Tag Futebol

With Fabio Paratici set to return to the club, Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly in constant contact with an impressive defender who’s also found himself on the radar of Real Madrid.

Fabio Paratici set for Tottenham return

Having left the North London club in 2023 following a two-and-a-half-year ban by FIFA which he is still serving, Paratici has reportedly agreed to return to Tottenham. The Lilywhites have plenty of work to do this summer and the return of an experienced sporting director may well go a long way towards things finally changing for the better under Ange Postecoglou.

How much room Spurs have to manoeuvre in the transfer window is the big question. Should they miss out on winning the Europa League and, subsequently, a place in next season’s Champions League, those in North London are unlikely to have a large budget to spend. After taking one leg in the final with a 3-1 first leg victory over Bodo/Glimt, however, Europa League victory is still very much a possibility.

Many will be quick to assume that a place in Bilbao is now firmly in Spurs’ grasp and Postecoglou reiterated that a repeat of his side’s performance on Thursday night next week will see them advance.

He told reporters: “Obviously they scored the goal late, which doesn’t reflect our dominance in the game, but if we repeat that performance next week it’ll be enough for us to get through.

Tottenham may sign £300k-p/w Premier League star if they win Europa League

A lot is on the line.

ByEmilio Galantini May 1, 2025

“Yeah, I think it puts us in a good position. I thought the players were outstanding today, I thought our performance was everything it needed to be, really well organised and disciplined defensively and really calm going forward and created good opportunities for ourselves.”

Europa League victory would no doubt help to turn the narrative of their season on its head, perhaps saving Postecoglou’s job in the process and even luring top transfer targets to the club.

Tottenham in constant contact with Jonathan Tah

According to The Boot Room, Tottenham are in constant contact with Jonathan Tah over a summer switch following the expiry of his current Bayer Leverkusen deal at the end of the season. The Lilywhites are far from alone, however, with Manchester United and now even Real Madrid also looking to convince the defender into a move.

As Paratici plots his first transfer back, those in North London could end the summer having landed a true bargain. The Leverkusen defender played a pivotal part in last season’s invincible domestic double and has impressed once again throughout the current campaign.

A player who’s earned plenty of praise over the years, former Germany boss Joachim Low told reporters after handing Tah his international debut at the beginning of his career: “He’s a young player with a lot of potential. He’s physically strong and very quick. Everything is possible.”

Tottenham Hotspur secured their place in the semi-final of the Europa League last night, with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany.

Dominic Solanke’s first-half penalty was enough for Ange Postecoglou’s side, securing a 2-1 aggregate win after the 1-1 draw in North London last Thursday.

The triumph sets up a last-four clash with Bodo Glimt, moving the Lilywhites one step closer to European glory and potentially putting a superb end to a dismal season.

It certainly was a night to remember, giving a generation of supporters a new high in their time supporting the club, aiming to reach a first European final since 2019.

However, despite the impressive victory, numerous players failed to deliver in Germany, potentially putting their place in the side at huge jeopardy going forward.

Spurs’ poor performers against Eintracht Frankfurt

Winger Mathys Tel has been an inconsistent player to say the least since his January loan move from Bayern Munich, with last night no different for the Frenchman.

The 19-year-old only completed one of the five dribbles he attempted, whilst finding a teammate on just 33% of the times he delivered the ball into the 18-yard box.

He wasn’t the only one who struggled, with Uruguayan midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur looking a shadow of his former self during the victory over Frankfurt.

He featured for the entirety of the contest, but only managed to win 17% of the ground duels he entered, along with getting dribbled past twice as he was unable to make a huge impact on proceedings.

Despite the showings of the aforementioned duo, one other player failed to impress, with boss Postecoglou desperately needing to drop him ahead of Monday’s game with Nottingham Forest.

The Spurs player who needs to be dropped after Frankfurt

Injuries at Spurs have left Postecoglou with limited options at numerous points of the season, undoubtedly having a huge impact on the club’s lowly league standing.

Such an occurrence has allowed numerous players to stake their claim for a regular starting role, taking advantage of an opportunity that often wouldn’t be thrown in their direction.

Lucas Bergvall is arguably the biggest example of the situation, now being a vital member of the side, featuring for the entirety of the win against Frankfurt last night.

