Raised during the Gerry Francis era, these lads are now too old for any more 'character building'. Spurs blog with emphasis on the stars of tomorrow, today #COYS
Heung-Min Son has been one of Spurs’ key players this season, but all of the minutes he has played this season seem to have caught up with him. Son was visibly tired in the last ten minutes of the derby against West Ham, seen on his haunches, looking like he was all out of energy.
His recent form has been the polar opposite of his amazing start to the season with only two goal contributions in the past eight league games. When you dive into the stats of how many minutes the South Korean has played it’s hardly a surprise he looks tired.
Son has played at least 84 minutes in every single Spurs league game since the 6-1 win over Manchester United all the way back in November, as well as being played in every single game this season bar two. Son desperately needs a break and the game against Wolfsberger in the Europa League in midweek gives Mourinho the chance to do just that.
With Spurs 4-1 up in the tie it is the perfect opportunity to play a youngster like Dane Scarlett in his place. If Son isn’t rested midweek there’s no way he’s going to be able to perform anywhere near his best due to the fatigue he’s clearly been suffering with in recent weeks.
Centre back woes
Whether it be Alderweireld alongside Rodon, Dier paired with Tanganga, or even Tanganga with Rodon, it’s extremely clear to everyone – apart from Mourinho it seems – that Dier and Sanchez just aren’t working together.
What makes it even more strange is the fact Spurs had a solid centre-half pairing in Alderweireld and Dier up until the Crystal Palace game and have been chopping and changing at the back ever since.
The last time #THFC had the same back four in successive @premierleague games was in December.
Spurs desperately need consistency at the back and failing to start the same back four since December certainly hasn’t helped Spurs’ defensive woes, Prior to the Palace game, Mourinho’s men had the best defence in the league, only conceding two goals with Dier and Alderweireld at the back. but ever since that game there has been no consistency with Mourinho not looking like he knows his preferred back four at all.
Dier and Sanchez just don’t work alongside each other at all, with the pair conceding five goals in their last two matches. There needs to be a breath of fresh air in the defence, whoever it may be, and then Jose needs to back the pairing that he picks.
The Mysterious Case of Joe Rodon
There was hope when Rodon came in the summer that he would be able to help with our defensive problems. Initially he did so and after a mistake against Liverpool Mourinho gave the Welshman his full backing. But after the 1-0 defeat against Brighton Rodon hasn’t played a single minute of football and has been left out the last two league squads altogether.
Mourinho’s comments on Rodon after the Liverpool game… he hasn’t played a single minute since the loss at Brighton where he didn’t even play badly, wouldn’t call this supporting the player at all imo 🤷🏻♂️ #COYS#THFCpic.twitter.com/bXzuJix77i
Rodon has completely vanished for the Spurs team/squad in recent weeks with no clear explanation as to why. His brother Sam confirmed on Twitter today that Rodon wasn’t injured, so why on earth has Mourinho excluded him from his plans entirely, especially with the defensive problems Spurs are facing currently?
He wasn’t out of place in a poor team performance at all against Brighton so it is mind-blowing why he has suddenly been excluded from the team. Joe Rodon could be that breath of air that Spurs need to restart their campaign and push on now, with Burnley an ideal game for Rodon to come back in.
Bale’s Brilliance
One of the few positives from the disappointing performance was the second half display from Gareth Bale. The Welshman has severely struggled for form since his return to Spurs, however, glimpses of the old Bale have certainly been brought to light in the last week with a good performance against Wolfsberger too.
Bale hit the bar with a powerful volley which definitely had Fabianski beaten as well as chipping in with an assist for Lucas Moura’s goal with a beautifully delivered corner. You just got that feeling that when Bale was on the ball that he was going to do something special, something Spurs have been missing from any player in a while now.
Gareth Bale vs West Ham
-45 minutes played -3 chances created -1 assist -1 shot at woodwork -7 crosses -5 dribbles -1 tackle -3 shots (2 on target)
There is no reason why he shouldn’t start against Burnley in the league next Sunday and, if he manages to build up his fitness, the 31-year-old could be a key player for Spurs towards the end of the season, especially if he manages to sustain any run of form. He could be the third attacker that Spurs are most certainly missing alongside Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son.
Jose Mourinho’s similar record to a sacked Mauricio Pochettino
Jose Mourinho came out after the game and insisted that his and his coaching staff methods “are second to none” and that he will not question his methods at all regardless of league position. Which may give Daniel Levy that bit of disbelief he didn’t previously have about Mourinho.
It has been widely reported that Mourinho will cost Spurs around £30 million to sack, but with the recent form and his latest comments Levy may well be considering it.
With 12 points out of a possible 39 in his last three games, Mourinho is replicating the type of form which saw Pochettino removed from his position as Spurs manager, the Argentine having gained 14 points out of a possible 36 in his last 12 games. With Spurs now nine points off the Champions League and gradually slipping down the table in recent weeks will Levy be bold enough to pull the trigger?
Mourinho has managed so far to get us into the Carabao Cup final as well as the Europa League Round of 32, but it seems as though his focus is now purely on the cup competitions after the defeat at the London Stadium – will Levy be willing to take that risk and pin all Spurs’ European qualifying hopes on just the cups?
Last weekend, Dane Scarlett became Spurs’ youngest Premier League player in history. Here are the Top 10:
1. Dane Scarlett – 16 years, 10 months and 14 days 7th February 2021 v West Brom
He might have held the record as Spurs’ youngest player in all competitions for less than two months, but Dane Scarlett’s record breaking Premier League debut may stay intact for a little longer (depending on whether Alfie Devine makes his league bow before the end of the season).
Scarlett has been in lethal form at youth level this season – despite starting in the Under-18s he has moved through the ranks due to the sheer weight of goals. It won’t be long until we see the name ‘Scarlett’ featuring on Premier League scoresheets too.
2. Stephen Carr – 17 years and 28 days 26th September 1993 v Ipswich Town
A modern-day Spurs great, Stephen Carr made his debut for the club less than a month past his 17th birthday, and held the record of the youngest Tottenham player to play in the Premier League for the best part of three decades.
Despite his debut in 1993, it wasn’t until the 1996-97 season that Carr became Spurs’ first-choice right-back, but he made up for lost time and racked up 272 appearances – as well as winning the League Cup in 1999 – before his departure in 2004.
Spells with Newcastle and Birmingham City followed and Carr retired in 2013 after 500 club appearances and 44 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
3. Andy Turner – 17 years, 4 months and 23 days 15th August 1992 v Southampton
Andy Turner’s debut for Spurs was a significant one in more ways than one – it was the first game in the inaugural season of the newly formed Premier League. He certainly made a decent impression, starting the next game and making 21 appearances that season, chipping in with four goals. His strike against Everton made Turner the Premier League’s youngest-ever goalscorer at the time.
However, the arrival of Ossie Ardiles as manager saw Turner drop out of favour and, after successive loan spells, Turner left Tottenham in 1996, having made just three more appearances for the club. A journeyman career followed before his retirement in 2008.
4. Philip Ifil – 17 years, 8 months and 27 days 14th August 2004 v Liverpool
Philip Ifil made his debut on the opening day of the 2004-05 season, and was considered a real prospect, having appeared for various England youth sides too.
However, it wasn’t to be for a player who some considered could emerge as Stephen Carr’s long-term successor at right-back. After making just four more appearances for Spurs, Ifil moved to Colchester United in 2008. He is now playing for Sun Sport Athletic in the Watford Sunday League.
5. Adel Taarabt – 17 years, 9 months and 8 days 4th March 2007 v West Ham
‘We have found Zidane’.
