfect business sense for a club determined to challenge for more trophies.

Tottenham Hotspur will have come away from the summer transfer window feeling pretty pleased with their business, however, one of their key targets has just scooped up an award.

Thomas Frank signed five new players for his squad, with Xavi Simons signed for £52 million from RB Leipzig as the headline addition.

Joao Palhinha, Mohammed Kudus, Randal Kolo Muani and Kota Takai were among the other arrivals at Hotspur Way.

Tottenham Hotspur were keen to add one more attacker to their squad, and they could be left rueing their failure to land one of their top targets.

Nico Paz named Serie A Rising Star of the Month

Como midfielder Nico Paz has been named Serie A Rising Star of the Month following his impressive start to the new campaign.

The 20-year-old managed one goal and one assist in his first two matches in August, which included a stunning free-kick against Lazio.

The former Real Madrid star added to his tally for the season over the weekend with a late equaliser against Genoa.

Over the summer, Tottenham had a £61m bid for Paz rejected after missing out on Eberechi Eze, who instead joined Arsenal.

Spurs always faced an uphill battle trying to land the youngster, given the fact that Real Madrid have a buyback option on the midfielder.

TBR Football understands that Real Madrid want to bring Paz back to the Spanish capital next summer, and the Spaniard also appears keen on a return.

Tottenham ended up with Simons, so whilst they will be disappointed to have missed out on Paz, they will be delighted with their alternative option.

Thomas Frank reacts to Xavi Simons’ Tottenham debut

Frank admitted that he was impressed with Simons’ debut for the North London club in their 3-0 win over West Ham United.

The Dutch international set up Pape Matar Sarr’s opening goal of the game at the London Stadium and produced a lively performance on the left wing.

Speaking after the game, Frank told the media: “I think he was promising, I like what I saw from him.

“I like that he took initiative on the ball. Every single time he had the ball, he tried to create something, and I think he had a wonderful assist for the first goal from the corner.

“Worked hard as well – so I think it was a good debut.”

TBR Football understands that Real Madrid are keen and ready to battle with Premier League sides over a player who has only just arrived in Europe.

Ghanaian teenager Prince Amoako Junior joined Danish side FC Nordsjaelland in the summer from their famed Right to Dream academy in Accra.

The academy has previously produced the likes of Mohammed Kudus, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Simon Adingra.

Now, the 18-year-old winger, whilst only playing a handful of games, has had scouts flocking to watch him in action in recent weeks as word spreads of his huge potential.

Exclusive: Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea target Prince Amoako Junior

Sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, that Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Chelsea, via BlueCo, have been to watch Prince Junior.

Meanwhile, Manchester City via City Group, Newcastle United, Brighton and Brentford also watched Prince over the weekend, as he scored the winning goal in Nordsjaelland’s 1-0 win over FC Midtjylland.

Prince, a right-footed inverted left winger, has four goals to his name from his first eight games of the new Danish Super League season.

TBR Football can also confirm that the interest is not just coming from England. Spanish giants Real Madrid are keeping close tabs on Prince, along with Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Marseille.

Indeed, TBR Football has been told by sources across Europe that Prince is one of the most talked-about young players on the continent at this moment.

Despite only moving to Nordsjaelland this summer, it is believed that some clubs are already weighing up the prospect of a January deal ahead of a potential move in the summer of 2026.

Prince Amoako Junior listed as one of top U-20 forwards in non-big-5

CIES Football have listed Junior as one of the best U-20 forwards outside of the top five leagues in the world.

The 18-year-old has been ranked fourth following what has been a great start to the season for him in the Danish top division.

Playing just his first season of senior football, the teenager is making a quick impression, and it’s no wonder Europe’s top clubs are chasing him.

After just eight matches, the winger is already six goals behind Kudus’ total of Super League goals for FC Nordsjaelland.

Tottenham Hotspur have made a tremendous start to the new Premier League campaign with several individuals standing out for Thomas Frank’s team.

The North London club made it three wins from four over the weekend as they emphatically saw off West Ham United at the London Stadium.

Goals from Pape Matar Sarr, Micky van de Ven and Lucas Bergvall secured the three points for Spurs in what was an impressive performance.

But Alan Shearer believes that one Tottenham Hotspur star really stood out, and the former Newcastle United striker has been raving about him.

Lucas Bergvall hailed by Alan Shearer

Shearer has hailed Bergvall for his display in Tottenham’s 3-0 win over West Ham on the weekend.

The Premier League legend believes that he showed ‘unbelievable technique’ for the second goal of the afternoon in the London derby.

Cristian Romero played a remarkable pass to pick out Bergvall’s run, but the Swede still had plenty to do, and did impressively well to loop his header over Mads Hermansen.