However, despite his success, winger Brennan Johnson was unable to have a similar impact, once again struggling to provide a reason as to why the hierarchy paid £47.5m for his signature.

The Welshman featured for 85 minutes before being replaced by Kevin Danso, with Ange opting to see out the result and switch to a back five for the closing stages.

Such a change was inevitable, but the 23-year-old did himself no favours during his time on the pitch, completing just 69% of the passes he attempted, whilst losing possession six times.

He also lost 66% of the duels he entered against the German opposition, whilst managing just 22 touches – a tally less than that of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who registered 45.

Minutes played

85

Touches

22

Passes completed

11/16 (69%)

Duels lost

4/6 (66%)

Possession lost

6x

Shots taken

0

Dribbles completed

0

As a result of his showing last night, Johnson was handed a measly 6/10 match rating by the London Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick – highlighting how disappointing he was in the triumph.

Given his display, Ange simply has to drop the winger ahead of the clash with his former side, needing to give other players an opportunity to demonstrate their quality.

He’s struggled massively in recent weeks once again, potentially needing to be taken out of the firing line to recapture his early season form in North London.

Bigger star than Bergvall & Moore: Spurs have struck gold on "monster" gem

Tottenham Hotspur already have a star who could surpass the levels achieved by Lucas Bergvall & Mikey Moore.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 17, 2025

Raucous win over Trent Rockets puts Sam Billings’ side on the cusp of a third consecutive title

Matt Roller22-Aug-2025Can anyone stop Oval Invincibles? They gunned down a target of 172 inside 89 balls against Trent Rockets, their nearest challengers, at The Oval on Thursday night, all but confirming their progress to the knockout stage. One win in their last two group games should be enough to take Invincibles straight through to next Sunday’s final at Lord’s, as they chase a third title in a row.This was an exhilarating game decided by two extraordinary innings: Sam Curran belted 52 off 24 balls, including six sixes in an eight-ball stretch, and Jordan Cox smoked 58 not out off 32. Invincibles needed 102 off the last 40 balls when David Willey took the Rockets’ strategic time out; it took them just 29 more to finish the chase. It was stunning ball-striking under the pressure of a run chase.Cox made the first play, hauling Willey over the short boundary towards the dugouts, before Curran went on a rampage. He had scored just 7 off 12 balls at the time out, but resolved that every ball had to go thereafter: “I knew it was six or out for me, because I was struggling a bit.” Ten balls and six sixes later, he raised his bat to acknowledge the applause for an outrageous fifty.Invincibles still needed 38 off 24 when Curran was dismissed. Cox took the baton, hoisting Marcus Stoinis over wide long-on, and then reverse-ramping him for four. Donovan Ferreira cracked his third and fourth balls for sixes before Cox finished things off with consecutive boundaries, punching the air in celebration.Sam Curran and Jordan Cox’s ten-ball charge put Invincibles in control•Alex Davidson/Getty Images”It felt like we were in a really strong position, but you have to give credit to the opposition sometimes,” Joe Root, who had scored 76 in 41 balls for Rockets, said. “There was great ball-striking and that phase of ten balls in the middle really changed the momentum and made it very difficult for us to get a hold back on the game… Clearly, [Invincibles] have got a formula that works, with some extremely good players.”The Oval was raucous. “It’s our first midweek game: a lot of people come in from the city and enjoyed the evening. You get a couple out of the middle, and the fans kept going and going,” Curran beamed. “It almost felt like one of those games in India, where there’s so much energy… You forgot about the situation, and you just remember how cool this is.”Since England left Cox and Curran out of their white-ball squads last Friday, they have scored 338 runs off 173 balls between them, including 26 sixes. Rob Key, England’s managing director, told the podcast on Thursday morning that Curran had to force his way back in through weight of runs. This knock was as clear a message as he could have ever hoped to send.”They’ve been pretty clear with me what I need to do,” Curran said. “I’m chasing three trophies at the moment: the Hundred, the Championship, and the T20 Blast for Surrey… Normally guys come into September with an end-of-season feeling, so to be able to say I’m pushing for three trophies and enjoying my cricket is a nice place to be.”Invincibles sealed back-to-back titles last year•ECB/Getty ImagesA three-peat would be a phenomenal achievement. The Hundred – like most short-form leagues – is designed to ensure competitive balance, with its strict salary bands and annual drafts devised to uphold the theory that anyone can beat anyone. In practice, Invincibles have beaten everyone: across the last three seasons, they have won 19 games and lost only four.The secret is an open one: continuity is key. They identified a core of local players ahead of the first season and have tried to minimise squad turnover. Will Jacks, the Curran brothers, and Sam Billings have generally been the stars, but Cox, Nathan Sowter and Saqib Mahmood have all been retained throughout the tournament’s short history.”Our roles are so consistent,” Curran said. “We’ve been very smart with the way we’ve signed players… Guys like Rashid Khan comes in for [Adam] Zampa last year, and then [Jason] Behrendorff comes in for Spencer Johnson. It’s pretty smooth planning. We turned up two days before the tournament and there weren’t too many meetings, because we knew our roles.”They have actively avoided speaking about the prospect of a third successive title. “We know it’s quite a dangerous thing to do,” Curran warned. “We know there are a lot of teams that are playing really well and are a lot more settled. The Hundred’s into its fifth season, so guys know how to play the format, and we’ve kept our side pretty solid as well. One game at a time.”Rashid Khan is done for the season with Invincibles•ECB via Getty ImagesThursday’s win was Rashid Khan’s final appearance of the season – he is heading to Sharjah for Afghanistan’s tri-series with UAE and Pakistan – and he will clearly be missed. He was the game’s standout bowler, taking 2 for 19 from 20 balls, and his googly to clean up Root with the final ball of his spell was a turning point.Rashid had one off-night, conceding 59 runs against Birmingham Phoenix when Liam Livingstone took him down; in his other five appearances, he has combined figures of 12 for 105 from 100 balls. Invincibles will go into their final two group games with two overseas players, with Zampa – last season’s leading wicket-taker – set to return for the knockouts.It should be another seamless transition, for which Tom Moody and Billings – as coach and captain – deserve substantial credit. The Hundred may only be in its infancy, but a third consecutive trophy would be an achievement that only a handful of teams in the history of short-form cricket can match.