Those were the thoughts of Jermaine Jenas when Adel Taarabt showed up at Tottenham in 2007, with the 17 year old making his debut in the dying moments of a 4-3 classic against West Ham.
Fast forward to 2014 and Taarabt’s manager, Harry Redknapp has described him as ‘the worst professional I have ever come across’. By that time, Taarabt had already left Spurs after just 15 appearances and his time at QPR looks to be coming at an end too. Another seven years later and, at the ages of 31, Taarabt looks to have finally settled, becoming the heart beat of Benfica’s midfield and playing the best football of his life.
6. Troy Parrott – 17 years, 10 months and 3 days 7th December 2019 v Burnley
Troy Parrott made his Republic of Ireland debut before his Premier League bow, and it’s clear he’s got a bright future for both club and country.
Despite a difficult spell with Millwall last year, Parrott remains a major talent and he is now at Ipswich Town where he has made an encouraging start. Let’s not forget, this is a player who made his debut for Spurs at the age of 17 and spent most of last season in the first-team squad. He has also scored 31 goals in just 38 games for the youth sides since joining the club in 2017.
7. Gareth Bale – 18 years, 1 month and 10 days 26th August 2007 v Manchester United
Gareth Bale made his debut in a 1-0 loss to Manchester United and for some time, it looked like he would never taste victory in Lilywhite. 24 games went by without a win and it’s reported that he came close to a £3 million move to Birmingham City.
It’s a good job he didn’t. Bale went on to become one of Tottenham’s greatest players in modern history, with 26 goals in 44 games and a host of personal accolades in the 2012-13 season earning himself a world-record move to Real Madrid. Two La Ligas, a Copa del Rey, a Supercopa de Espana, four Champions Leagues, two Super Cups and four Club World Cups then followed.
A return to Spurs hasn’t yet worked out, but with 59 goals in 218 appearances, his place as one of the best players this century is assured.
8. Jamie Slabber – 18 years, 2 months and 13 days 16th March 2003 v Liverpool
With 11 minutes to go and with Spurs 2-1 down to Liverpool, an 18 year old striker was brought on in the search of an equaliser. Steven Gerrard extended Liverpool’s lead, but Jamie Slabber would have a hand in a late goal for Tottenham, knocking the ball down for Teddy Sheringham to volley home. However, that assist in the 3-2 loss would be Slabber’s first and last contribution in a Spurs shirt and he never appeared in lilywhite again.
After loan spells with AB and Swindon, Enfield-born joined Aldershot in 2005 and spent the majority of his career between various non-League sides. After fourth spell with Grays in 2017-18, Slabber retired from the game.
9. Sol Campbell – 18 years, 2 months and 17 days 5th December 1992 v Chelsea
He played for Spurs for a bit. He left.
10. Oliver Skipp – 18 years, 2 months and 19 days 5th December 2018 v Southampton
Tottenham’s ‘future captain’ made his Premier League debut in the dying moments of the 3-1 win over Southampton, and has since gone on to make another 14 league appearances, with a total of 23 in all competitions.
Harry Kane came off the bench against Everton to score his 209th goal for Tottenham, the second highest in the club’s history. He is now only behind the legendary Jimmy Greaves who remains some way out in front with 266 goals.
Kane had returned from injury at the weekend to inspire Spurs to a 2-0 win over West Brom. His goal had drawn him level with the great Bobby Smith, with both reaching the 208 landmark after 317 appearances.
The full list is as follows:
17=. Billy Minter (1908-1919) – 101 goals in 263 appearances
Billy Minter was the first player to reach 100 goals for Spurs and was our record scorer until he overtaken by Jimmy Dimmock in 1930. Minter has short spells with Norwich City, Woolwich Arsenal and Reading before joining Spurs in 1908. His goals helped Spurs first gain promotion from the Second Division, then secure top flight status over the following season.
Minter served during the First World War and was wounded during the fighting in France. He returned to the club after the war, but retired in 1920 after scoring 101 goals in 263 games. A Spurs stalwart, he was appointed as a manager of the club, as well as serving as a coach, scout and assistant secretary, a role which he held until his passing in 1940.
17=. Johnny Morrison (1933-1939) – 101 goals in 154 appearances
A lethal striker who would have surely scored far more had it been for the outbreak of war, Johnny Morrison scored 101 goals in just 154 games.
After a few years of non-league football Morrison joined Spurs in 1931, but had a spell with Northfleet United, Spurs’ nursery club, before making the step up a couple of years later.
Morrison was particularly prolific between 1935-38, scoring 28, 35 and 35 goals in three consecutive seasons. As previously mentioned, his career was cut short in 1939 by the Second World War.
16. Son Heung-min (2015- present) – 102 goals in 261 appearances
Unquestionably one of the best players in England, if not the world, Sonny’s hundredth goal for Spurs came in 253 games. Now on 102, he has also chipped in with 57 assists. He’s formed a lethal partnership with Harry Kane, with the duo set to break the Premier League record for goal combinations imminently.
He is nearing 100 caps for his country and will surely go down as a modern-day great.
15. Bert Bliss (1912-1922) – 104 goals in 215 appearances
As with Johnny Morrison, Bert Bliss was another dangerous striker with a scoring ratio of nearly a goal every two games.
Although Bliss was another whose career was interrupted by the First World War, he returned to the club with success, winning the FA Cup in 1921 and an England cap just a few weeks before. He left the club the following year after scoring 104 goals in 215 appearances, before retiring in 1926.
‘One of the most conscientious of players and pretty nearly the hardest shooting forward in football, his surprise efforts flashing into the net before the danger is even realised.’
‘An English Football Internationalists’ Who’s Who‘ by Douglas Lamming
14. Glenn Hoddle (1975-1987) – 110 goals in 490 appearances
Unquestionably one of the greatest players in Tottenham’s history, Glenn Hoddle played nearly 500 games for the club over 12 years, scoring 110 goals. He had everything – unbelievable passing and shooting ability, plus a touch and balance which few before or since have possessed. Perhaps underappreciated during his time, he gained a little over 50 caps for England.
He won two FA Cups and the UEFA Cup with Spurs, before moving to Monaco in 1987 where he won the French league title. He moved back to England in 1991 as a player-manager with Swindon, a role he then took up with Chelsea a couple of years later. He lead England at the 1998 World Cup and also managed Southampton.
Hoddle later returned to Tottenham as a manager in 2001 but wasn’t able to bring success back to the club and was sacked a couple of years later. One final managerial spell with Wolves followed but left in 2006 and has been a television pundit since.
13. Jimmy Dimmock (1919-1931) – 112 goals in 438 appearances
Having served as a gunner in the First World War, Jimmy Dimmock joined Tottenham in 1919 and would go on to play for the club for more than a decade. He is best known for his winning goal in the FA Cup Final against Wolves in 1921 despite sustaining an injury earlier in the game. He was Spurs’ record goal scorer for a time with 112 goals and, after playing 438 games, remains 9th on the club’s all time appearance list.
Dimmock, 90 years after leaving the club, is still the only player in Spurs’ history to play 400 league games and score 100 league goals. He also remains the younger player to appear in an FA Cup Final, at 20 years and 139 days.
He won 3 caps for England, his first being just a few weeks before that FA Cup final, becoming the then youngest Spurs player to play for England.
12. Les Bennett (1946-1954) – 117 goals in 294 appearances
Another who joined Spurs after serving his country, Les Bennett had spent much of the Second World War with the Devon Regiment in Burma, India and Egypt. Born in Wood Green, Bennett had originally signed for the club in 1939, but was called up before he could make an appearance. Aged 28, he finally turned out in Lilywhite in 1946.