Shearer told the Premier League: “Showed unbelievable technique with a header to put Spurs 2-0 up and then set up Van de Ven for their third to seal a derby win at West Ham.”

Bergvall became Tottenham’s youngest scorer since Dele Alli to find the back of the net in the Premier League.

Jon Dahl Tomasson has been criticised for not playing Bergvall for Sweden during the latest international break, during which the national team earned just one point from two games.

Swedish fans were also so impressed with the teenager and couldn’t believe he didn’t play a single minute for them over the latest round of fixtures.

Alan Shearer has been impressed by Thomas Frank’s Tottenham

Shearer has also been so impressed by Thomas Frank’s start to life at Tottenham and claims they look ‘totally different’ from last term.

First and foremost, the Lilywhites look well organised in defence, which is a complete difference from life under Ange Postecoglou.

“Spurs look a totally different side to the one that lost 22 times last season. Three clean sheets and three wins in their first four matches is an impressive start for head coach Frank.”

Thomas Frank made some tremendous signings during his first summer at Tottenham Hotspur and Pedro Porro is already a big fan of one of them.

Tottenham Hotspur have made an impressive start to the 2025/26 campaign under Thomas Frank, having won three of their first four Premier League matches.

The North London club won 3-0 against West Ham over the weekend, with Pape Matar Sarr, Micky van de Ven and Lucas Bergvall scoring the goals.

After the game, Porro took to social media to hail one of his new teammates following his display at the London Stadium.

Pedro Porro calls Xavi Simons ‘magic’ after Tottenham debut

Pedro Porro has taken to Instagram to call Xavi Simons ‘magic’ following his debut for Tottenham against West Ham United.

Simons is already quite a popular figure at Tottenham, with Micky van de Ven, Dominic Solanke, Bergvall and Mohammed Kudus all joining Porro in praising him.

The youngster clearly enjoyed his first appearance in the Premier League, writing on his Instagram: “A day to remember…”

The Dutch international enjoyed a successful first appearance in Spurs colours at the London Stadium, registering his first assist already.

The 22-year-old delivered a wicked cross into the back post from a corner, which picked out Sarr, who nodded the ball home to give Spurs the lead.

Simons started on the left rather than in a more central role, which was quite a surprise, given the team’s need for a number ten.

The midfielder will be hoping to make his first European appearance for Spurs when they face Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Clive Allen hails Xavi Simons’ Tottenham debut

Tottenham legend Clive Allen also hailed Simons’ first appearance for the North London club and his first assist for the club.

The 22-year-old looked so good to watch at the London Stadium, gliding across the pitch and keeping the ball moving.

Allen told SpursOfficial: “Really positive performance, I think this was worked on, Pape Sarr completely unmarked at the back post, it has to be a perfect delivery, and it was spot on.

“He glides across the ground, he moves the ball, he’s always got it under control on the outside of his foot, you can see the way he’s drawing in defenders – they’re scared to go in and challenge, but of the way he can release it.”

Tottenham Hotspur are back in the Champions League, where they will face Villarreal, and Cristian Romero is looking forward to facing a close friend.

Tottenham host Villarreal in the Champions League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, two and a half years after their last appearance in the competition.

Romero was shown a red card against AC Milan in North London in what proved to be one of Antonio Conte’s final matches in charge of the club.

But Spurs are now in a much healthier position as a squad, and Romero is buzzing for the chance to be back playing in Europe’s elite competition.

Cristian Romero on facing Juan Foyth and Villarreal

Cristian Romero has admitted that he is looking forward to facing Villarreal defender Juan Foyth in the Champions League.

The Argentine never crossed paths with his compatriot at Tottenham, but the pair are well acquainted from their time together with the national team.

Romero and Foyth were both part of Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad back in 2022 and have played for the national team since the youth level.

Speaking ahead of the match, Romero told the media: “I know him really well. We played together in the U-20s and U-23s. We managed to spend time together in the national team.

“He is a great guy and a top player. He was here as well, so it will be a special game for him.”

TBR Football understands that Unai Emery wanted Foyth at Aston Villa in the summer, however, Villarreal opted to keep the 26-year-old, and he will now return to face his former side.

Back in 2021, Tottenham sold Foyth to Villarreal after he made just 32 appearances for the North London club.

Cristian Romero on signing a new Tottenham contract

Romero signed a new Tottenham contract over the summer, having been impressed following talks with Thomas Frank.

The defender is now fully committed to playing for Spurs and is enjoying his time playing under the new manager.

“I never said I wanted to leave the club. Nothing came from me in that effect. It is important what the manager and president say,” added Romero.

“I am very happy here, it is like a family. I like the manager. I like the way we work, the way we train. Things can always improve, but I think everyone here at all levels are taking the right steps to improve. I am very happy here.”