You know what you’re going to get from Trent Boult, but that doesn’t make it any easier to face

Karthik Krishnaswamy02-Apr-2023Prithvi Shaw and Ajinkya Rahane. KL Rahul and K Gowtham. Abhishek Sharma and Rahul Tripathi .Three times now, Trent Boult has taken two wickets in the first over of an IPL innings. He’s done it once for Mumbai Indians, and twice for Rajasthan Royals, most recently on Sunday against Sunrisers Hyderabad. No other bowler has done more than twice.ESPNcricinfo LtdOutside the three times in the IPL, Boult has taken two wickets in the first over of an innings once in the Big Bash League, for Melbourne Stars against Sydney Thunder last December, dismissing Matthew Gilkes and Rilee Rossouw and making a defence of 122 look plausible.Only one other bowler has matched Boult and done it four times in all T20s – Sohail Tanvir.Tanvir might not be the first left-arm quick, or even the first Pakistani left-arm quick, you thought of when you thought of frequent wreakers of first-over havoc, but it’s notable first of all that Tanvir, like Boult, is a left-arm quick. A swinging new ball is a dangerous weapon in any fast bowler’s hands, but a quality left-arm quick is perhaps the hardest kind of bowler for a top order to face first up.And since Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mitchell Starc don’t play in the IPL, Boult is easily the biggest new-ball gamechanger in the league.Since the start of IPL 2020, Boult has taken 33 powerplay wickets, ten more than his nearest challenger Mohammed Shami. Of the eight bowlers with at least 15 powerplay wickets in this time, Boult has the best average (22.69), and is one of three with an economy rate below 7.His method is utterly straightforward and time-tested, swinging the ball at pace against the angle from left-arm over, but it takes immense skill to make a straightforward method work as often, and as devastatingly, as Boult does. There were three left-arm quicks playing this game in Hyderabad, and while it’s possible that there was more swing available to Boult in the evening than there had been for Fazalhaq Farooqi and T Natarajan in the afternoon, it was only Boult who made the new ball look anything like menacing.When Sunrisers began their chase of 204, in fact, they may have viewed the new ball as their likeliest source of quick runs. The Royals batters had taken the new ball to the cleaners, scoring 85 for 1 in their powerplay, but had found it a lot harder to find the boundary when the ball became older. They scored 122 in their first 10 overs, and just 81 in their last 10.During the innings break, viewers may have wondered if Royals had failed to make the most of their start.It took Boult just five balls to erase all those doubts. The left-handed Abhishek Sharma looked to go inside-out to his third ball, and lost his stumps to an outswinging near-yorker. The right-handed Rahul Tripathi charged at his fifth ball, possibly looking to hit over the covers, and ended up slicing a catch to slip, possibly yanked out of shape by the ball swinging less than he expected.Abhishek Sharma lost his off stump to Trent Boult•BCCINow this is T20 cricket and there’s a high degree of randomness to what balls get wickets and what balls fly towards un-aimed-for boundaries. Boult’s new-ball spell was as good as it was because its quality wasn’t confined to two wicket-taking balls. Unlike the Sunrisers quicks earlier in the day, he constantly swung the ball, and constantly kept the stumps in play, without feeding the batters slot balls.The last ball of Boult’s second over, to Harry Brook, summed up the effect he was having. Brook shaped for a booming, on-the-up drive, backlift high and front foot unweighted to move towards the line of the ball. He’d made those same movements in the previous over and launched KM Asif thrillingly over mid-off. But this Boult delivery forced him to curtail his ambitions – it wasn’t quite as full, and it swung back late, threatening lbw if Brook continued his front-foot