Bennett made up for lost time, his goals helping Tottenham to a Second Division title in 1949-50 and He was a key figure in Arthur Rowe’s ‘push and run’ team that won the First Division in 1950-51. Bennett followed that success up that with a career best total of 20 league goals in 1951-52 as Spurs finished as runners up.
After 117 goals in 294 appearances, Bennett moved onto West Ham in 1954 before further spells with Clacton and Romford until his retirement in 1960.
Still only 22, Keane was gaining a reputation as a journeyman player after spells with Wolves, Coventry, Inter Milan and Leeds before joining Tottenham in 2002. However, save for one short spell with Liverpool, and short loan spells with Celtic and West Ham, Keane remained with Tottenham for the best part of a decade, making over 300 appearances and scoring 122 goals, and winning the League Cup in 2008.
Keane often deputised for Ledley King as captain and formed a brilliant partnership with Dimitar Berbatov as the club entered a new era with regular European football. He was the first Spurs player to score double figures in the Premier League in six consecutive seasons and also won Player of the Year three times during his Tottenham career.
He moved the MLS with LA Galaxy in 2011 where he stayed until 2016. He had one final a single season in the Indian Super League after which he retired with 325 goals in 737 games, an outstanding career.
His 146 caps and 68 goals are both Irish records, having made his debut as a 17 year old in 1998 before his final international appearance in 2016.
Since his retirement in 2018, Keane has had coaching spells with Republic of Ireland and Middlesborough.
Oh Teddy, Teddy! After joining from Nottingham Forest in 1992, Sheringham made an instant impact, winning the Premiership’s Golden Boot in its inaugural season. He scored just under 100 goals in five seasons with his brilliant strike partnership with Jurgen Klinsmann being a particular highlight.
He left Tottenham to go to Manchester United in 1997 where he won…a fair bit…before returning in 2001. He helped the club to the League Cup Final in 2002, but left the following year after a total of 124 goals in 277 appearances for Spurs.
Spells with Portsmouth, West Ham and Colchester followed before retiring at the age of 42. He holds the record as the oldest outfield player to appear in a Premier League match (40 years and 272 days), the oldest player to score in a Premier League match (40 years and 268 days) and the oldest player to score a Premier League hat-trick (37 years and 146 days). He also won 51 England caps scoring 11 goals.
9. Alan Gilzean (1964-1974) – 133 goals in 439 appearances
Alan Gilzean joined Tottenham in 1964, after a prolific spell with Dundee where he scored 169 goals in just 190 games.
Although he adapted his game with Spurs, he remained highly successful, forming effective partnerships with Jimmy Greaves and Martin Chivers until his retirement in 1974.
Gilzean became known as the ‘King of White Hart Lane’, winning the FA Cup, the League Cup twice and the UEFA Cup, as well as scoring 133 goals – his 439 appearances for Tottenham is 8th on the all-time list. He also won 22 caps for Scotland, scoring 12 goals.
8. Len Duquemin (1947-1957) – 134 goals in 307 appearances
Joining Spurs in 1946, having spent the war on Guernsey under German occupation. Along with Les Bennett, Duquemin was a member of Arthur Rowe’s ‘push and run’ side which won the Second Division in 1949-50 before following that up with Spurs’ first First Division title the following season.
Duquemin was known as a hard worker and, while not considered as skilful as some other members of Rowe’s team, his goalscoring record of 134 goals in 307 games would be the envy of many other strikers.
After leaving Tottenham in 1957, Duquemin had spells with non-league clubs before retiring in 1962.
7. George Hunt (1930-1937) – 138 goals in 198 appearances
George Hunt joined Tottenham in 1930 from Chesterfield and spent seven seasons with the club, scoring prolifically.
Between 1931-1934, he was the club’s top scorer for three consecutive seasons, helping the club gain promotion to the First Division in 1932-33 with 32 goals. Overall, despite making less than 200 appearances, Hunt scored 138 goals. During his time with Spurs he won three England caps, scoring on his debut against Scotland in front of a then world record crowd of 136,259.
In 1937, Hunt became the first player to move from Spurs to Arsenal since Woolwich’s move and name change, before moving onto Bolton and Sheffield Wednesday where he retired in 1948.
A natural-born goalscorer, Jermain Defoe scored 143 goals in 363 appearances over two spells with Tottenham. Signing for the club in 2004 from West Ham, Defoe was named the club’s player of the season in his first year.
However, Defoe faced stiff competition for a consistent starting place in the team, in particular when the the partnership between Berbatov and Keane was at its best, and he moved to Portsmouth in 2007. However, after rejoining Tottenham a year and a half later, Defoe scored regularly and became Spurs’ highest scorer in Europe before Harry Kane moved past him.
He left for the MLS in 2014, joining Toronto, but was back in the Premier League before too long for spells with Sunderland and Bournemouth. At the age of 38, Defoe is in the final years of his career, but is scoring regularly in the Scottish Premiership with Rangers and has now scored more than 300 career goals, including 20 for England.
5. Cliff Jones (1958-1968) – 159 goals in 378 appearances
Quite simply one of the finest players ever produced by the UK, Cliff Jones was the original Welsh wing wizard. Electric pace and an eye for goal made him a nightmare to defend against.
Starting with his hometown club of Swansea, Jones moved to Tottenham in 1958 where he would stay for the next decade, scoring 159 goals in 378 games. A crucial member of Bill Nicholson’s double-winning side of 1960-61, Jones would also win two more FA Cups and the European Cup Winners Cup in 1963. Juventus offered a then world-record sum £125,000 to lure him away from the Lane but were unsuccessful.
At international level he scored 16 goals in 59 games for Wales, helping the side the the quarter finals of the 1958 World Cup, before falling to eventual winners Brazil.
Jones eventually did move away from the Lane in 1968, winding down his career with Fulham, King’s Lynn and Bedford before hanging up his boots in 1971.
A Spurs legend.
4. Martin Chivers (1968-1976) – 174 goals in 367 appearances
Martin Chivers started his career with Southampton and he quickly gained a reputation as a prolific goalscorer, with 106 goals in 190 appearances. As a result, Spurs signed him for a British record fee of £125,000 in 1968.
With the already established Jimmy Greaves and Alan Gilzean at the club, Chivers initially struggled to break into the side, but after Greaves’ transfer to West Ham in 1970. From there Chivers became a mainstay, scoring regularly and helping Spurs to two League Cup wins and a UEFA Cup in 1972. He held the record as Spurs’ leading goalscorer for nearly 40 years until Jermain Defoe overtook him in 2013.
Chivers also won his first England cap while with Spurs, going onto score 13 goals in 24 appearances.
After moving to Swiss club Servette in Swizterland in 1976, Chivers had further spells with other clubs including Norwich and Brighton, before retiring in 1983.
3. Bobby Smith (1955-1964) – 208 goals in 317 appearances
Bobby Smith started off at Chelsea, but we won’t hold that against him, especially given his goalscoring exploits in Lilywhite.
Joining Spurs in 1955, it would be the double-winning season in 1960-61 where Smith would earn his place in the club’s history books. He was Spurs’ top scorer that season, with 33 goals in 43 games, including the first goal in the FA Cup final win, a feat he would repeat in the 1962 win. He also won the European Cup Winners Cup in 1963.
In total, he would score 208 goals against 39 different clubs, a tally which included 11 hat-tricks. He was the First Division’s top goalscorer in the 1957-58 season and became the club’s leading league goalscorer in 1960, a record he held until Jimmy Greaves passed him in 1968. While with Spurs he won 15 England caps, scoring at a rate of almost a goal a game – 13.
Smith left Spurs in 1964, joining Brighton and retired in 1967 after a spell with Hastings.
2. Harry Kane (2011-present) – 209 goals in 318 appearances
What can I say that hasn’t already been said before? Tottenham’s talisman. The Premier League’s premier striker. Up there with the world’s best.
What will frighten other clubs is that he has taken his all-round game to another level this season, that a shift to a deeper role hasn’t diminished his goalscoring returns but has increased the number of assists and influence around the pitch.
Now entering his peak years, and with more than 200 goals in a little more than 300 games for Spurs, who knows how many goals he will end up with. But, if he stays at the club for the next few years and stays injury-free, it will be a question of when, not if, he becomes Spurs’ all-time record goalscorer.
With 32 goals in 51 games, the England record may well be in his sights too.
1. Jimmy Greaves (1961-1970) – 266 goals in 379 appearances
Jimmy Greaves is the greatest goalscorer England has ever produced.
Greaves famously signed for Tottenham from AC Milan for £99,999 with Bill Nicholson reluctant to burden Greaves with the pressure on becoming the country’s first £100,000 player. Certainly, Greaves seemed to have felt no pressure at all, with his 266 goals – including 15 hat-tricks, still standing as club records after more than half a century.
During his time with Tottenham, Greaves won two FA Cups and the European Cup Winners Cup, but missed out the double winning season of 1960-61 having arrived in the following December. A number of title challenges ensued over the next decade, but a runners up medal in 1962-63 was the closest Greaves got to an English league title win. He famously missed out on the 1966 World Cup Final win after being injured in the group stages. Originally, only the starting XI in the Final were given medals and it wasn’t until 2009 until Greaves was belatedly given his medal.
Greaves was later transferred to West Ham as a part-exchange for Martin Peters in 1970, but retired the following year. He did return to football in 1975 and played lower league football for a further five years before his final retirement in 1980.
As well as being the greatest Spurs goalscorer, he is the best this country has seen full stop. He’s the highest goalscorer in the history of English top-flight football with 357 goals and finished as the league’s top goalscorer on six occasions, more than anyone else. He’s also England’s fourth highest goalscorer with 44 goals, including a record six hat-tricks, despite playing just 57 games.
Greaves was finally awarded an MBE in the 2021 Honours List.
Harry Kane returned from injury to inspire Spurs to a 2-0 win over West Brom. His 208th goal for Tottenham drew him level with the great Bobby Smith, becoming the joint 2nd highest goalscorer in the club’s history – both reaching the milestone after 317 appearances. The legendary Jimmy Greaves remains some way out in front, with 266 goals.
Meanwhile, Son Heung-min’s 102nd goal for the club moves him past Billy Minter and Johnny Morrison into 16th place. Cliff Jones, who celebrates his 86th birthday today, is in 5th place with 159 goals in 378 games.
The full list is as follows:
17=. Billy Minter (1908-1919) – 101 goals in 263 appearances
Billy Minter was the first player to reach 100 goals for Spurs and was our record scorer until he overtaken by Jimmy Dimmock in 1930. Minter has short spells with Norwich City, Woolwich Arsenal and Reading before joining Spurs in 1908. His goals helped Spurs first gain promotion from the Second Division, then secure top flight status over the following season.
Minter served during the First World War and was wounded during the fighting in France. He returned to the club after the war, but retired in 1920 after scoring 101 goals in 263 games. A Spurs stalwart, he was appointed as a manager of the club, as well as serving as a coach, scout and assistant secretary, a role which he held until his passing in 1940.
17=. Johnny Morrison (1933-1939) – 101 goals in 154 appearances
A lethal striker who would have surely scored far more had it been for the outbreak of war, Johnny Morrison scored 101 goals in just 154 games.
After a few years of non-league football Morrison joined Spurs in 1931, but had a spell with Northfleet United, Spurs’ nursery club, before making the step up a couple of years later.
Morrison was particularly prolific between 1935-38, scoring 28, 35 and 35 goals in three consecutive seasons. As previously mentioned, his career was cut short in 1939 by the Second World War.
16. Son Heung-min (2015- present) – 102 goals in 261 appearances
Unquestionably one of the best players in England, if not the world, Sonny’s hundredth goal for Spurs came in 253 games. Now on 102, he has also chipped in with 57 assists. He’s formed a lethal partnership with Harry Kane, with the duo set to break the Premier League record for goal combinations imminently.
He is nearing 100 caps for his country and will surely go down as a modern-day great.
15. Bert Bliss (1912-1922) – 104 goals in 215 appearances
As with Johnny Morrison, Bert Bliss was another dangerous striker with a scoring ratio of nearly a goal every two games.
Although Bliss was another whose career was interrupted by the First World War, he returned to the club with success, winning the FA Cup in 1921 and an England cap just a few weeks before. He left the club the following year after scoring 104 goals in 215 appearances, before retiring in 1926.
‘One of the most conscientious of players and pretty nearly the hardest shooting forward in football, his surprise efforts flashing into the net before the danger is even realised.’
‘An English Football Internationalists’ Who’s Who‘ by Douglas Lamming
14. Glenn Hoddle (1975-1987) – 110 goals in 490 appearances
Unquestionably one of the greatest players in Tottenham’s history, Glenn Hoddle played nearly 500 games for the club over 12 years, scoring 110 goals. He had everything – unbelievable passing and shooting ability, plus a touch and balance which few before or since have possessed. Perhaps underappreciated during his time, he gained a little over 50 caps for England.
He won two FA Cups and the UEFA Cup with Spurs, before moving to Monaco in 1987 where he won the French league title. He moved back to England in 1991 as a player-manager with Swindon, a role he then took up with Chelsea a couple of years later. He lead England at the 1998 World Cup and also managed Southampton.
Hoddle later returned to Tottenham as a manager in 2001 but wasn’t able to bring success back to the club and was sacked a couple of years later. One final managerial spell with Wolves followed but left in 2006 and has been a television pundit since.
13. Jimmy Dimmock (1919-1931) – 112 goals in 438 appearances
Having served as a gunner in the First World War, Jimmy Dimmock joined Tottenham in 1919 and would go on to play for the club for more than a decade. He is best known for his winning goal in the FA Cup Final against Wolves in 1921 despite sustaining an injury earlier in the game. He was Spurs’ record goal scorer for a time with 112 goals and, after playing 438 games, remains 9th on the club’s all time appearance list.
Dimmock, 90 years after leaving the club, is still the only player in Spurs’ history to play 400 league games and score 100 league goals. He also remains the younger player to appear in an FA Cup Final, at 20 years and 139 days.
He won 3 caps for England, his first being just a few weeks before that FA Cup final, becoming the then youngest Spurs player to play for England.
12. Les Bennett (1946-1954) – 117 goals in 294 appearances
Another who joined Spurs after serving his country, Les Bennett had spent much of the Second World War with the Devon Regiment in Burma, India and Egypt. Born in Wood Green, Bennett had originally signed for the club in 1939, but was called up before he could make an appearance. Aged 28, he finally turned out in Lilywhite in 1946.
Bennett made up for lost time, his goals helping Tottenham to a Second Division title in 1949-50 and He was a key figure in Arthur Rowe’s ‘push and run’ team that won the First Division in 1950-51. Bennett followed that success up that with a career best total of 20 league goals in 1951-52 as Spurs finished as runners up.
After 117 goals in 294 appearances, Bennett moved onto West Ham in 1954 before further spells with Clacton and Romford until his retirement in 1960.