thrust.That Brook stilled his front foot, adjusted to the swing, and brought down a vertical bat to defend this delivery spoke volumes about his gifts of eye and balance, gifts that portend a long and sparkling career. In the context of this steep T20 chase, though, it was just another dot ball Sunrisers couldn’t afford.There were 13 dot balls in Boult’s new-ball spell, which he ended with figures of 3-1-8-2, figures that had seemed unimaginable on this surface before he began bowling. It’s what only he and a handful of others in world cricket can do.Viewers in India are fortunate to watch Boult do his thing time and again in the IPL, but the IPL has contributed to restricting his ability to do it in international cricket. Between them, New Zealand Cricket and Boult have handled the situation as well as any board and player could have, but at least one difficult decision remains to be made.Would it be unfair for New Zealand to pick Boult in their squad for the ODI World Cup later this year, ahead of a fast bowler who’s been a consistent part of the build-up to the tournament? It probably would. But given Boult’s quality, his experience, and the fact that the tournament will be in India, it might be one of those decisions that are both unfair and correct.

All the statistical highlights from Pakistan’s highest successful chase against hosts South Africa

Sampath Bandarupalli02-Apr-2021274 Target chased by Pakistan in the first ODI in Centurion, their highest successful chase against South Africa in South Africa in this format. Pakistan’s previous highest chase against the home team in South Africa was 267 in Port Elizabeth during their 2018-19 tour. The 274 chase is also Pakistan’s second-highest in the country and their third-biggest against the hosts.Related

Rassie van der Dussen lined up as Rajasthan Royals replacement

Pakistan look to wrap up memorable series win in annual pink ODI

Babar ton trumps van der Dussen's as Pakistan win thriller

van der Dussen: 'A hundred overs can come down to one moment'

6 Instances of Pakistan winning an ODI on the last ball while chasing. Only South Africa – in seven instances overall – have won more ODI chases on the final ball than Pakistan. The latest win was the first of its kind for Pakistan since April 2005 in Ahmedabad, where they defeated India while chasing 316.The Centurion ODI was only the third instance of South Africa losing an ODI on the final ball. Their other such defeats came in 2000 and 2001 respectively, against Zimbabwe and West Indies.76 Innings required by Babar Azam to score his 13th century in ODIs, the fastest to this feat in men’s cricket. Australia women’s captain Meg Lanning, too, took 76 innings to reach her 13th ODI hundred. Hashim Amla was the previous quickest to 13 tons in men’s ODIs, needing 83 innings.ESPNcricinfo Ltd2 Centuries as captain in ODI cricket for Babar. The 26-year-old scored 125 against Zimbabwe in his previous innings, making him the first Pakistan captain with successive ODI tons. Babar’s 103 is also the highest individual score by a Pakistan captain in a successful ODI chase.177 Partnership runs for the second wicket between Imam-ul-Haq and Babar, the second-highest for Pakistan against South Africa in ODI cricket. The highest is 257 between Saleem Elahi and Abdul Razzaq in 2002, also for the second wicket.1 Player with more centuries while chasing in ODIs for Pakistan than Babar. The hundred against South Africa on Friday was his fourth across 40 ODI chases. Saeed Anwar leads the list with ten centuries from 105 chases in ODIs.0 Players older than Rassie van der Dussen (32 years and 54 days) at the time of their maiden ODI century for South Africa. Mike Rindel was the previous oldest player to a maiden ODI ton for South Africa as he was 31 years and 337 days old when he scored 106 in 1995, also against Pakistan. Former allrounder Shaun Pollock was 33 years and 325 days of age during his maiden ODI ton in 2007, but he was representing Africa XI in that game.