Still only 22, Keane was gaining a reputation as a journeyman player after spells with Wolves, Coventry, Inter Milan and Leeds before joining Tottenham in 2002. However, save for one short spell with Liverpool, and short loan spells with Celtic and West Ham, Keane remained with Tottenham for the best part of a decade, making over 300 appearances and scoring 122 goals, and winning the League Cup in 2008.
Keane often deputised for Ledley King as captain and formed a brilliant partnership with Dimitar Berbatov as the club entered a new era with regular European football. He was the first Spurs player to score double figures in the Premier League in six consecutive seasons and also won Player of the Year three times during his Tottenham career.
He moved the MLS with LA Galaxy in 2011 where he stayed until 2016. He had one final a single season in the Indian Super League after which he retired with 325 goals in 737 games, an outstanding career.
His 146 caps and 68 goals are both Irish records, having made his debut as a 17 year old in 1998 before his final international appearance in 2016.
Since his retirement in 2018, Keane has had coaching spells with Republic of Ireland and Middlesborough.
Oh Teddy, Teddy! After joining from Nottingham Forest in 1992, Sheringham made an instant impact, winning the Premiership’s Golden Boot in its inaugural season. He scored just under 100 goals in five seasons with his brilliant strike partnership with Jurgen Klinsmann being a particular highlight.
He left Tottenham to go to Manchester United in 1997 where he won…a fair bit…before returning in 2001. He helped the club to the League Cup Final in 2002, but left the following year after a total of 124 goals in 277 appearances for Spurs.
Spells with Portsmouth, West Ham and Colchester followed before retiring at the age of 42. He holds the record as the oldest outfield player to appear in a Premier League match (40 years and 272 days), the oldest player to score in a Premier League match (40 years and 268 days) and the oldest player to score a Premier League hat-trick (37 years and 146 days). He also won 51 England caps scoring 11 goals.
9. Alan Gilzean (1964-1974) – 133 goals in 439 appearances
Alan Gilzean joined Tottenham in 1964, after a prolific spell with Dundee where he scored 169 goals in just 190 games.
Although he adapted his game with Spurs, he remained highly successful, forming effective partnerships with Jimmy Greaves and Martin Chivers until his retirement in 1974.
Gilzean became known as the ‘King of White Hart Lane’, winning the FA Cup, the League Cup twice and the UEFA Cup, as well as scoring 133 goals – his 439 appearances for Tottenham is 8th on the all-time list. He also won 22 caps for Scotland, scoring 12 goals.
8. Len Duquemin (1947-1957) – 134 goals in 307 appearances
Joining Spurs in 1946, having spent the war on Guernsey under German occupation. Along with Les Bennett, Duquemin was a member of Arthur Rowe’s ‘push and run’ side which won the Second Division in 1949-50 before following that up with Spurs’ first First Division title the following season.
Duquemin was known as a hard worker and, while not considered as skilful as some other members of Rowe’s team, his goalscoring record of 134 goals in 307 games would be the envy of many other strikers.
After leaving Tottenham in 1957, Duquemin had spells with non-league clubs before retiring in 1962.
7. George Hunt (1930-1937) – 138 goals in 198 appearances
George Hunt joined Tottenham in 1930 from Chesterfield and spent seven seasons with the club, scoring prolifically.
Between 1931-1934, he was the club’s top scorer for three consecutive seasons, helping the club gain promotion to the First Division in 1932-33 with 32 goals. Overall, despite making less than 200 appearances, Hunt scored 138 goals. During his time with Spurs he won three England caps, scoring on his debut against Scotland in front of a then world record crowd of 136,259.
In 1937, Hunt became the first player to move from Spurs to Arsenal since Woolwich’s move and name change, before moving onto Bolton and Sheffield Wednesday where he retired in 1948.
A natural-born goalscorer, Jermain Defoe scored 143 goals in 363 appearances over two spells with Tottenham. Signing for the club in 2004 from West Ham, Defoe was named the club’s player of the season in his first year.
However, Defoe faced stiff competition for a consistent starting place in the team, in particular when the the partnership between Berbatov and Keane was at its best, and he moved to Portsmouth in 2007. However, after rejoining Tottenham a year and a half later, Defoe scored regularly and became Spurs’ highest scorer in Europe before Harry Kane moved past him.
He left for the MLS in 2014, joining Toronto, but was back in the Premier League before too long for spells with Sunderland and Bournemouth. At the age of 38, Defoe is in the final years of his career, but is scoring regularly in the Scottish Premiership with Rangers and has now scored more than 300 career goals, including 20 for England.
5. Cliff Jones (1958-1968) – 159 goals in 378 appearances
Quite simply one of the finest players ever produced by the UK, Cliff Jones was the original Welsh wing wizard. Electric pace and an eye for goal made him a nightmare to defend against.
Starting with his hometown club of Swansea, Jones moved to Tottenham in 1958 where he would stay for the next decade, scoring 159 goals in 378 games. A crucial member of Bill Nicholson’s double-winning side of 1960-61, Jones would also win two more FA Cups and the European Cup Winners Cup in 1963. Juventus offered a then world-record sum £125,000 to lure him away from the Lane but were unsuccessful.
At international level he scored 16 goals in 59 games for Wales, helping the side the the quarter finals of the 1958 World Cup, before falling to eventual winners Brazil.
Jones eventually did move away from the Lane in 1968, winding down his career with Fulham, King’s Lynn and Bedford before hanging up his boots in 1971.
A Spurs legend.
4. Martin Chivers (1968-1976) – 174 goals in 367 appearances
Martin Chivers started his career with Southampton and he quickly gained a reputation as a prolific goalscorer, with 106 goals in 190 appearances. As a result, Spurs signed him for a British record fee of £125,000 in 1968.
With the already established Jimmy Greaves and Alan Gilzean at the club, Chivers initially struggled to break into the side, but after Greaves’ transfer to West Ham in 1970. From there Chivers became a mainstay, scoring regularly and helping Spurs to two League Cup wins and a UEFA Cup in 1972. He held the record as Spurs’ leading goalscorer for nearly 40 years until Jermain Defoe overtook him in 2013.
Chivers also won his first England cap while with Spurs, going onto score 13 goals in 24 appearances.
After moving to Swiss club Servette in Swizterland in 1976, Chivers had further spells with other clubs including Norwich and Brighton, before retiring in 1983.
2=. Harry Kane (2011-present) – 208 goals in 317 appearances
What can I say that hasn’t already been said before? Tottenham’s talisman. The Premier League’s premier striker. Up there with the world’s best.
What will frighten other clubs is that he has taken his all-round game to another level this season, that a shift to a deeper role hasn’t diminished his goalscoring returns but has increased the number of assists and influence around the pitch.
Now entering his peak years, and with more than 200 goals in a little more than 300 games for Spurs, who knows how many goals he will end up with. But, if he stays at the club for the next few years and stays injury-free, it will be a question of when, not if, he becomes Spurs’ all-time record goalscorer.
With 32 goals in 51 games, the England record may well be in his sights too.
2=. Bobby Smith (1955-1964) – 208 goals in 317 appearances
Bobby Smith started off at Chelsea, but we won’t hold that against him, especially given his goalscoring exploits in Lilywhite.
Joining Spurs in 1955, it would be the double-winning season in 1960-61 where Smith would earn his place in the club’s history books. He was Spurs’ top scorer that season, with 33 goals in 43 games, including the first goal in the FA Cup final win, a feat he would repeat in the 1962 win. He also won the European Cup Winners Cup in 1963.
In total, he would score 208 goals against 39 different clubs, a tally which included 11 hat-tricks. He was the First Division’s top goalscorer in the 1957-58 season and became the club’s leading league goalscorer in 1960, a record he held until Jimmy Greaves passed him in 1968. While with Spurs he won 15 England caps, scoring at a rate of almost a goal a game – 13.
Smith left Spurs in 1964, joining Brighton and retired in 1967 after a spell with Hastings.
1. Jimmy Greaves (1961-1970) – 266 goals in 379 appearances
Jimmy Greaves is the greatest goalscorer England has ever produced.
Greaves famously signed for Tottenham from AC Milan for £99,999 with Bill Nicholson reluctant to burden Greaves with the pressure on becoming the country’s first £100,000 player. Certainly, Greaves seemed to have felt no pressure at all, with his 266 goals – including 15 hat-tricks, still standing as club records after more than half a century.
During his time with Tottenham, Greaves won two FA Cups and the European Cup Winners Cup, but missed out the double winning season of 1960-61 having arrived in the following December. A number of title challenges ensued over the next decade, but a runners up medal in 1962-63 was the closest Greaves got to an English league title win. He famously missed out on the 1966 World Cup Final win after being injured in the group stages. Originally, only the starting XI in the Final were given medals and it wasn’t until 2009 until Greaves was belatedly given his medal.
Greaves was later transferred to West Ham as a part-exchange for Martin Peters in 1970, but retired the following year. He did return to football in 1975 and played lower league football for a further five years before his final retirement in 1980.
As well as being the greatest Spurs goalscorer, he is the best this country has seen full stop. He’s the highest goalscorer in the history of English top-flight football with 357 goals and finished as the league’s top goalscorer on six occasions, more than anyone else. He’s also England’s fourth highest goalscorer with 44 goals, including a record six hat-tricks, despite playing just 57 games.
Greaves was finally awarded an MBE in the 2021 Honours List.
Spurs host Chelsea on Thursday night in what is set to be a fiery London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with both sides looking to get their Premier League seasons back on track.
Tanguy Ndombele has been confirmed fit to play and Serge Aurier will be back in the squad after being left out of the squad in the loss against Brighton on Sunday. Spurs will be without Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Sergio Reguilon and Giovani Lo Celso who Jose Mourinho confirmed today was likely to be out for “a month or something”.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom for Spurs with Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Sergio Reguilon all looking to be ready for the game against Manchester City next weekend. Mourinho shared some details from his conversation with Dele where they were able to find “common ground”, something that will come as welcome news to all Spurs fans.
With the creativity of Dele and Kane potentially back into the setup in the next week or so, it’s fair to say that things are certainly looking up for Spurs after some disappointing results recently.
Mourinho also confirmed in his press conference that Ndombele would be able to play as an out and out midfielder alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg due to his fitness improving. Subsequently, that has now opened up the possibility of Spurs having Dele or Lo Celso slotting in at number 10 in front of Hojbjerg and Ndombele.
Chelsea are set to welcome N’Golo Kante back into their squad after his recovery from a hamstring injury, whilst Kurt Zouma and Kai Havertz are doubtful for Thomas Tuchel’s side ahead of the derby.
Spurs will need to be wary of the width utilised by Tuchel who has played wing-backs in both of his games as Chelsea boss so far, with Callum Hudson Odoi and Marcos Alonso looking most likely to start. Mourinho will have to nullify this threat if he wants to control the game after being vulnerable down both sides against Brighton on Sunday.
While Spurs only have two wins in their last nine Premier League matches, Chelsea aren’t much better with three wins in their last ten. However, since the appointment of Tuchel they have picked up four points from a possible six and haven’t conceded a goal.
Spurs haven’t beaten Chelsea in the league since November 2018, where Heung-Min Son scored a superb solo goal after picking the ball just past the halfway line.
Both games between the two clubs have ended in draws, one in the League Cup where Spurs won on penalties – with Mourinho getting one over on his former Chelsea stalwart, Frank Lampard – while the game in the league finished 0-0. At the time, this was a top of table clash and the game saw Joe Rodon make his full Spurs debut.
A win would keep Tottenham above Chelsea in the table with both sides currently sitting on 33 points – they could go into tomorrow’s match nine points off the top four if results don’t go their way. A loss for Spurs could potentially see them slip down to 9th in the table.
Andre Marriner will referee the derby, whilst Stuart Attwell will be overseeing VAR duties from Stockley Park.
The key to any effective transfer policy for any club is to identify problem areas and have creative and pragmatic solutions to said problems. When it comes to Tottenham, this philosophy is not only imperative, but rather mandatory.
So instead of this article being the usual ‘click bait’ about how ‘Spurs can sign Messi’, it will instead focus on transfers that would not only improve the team, but could solve the issues around non-Home Grown player limits.
Before we begin talking about potential incoming players, a mini review of the season so far. Despite an explosive start, Spurs have been on the end of some disastrous results as of late, with the partnership of Son Heung-min and Harry Kane losing its early venom as Jose Mourinho edges further and further into a style mired in defensive pragmatism.
In saying that, all of the blame cannot be shouldered solely by Mourinho, with individual errors plaguing the Spurs back line this season. This has led to the Lilywhites dropping ten points from winning positions already, double that of any other club in the Premier League. This is an issue that coaching alone cannot resolve.
It is a problem that Mourinho and the club’s hierarchy is well aware of and they looked to ameliorate this last summer with various attempts to pry Milan Škriniar away from Inter, but the asking price was simply too high.
However, with Davinson Sanchez still unable to find any consistency after three years in North London and with Japhet Tanganga and Joe Rodon still in the infancy of Tottenham careers, the club may well look to revive a deal for Škriniar in the summer as Mourinho looks to find another missing piece to his Tottenham puzzle. But Škriniar’s the asking price unlikely to have come down, Daniel Levy may have to look for a cheaper option.
My pick would be Marseille ‘s Croatian central defender Duje Ćaleta-Car. At just twenty-four years old he is still yet to hit his peak, but is still experienced enough to start week in, week out. Standing at 6ft 3 inch he certainly fits the mould of a physically imposing defender which Mourinho tends to favour. But he is not just a big brute who will smash it into Row Z at a moment’s opportunity – he is a very accomplished passer of the ball. This season the Croatian has also managed to win a staggering 70% of his aerial duels, a talent that could certainly come in handy for set pieces.
When it comes to the financial outlay, French football has deep financial issues and, even though Marseille is not as detrimentally affected as other teams, Spurs will not need to make silly offer to prise him away. Unfortunately, Tottenham will have to probably shift a non-Home Grown player to get this deal over the line, a task that is a lot easier said than done. The possible outgoings to facilitate this transfer would be a combination of Villarreal taking up the option to sign Juan Foyth and the sale of Davinson Sanchez, neither of which are certainties.
The next problem area is in attacking midfield. Tanguy Ndombele’s emergence as one of the best midfielders in the league is one of a few positive for Spurs fans. The Frenchman has been key member of the Tottenham attacking unit, looking rejuvenated this season and producing moments of pure brilliance, most notably against Sheffield United when he scored an audacious chip with his back to goal to secure three points. And let us not forget the game against Southampton when he pirouetted beautifully to beat the press of two oncoming midfielders and found a defence splitting pass to Son Heung-min who promptly slotted away.
However, despite Ndombele’s electric displays, he and Harry Kane have had to shoulder far too much of the creative burden. Giovani Lo Celso’s stop-start season and the mysterious treatment of Dele Alli hasn’t helped, but this it is still a key problem Spurs need to address in the summer window.
Marcus Edwards could be the answer. Edwards was a highly touted talent during the Mauricio Pochettino era, with the former Spurs coach even once likened him to Lionel Messi. Since leaving for Portuguese side Vitoria S.C in 2019, the twenty-two-year-old has gained a reputation as a dynamic ball carrier with the ability to play on either wing or behind the striker.