It wasn't just legendary MLB players getting immortalized on Sunday, as the latest class of Hall of Famers were introduced at Cooperstown. Sunday also marked a special occasion for the mascots of the sporting world.

San Francisco Giants beloved mascot Lou Seal was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame on Sunday, and he received some love and support from his fellow costumed friends from across MLB and other sports leagues. Multiple mascots turned up to Oracle Park for Sunday's game against the Mets, and they sat with Lou Seal in a wholesome moment as the stadium honored his Hall of Fame induction.

Among the notable mascots in attendance were Mr. Met, the Phillie Phanatic, S.J. Sharkie of the NHL's San Jose Sharks, and the Giants' anti-mascot, the Crazy Crab.

Have a look at the conglomerate of costumed friends congratulating Lou on his career achievement:

As for the ceremony itself, Oracle Park got to its feet and went wild for Lou Seal as they were treated to a standing ovation while taking the field, where the mascots and even their parents were waiting for them and dancing as music blared.

A truly momentous occasion at Oracle Park prior to first pitch of the game against the Mets.

Manchester United’s system under Ruben Amorim has led to huge questions being asked about the manager and his ability to lead the side forward in the future.

The 40-year-old has consistently used a 3-4-2-1 system at Old Trafford since his appointment last November, but the formation hasn’t worked as many would have expected.

He could only lead the Red Devils to a 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season, whilst also suffering a defeat in the final of the Europa League to Tottenham Hotspur.

The recent defeat against Everton on home soil led to further questions being directed his way, especially after refusing to move away from his tactics and push more attacking players forward.

However, the manager has desired additions of numerous players ahead of the January transfer window, with the midfield department one that looks set to be bolstered.

Man Utd’s hunt for a new midfielder in January

Over the last couple of weeks, United have ramped up their pursuit of Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson ahead of a potential move in the January window.

It’s been reported that the Red Devils are willing to complete a deal in the coming weeks for the England international after his remarkable start to the current campaign.

However, bitter rivals Manchester City have also now entered the race for the 23-year-old’s signature, which could lead to a huge battle for his services in the months ahead.

He’s not the only Premier League option currently in their sights at present, with Bournemouth star Tyler Adams another player being considered by INEOS ahead of January.

According to the Daily Mail, the hierarchy have held internal talks over a deal to land the American international who has started every Premier League game this season.

It also states that he’s seen as a cheaper option to improve the midfield department, but it remains to be seen if the Cherries would sanction his departure during the winter.

Why United’s latest target would end Mainoo’s stay

Just a couple of years ago, it appeared as though Kobbie Mainoo would be a crucial first-team member for United for many years to come, but it appears as though his time at the club could be coming to an end.

The midfielder has gone from a regular starter and an England international, to now being a player who has been massively restricted to substitute appearances off the bench.

His tally of nine league appearances, none of which were from a starting position, showcases the lack of faith the 40-year-old currently has in the 20-year-old sensation.

Unsurprisingly, the player has grown frustrated at the Red Devils in recent weeks, which has led to the player himself even requesting a move away ahead of January.

If the manager is simply refusing to utilise the youngster, it’s crucial he makes the next step in his career to continue his development and get back onto his recent trajectory.

It remains unclear whether the hierarchy will sanction a move away from Old Trafford for Mainoo, but his career at the club would be all but over with a move for Adams.

Should the American join, it would push him further down the pecking order, with the Bournemouth star producing some incredible numbers over the last couple of months for Andoni Iraola’s side.

Adams, who’s been labelled a “monster” by journalist Tomi Oladipo, has completed 88% of the passes he’s attempted, at an average of 45 per 90 – with both ranking him in the top 25% of all midfielders in the division.

Such numbers showcase his composed nature in possession, but that’s also reaffirmed by his tally of 0.3 times dispossessed per 90, which ranks him in the top 15% in the league.

Games played

14

Goals scored

2

Pass accuracy

88%

Passes per 90

45

Times dispossessed

0.3

Tackles won

2.6

Interceptions made

1.6

Duels won

52%

However, out of possession, he’s been just as impressive, as seen by his phenomenal tallies of 2.6 tackles won and 1.6 interceptions made per 90 to date.

Despite his small frame, the American has also won 52% of the duels he’s entered, whilst completing 48% of the dribbles he’s attempted – further highlighting his all-round talents at the heart of the side.

It’s unclear if his current employers would sanction a departure in the coming weeks, but it’s evident that United would be getting themselves an incredible Premier League talent.

As for Mainoo, it appears to be the end at his boyhood club given his recent lack of action, with the player needing a move to reignite the spark in his professional career.

Cunha 2.0: INEOS to fast-track Man Utd bid for 'best winger in England'

Manchester United look set to make a huge move for one player in the upcoming January window.

ByEthan Lamb Dec 5, 2025

The New York Yankees found themselves in unfamiliar territory Thursday night, strolling into the away clubhouse and dugout at George M. Steinbrenner Field, a ballpark named after their late owner.

The Yankees spend spring training playing there in Tampa, and during the season, it's the home of their Single-A affiliate Tampa Tarpons. But in 2025, the Tampa Bay Rays are calling George M. Steinbrenner Field home as Tropicana Field undergoes repairs.

To welcome the Rays and manager Kevin Cash to the building, Yankees skipper Aaron Boone left a good luck note and a bottle of tequila in the office desk.

"Just my housewarming gift, like, hey, take care of the place," Boone said [via MLB.com's Bryan Hoch].

The Yankees are set to play six games against the Rays as visitors to their spring training home this season, with a four-game series this weekend and another two-game set at George M. Steinbrenner Field in August.

Through 18 games, Boone's Yankees are 11-7 and in first place in the AL East entering Thursday's slate of games.

أعلن الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم موعد إجراء قرعة دور الـ32 من مسابقة كأس مصر، في بطولة يتنافس على تحقيق لقبها العديد من الأندية.

ويشارك في دور الـ32 للبطولة الـ21 ناديًا من القسم الأول، إضافة إلى 11 ناديًا من القسم الثاني، وهم، أبو قير للأسمدة، السكة الحديد، القناة، بترول أسيوط، المصرية للاتصالات، بلدية المحلة، مسار إف سي، تليفونات بني سويف، بور فؤاد، ألو ايجيبت، دكرنس.

طالع | بيراميدز في القائمة المختصرة لـ جائزة أفضل نادي في إفريقيا 2025

وكان الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك قد حقق لقب النسخة الماضية من مسابقة كأس مصر، على حساب بيراميدز موعد قرعة دور الـ32 من بطولة كأس مصر

وتجري لجنة المسابقات بالاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، قرعة دور الـ32 لبطولة كأس مصر للموسم الحالي 25/2026، في الثانية عشر ظهر بعد، غد، السبت، الموافق 15 نوفمبر الحالي، في مقر الاتحاد بالجزيرة.

Last season, Tottenham Hotspur were made to bemoan defensive injuries. Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven missed extensive periods through injury. As did full-back Destiny Udogie.

Is it any great surprise, therefore, that Ange Postecoglou’s backline looked such a mess? Perhaps not, but the Aussie was still stubborn enough to refuse change.

Thomas Frank certainly seems more flexible with his style of football but one of the first things he has corrected is that leaky backline.

Only three teams, Arsenal (3), Manchester City (6) and Sunderland (6), have shipped fewer goals than Spurs (7) in the top-flight this term.

Yet, are things beginning to unravel in similar circumstances to Ange? Like the club’s former boss, Frank has now suffered his first big injury blow at the back.

Romero limped off during the warm-up of their game with Aston Villa and after initially being selected, was not fit enough to start. Without their captain, the Lilywhites suffered a 2-1 defeat.