He has bags of technical ability and is not too bad with a defence splitting through ball either. Last season, Edwards managed seven league goals and five assists with an additional two goals in the Europa League. Tottenham would have to pay a relatively small fee to resign a player with great potential, as well as much needed creative invention in addition to help solving the growing foreign player issue. The outgoings to facilitate this transfer would likely be either Erik Lamela or Lucas Moura, both of whom are struggling for regular playing time.
The last transfer suggestion has been rumoured for some time. The position is central midfielder, and the player is Marcel Sabitzer. The twenty-six-year-old is a versatile and important cog in Julian Nagelsmann’s RB Leipzig machine, playing numerous roles including right wing, false nine and defensive midfield. Sabitzer’s technical ability, defensive awareness, passing range and athleticism make him the perfect partner for Tottenham’s midfield general Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, with both capable of line breaking passing. Additionally, he already plays under a coach dubbed “Mini Mourinho”, so it may be a quick transition period for Sabitzer if he makes the move to North London. His adaptability in playing in multiple positions and in a variety of systems is surely something that would interest Mourinho.
I believe Tottenham have a fantastic squad, but we lack balance. We must remember we are in a transitional period under Mourinho, but, with a few of the right signings, there is no telling what the club could achieve.
The impact a new centre-back can have on a team’s progression is not to be underestimated. Take for example Virgil Van Dijk’s arrival at Liverpool FC; propelling them to Champions League glory and not to mention a first ever Premier League trophy. Similar rewards were reaped on the blue side of Manchester, with the winter signing of Aymeric Laporte helping spur City to a record-breaking 100 point campaign.
Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez both look to be out of favour.
After consistent tinkering of his back-line, it is reasonable to believe Jose Mourinho will be dreaming of capturing a player of kindred talents to provoke a similar effect at Spurs. The Special One has still not settled upon his first-choice centre-back pairing. Eric Dier has only missed one Premier League game this season, yet costly mistakes in big games continue to frustrate the Spurs faithful. Davinson Sanchez possesses the strength and pace that Mourinho demands in order to play a higher line, however his lack of guile on the ball has limited his chances in the side. With the 31-year-old Toby Alderweireld linked to a summer exit and promising youngsters Joe Rodon and Japhet Tanganga still learning their craft, Tottenham’s necessity for a leader at the back has escalated.
It remains to be seen whether Spurs chairman Daniel Levy would sanction a high-profile coup in the January transfer window, however Mourinho will likely be prompting a plan of action behind the scenes. The following are some players that should, and potentially could be on Mourinho’s wish-list in the coming months.
The Dream Options:
Ibrahima Konate
One player who has recently gained many admirers is RB Leipzig’s Konate. At just 21-years-old the Parisian-born defender fronts an exciting crop of Bundesliga youngsters, having made 52 first-team performances for Leipzig. Christian Falk recently confirmed that Konate has a £40 million release clause which can be activated in the summer transfer window. Spurs are said to hold interest along with a host of EPL giants such as Manchester United.
The French U21 international cuts an intimidating figure for attackers, standing at 6 foot 3 and weighing over 90 kilograms. His height offers a dangerous attacking threat from set pieces, as well as a commanding presence when defending them. Konate not only excels aerially, but also with the ball at his feet. The youngster is adept at carrying the ball out of defence, combining his power and close-control to draw pressure and create passing lanes for teammates to occupy. These traits will excite Mourinho, as well as the Spurs faithful, should the club look to pursue Konate in the summer.
Upamecano (left) and Konate (right) have struck up a solid partnership for Leipzig.
Dayot Upamecano
Perhaps the jewel in Leipzig’s crown, Upamecano has attracted suitors all over Europe with his consistent displays at the top level. Falk claims that the Champions league holders Bayern Munich are leading the race for the Frenchman’s signature, with United, City and Real Madrid waiting in the wings.
Upamecano has notched four goals in his time with Die Roten Bullen, but his main strengths lie in his defensive prowess. Mourinho would be attracted to the 22-year-olds electric pace which would equip Spurs with the means to play a higher defensive line. As well as his impressive power and agility, Upamecano reads the game like a seasoned veteran, meaning he is usually a step ahead of the striker. However, when called upon to defend 1V1 dribbles he is deft, yet aggressive and consequently a pain for any attacker
It is unlikely Upamecano will be playing home games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season. Although, the prospect of regular game-time and learning under Mourinho could prove to be an enticing prospect for the rising star.
Sergio Ramos
Widely regarded as the greatest centre-back of his generation; Ramos has captained Real Madrid over a hugely successful decade. Five La Ligas, four Champions Leagues, two European Championships and a World Cup title are just some of the accolades the Spanish titan has collected. Ramos would certainly bring a winning mentality to N17.
Having established himself as one of the most prolific goal-scoring centre-backs of all time, Ramos is renowned for his attacking threat at set pieces, as well as recently taking the responsibility of penalties and free-kicks. Defensively, the Spanish captain is the original all-rounder; combining aggressive tackling with pace and technical ability, meaning he is rarely flustered. A Rolls-Royce of a centre-back, Ramos’ passion would complement Mourinho’s ‘do or die’ philosophy.
The Guardian have recently claimed that Ramos is unimpressed with Real Madrid’s new contract offer and could be looking for a change of scenery in the summer window. Liverpool and Manchester United have been left on red alert and you’d think that Levy and co will be eyeing a swoop due to the club’s recent relationship with Real Madrid.
Could Ramos be the man to inspire a trophy haul at Spurs?
The Realistic Options:
Merih Demiral
Although he does not quite demand the headlines like the three previous names, Demiral offers a promising option for Spurs. Goal have previously linked the Lilywhites to the 6 foot 3 centre-back, however Juventus were said to be reluctant to part ways with the player. Demiral’s inability to break into the first choice XI of The Old Lady could prove to be a golden opportunity for Spurs to land their man.
Demiral has worked alongside the likes of Georgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci.
At 22-years-old, Demiral will satisfy Levy’s craving for young players with a high sell-on market value. Furthermore, Mourinho will love the pride that the Turk takes in his work; he would rather receive a set of studs to the face than risk conceding. Known for his determination, composure, and tactical assuredness, Demiral would offer a steely yet skilful option for Mourinho’s men.
The temptation of regular first-team football could be enough to convince Demiral to depart Turin.
Milan Skriniar
Another player who Spurs were heavily linked with during the summer window. Fabrizio Romano suggested the clubs could come to an agreement in the January market, although that now looks increasingly unlikely. Mourinho may well bide his time to secure his man this summer.
A commanding leader, Skriniar brings the best out of teammates. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet due to experience of playing as a defensive midfielder. Although, his main fortes lie in his sharp tackling and positional awareness, traits that would bolster Spurs’ defensive ranks.
The rumours of Skriniar’s pending move to North London have grown quiet, as the player has earned more time in an in-form Inter Milan side. However, a transfer should not be ruled out just yet.
Eder Militao
Mourinho could be looking to reuse his Real Madrid contacts once again. Brazilian defender Militao has only made a handful of first-team appearances at the Bernabeu and could look to leave the reigning La Liga champions in this window.
Strong, fast, and intelligent, the former Porto man would tick most of Mourinho’s boxes in order to employ his Spurs team in a more aggressive attacking manner. At 23-years-old, Militao represents a player with promising potential who would not cripple the club financially.
Spurs would face stiff competition from Liverpool, with The Express suggesting Jurgen Klopp could look to secure Miltao’s services in the coming days due to the centre-back crisis facing the Reds.
Could Militao link up with Mourinho in the hope for more minutes?