Frank won’t fret quite yet, but he must find a way to get more of a tune out of his attack. Big-money summer signing Xavi Simons will play a big part in that.

Why Spurs need to see improvement from Xavi Simons

Even before James Maddison suffered a terrible ACL injury during pre-season, Frank and Co had made efforts to bring Nottingham Forest talisman Morgan Gibbs-White to north London.

We all know how that saga ended but Spurs’ pursuit of a new dynamic number 10 seemed cursed at one point.

It looked for all the world as though they were set to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace. A deal was agreed and he was allegedly on his way to Spurs. Instead, a last-minute U-turn saw him head to boyhood club Arsenal. The solution was Simons.

The Dutchman had been courted by Chelsea but it was the Blues’ London rivals who eventually concluded a deal, snapping him up for £52m, a move that made him Spurs’ fifth-most expensive signing of all time.

This was an exciting acquisition. After all, he did score 11 goals and register eight assists for RB Leipzig in Germany last season.

Sadly, we’re yet to see the best of him in white. He is yet to complete a full 90 minutes in the Premier League and his only goal involvement, an assist against West Ham, came on his English top-flight debut. The Netherlands maestro has not scored or assisted since then.

Simons in the PL

Opposition

Mins played

Goals or assists

West Ham (A)

71

1

Brighton (A)

29

0

Wolves (H)

78

0

Leeds (A)

74

0

Aston Villa (H)

79

0

Stats via Transfermarkt.

For such a big-money signing, Frank needs to see more from him but it’s not as though he isn’t trying. Perhaps there’s a simple solution to all of this; Spurs need better players in their forward line.

How Spurs can get more out of Xavi Simons

How supporters must long for the days of Harry Kane and a prime Heung-min Son.

The duo aren’t showing any signs of slowing down away from Spurs with Kane simply in the form of his life this campaign, netting 19 times in 11 games for Bayern Munich.

As far as Son is concerned, he’s been lighting up MLS with his displays for LA FC. The South Korean has nine goals and three assists in his first ten outings for the club.

So, to see where the Spurs forward line is now will no doubt make a few fans hide behind the sofa. Combine the loss of Son with injuries to Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski and you have a real patched-together front line.

Dominik Solanke has played just 31 minutes of league football due to injury in 2025/26 while Richarlison has only beaten the goalkeeper once in his last seven Premier League matches.

As for the French youngster, Wilson Odobert, he is yet to score at all across ten games in all competitions.

With such a glut of misfiring players, is it any surprise that Simons has endured a difficult beginning at Spurs?

Simons’ last two seasons

Stat (per 90)

2024/25

2025/26

Assists

0.3

0.3

Chances created

2.1

1.7

Passes attempted

46.2

33

Forward passes

12.2

9.3

Sideways passes

22

15.5

Data provided by Opta.

A look at the numbers tells us that the Dutch midfielder is struggling without a fluid forward line. Worryingly, he’s playing fewer passes per 90 minutes than he did last season at Leipzig. That ultimately means he’s creating fewer goalscoring opportunities for his teammates.

He needs the players in front of him to make better runs and there is no better example of that than the aforementioned Odobert.

The former Burnley man, signed for £25m, is still a particularly raw prospect. He’s exciting and fleet-footed but he needs to be doing more to help Simons out.

The big-money summer arrival traditionally operates in the pockets of space on the left-hand side and it’s on the left flank where Odobert tends to operate. The clip below demonstrates precisely what we’re talking about.

Mathys Tel has the ball on the edge of the box and all he needs is for a few defenders to be dragged away by an overlapping run from Odobert to potentially feed Simons in acres of space.

What does the Frenchman do? He surges right into the area where Tel is aiming for, reducing the space and cutting out a chance to get a shot or pass away.

Had Odobert made an overlapping run, he’d have created more room for Spurs’ number 7 and potentially even received the ball himself. As Jamie O’Hara said after the game, he and Tel can be “painful” to watch.

The 20-year-old is a marmite figure. He did a fair bit right against Aston Villa, completing four of his five dribbles but he needs better end product.

He missed an OPTA-defined big chance on Sunday and only completed one key pass. If Odobert can marry his trickery with the ability to make better runs and make himself an option for Simons then things will improve.

Until then, however, it would be better if the Netherlands star operated from the left flank instead or someone like Brennan Johnson operated there.