With the January transfer window now just over halfway through, James Hicks looks at the different ways that Spurs could line up by the start of February, including a few familiar faces as well as new signings.
Keeping The Faith
Although results haven’t been going the way that fans would’ve liked them to recently, this team is 4th for most goals scored in the Premier League, 3rd for least conceded, and the 2nd least conceded from open play behind Manchester City.
Against Sheffield United on Sunday, Steven Bergwijn showed signs of promise to be able to become the third attacker that Tottenham so desperately need to perform alongside Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son and help the team with goal contributions.
Tanguy Ndombele scored a outrageous chip over Aaron Ramsdale at Bramall Lane and is looking fitter than ever, completing 90 minutes of football against the Blades and slowly showing signs of progression with his fitness which I’m sure every Spurs fan is loving to see his improvement and adaption recently.
WHAT. A. FINISH! 😍
From a tight angle Tanguy Ndombele has lifted it over Ramsdale and dropped it right in the bottom corner, with the outside of his foot. Stunning.
The defence is always a major talking point of the Spurs line-up no matter who’s playing and I would argue that this is our most experienced back four, Sergio Reguilon and Serge Aurier give us the width and pace we need in the full-back positions. Toby Alderweireld and Eric Dier have been Jose’s trusted partnership this year and their record from open play speaks for itself, conceding the joint least goals from open play, but as everyone knows, set pieces are a huge problem, an issue perhaps which could be solved with the next line up.
2. The Midfield Trio
This was the line-up Spurs fans were most looking forward to after the close of the summer transfer window with a little twist.
In this scenario, Marcel Sabitzer would join the front three in replacement of Steven Bergwijn, with the Austrian – who has a year and a half left on his contract at RB Leipzig – finally making the move having been linked with Spurs on and off for some time.
He would be a great addition to the squad and would provide a player who is extremely versatile where he can play whether it be just off the strikers in the 10 role, out wide either side of a front three or even central midfield. Sabitzer is flexible and can help with goal contributions from anywhere on the field with the 26-year-old producing 17 goal contributions in 32 games in the Bundesliga last season.
It is more likely, however, that Spurs and Levy will attempt to sign Sabitzer in the summer due to his contract situation, replicating what happened with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg negotiations due to his lack of contract, where Spurs ended up with what is looking like a bargain in the Dane.
Another attraction of this team is the midfield three everyone couldn’t wait to watch play together this season in Giovani Lo Celso, Ndombele and Hojbjerg. The trio have only started together once all season, against LASK in the Europa League where it never really gelled, however with Ndombele fitness now ever increasing hopefully when Lo Celso returns from injury we’ll be able to see these three together in action, a spectacle many Spurs were extremely looking forward to.
In defence I’ve partnered Joe Rodon next to Dier after his impressive performance in his second league start against Sheffield United, in his brief cameos in a back four this season he has been really impressive and arguably deserves a chance at a long run in the team, with Jose Mourinho evidently undecided on who he is going to partner alongside Dier in a back four.
Joe Rodon vs. Sheffield United:
◉ Most recoveries (9) ◉ Most clearances (4) ◉ Most aerials won (4) ◉ Most interceptions (2)
Mourinho first debuted Spurs playing three/five at the back against Wolves, where again Spurs conceded from a set piece, however against Sheffield United it look much more assured and controlled posing the question whether it’s worth playing that formation?
Keeping the same front three – which I would say is the best – and a midfield pivot of Ndombele and Hojbjerg, would help to provide the foundations which this team is built on.
Both Reguilon and Doherty were bought over the summer from Sevilla and Wolves respectively, however we have hardly seen either of them play in a position that they thrive in so much as a wing-back. They both offer great pace and crossing ability for one of the forward three to get their head on, especially Reguilon as seen against Fulham.
Last season Doherty had 12 goal contributions in 50 games for Wolves, while Reguilon had eight contributions in 38 games, at the moment Spurs’ highest goal contributor apart from Son and Kane is Ndombele on four, this is something that Jose needs to find the answer to and quick.
By playing this formation it would give Doherty and Reguilon much more license to get forward without having to worry as much about their defensive duties, instead helping Spurs when they go forward, this could help produce many more goal scoring opportunities with crosses and runs from both wing backs.
With the three centre-backs, it would be fair to say Rodon has more than earnt his chance in defence, here he would be alongside Dier and Japhet Tanganga, Tanganga has severely struggled for game time this season due to a back injury he suffered earlier in the season. However with him now slowly progressing back into the set-up and his superb performances last year he also warrants a chance at centre-back especially with all of Jose’s chopping and changing he has been doing recently at centre-half.
4. The Return of DESK
Is the return of DESK a possibility for Mourinho and Tottenham? Christian Eriksen has been heavily linked back with a move back to White Hart Lane after failing to impress at Inter Milan since his transfer last January.
Dele Alli has suffered a similar dip in form since last season, but is still putting up decent numbers when being put in the team with four goal contributions in twelve matches. What Dele needs is a sustained period in the first XI where he tries to rediscover his form with the full support of his manager and he’ll get back to his best.
Dele, Eriksen, Son and Kane, if both Dele and Eriksen were able to rediscover their form this front four would be formidable and could possibly resolve Tottenham’s reliance on solely Son and Kane to provide goals.
Alderweireld partners Dier in defence in this team, both of whom are accustomed to each other by now having played together for nearly 6 years, many of which have been spent alongside one another at the heart of Spurs’ defence.
Would the return of Dele and Eriksen help to improve Spurs’ creativity moving forward?
I was delighted to join this week’s Last Word On Spurs with Ricky Sacks, Lee McQueen and Richard Cracknell as we reflected on Spurs’ 3-1 win over Sheffield United.
We spoke about Harry Kane’s ever-reliable supply of goals, another magical display from Tanguy Ndombele and our signing of the season, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
We also covered Spurs Women, the January transfer window and had a look ahead to the upcoming FA Cup tie against Wycombe Wanderers.
Playing the understudy to Harry Kane is a bitter-sweet situation for any young striker. On the one hand, the prospect of learning from one of the Premier League’s all-time prolific forwards. On the other, a distinct lack of Premier League minutes. Furthermore, the Spurs talisman does not look like slowing down this season. With 18 goals and 14 assists in 26 games, the England captain has been in scintillating form for Jose Mourinho’s side.
The understudy in question has certainly given Mourinho another viable striking option. Carlos Vinicius has hit the ground running since his loan switch from Portuguese giants Benfica. He has netted six times whilst laying on a further three assists for teammates in as little as nine games for the Lilywhites. Remarkably, the Brazilian has only started five games for Spurs in all competitions, a testament to his knack for scoring goals.
The 6”3 target-man hasn’t always been primarily focused on scoring. During his youth career, he was largely employed as a central defender due to his height and athleticism. He made his senior debut in 2017 as a defensive midfielder for fourth-tier Brazilian side Caldense. A move to Gremio Anapolis saw Vinicius play as an attacking midfielder before completing his rapid positional journey to become a forward. A switch to Europe saw the striker join Portuguese side Real SC. A £4 million switch to Napoli resulted in impressive loan moves to both Rio Ave and Monaco. Vinicius eventually signed for Portuguese champions Benfica in the summer of 2019. Notching 18 goals and 5 assists in 32 league matches for The Eagles was enough to convince Spurs chairman Daniel Levy into a year-long loan with a £45 million option to buy this summer.
Spurs fans have grown familiar with seeing Vinicius bring down long-balls and link play. These characteristics make him a useful weapon for when Mourinho’s side cannot play a counter-attacking game. As well as his strength and aerial threat, Vinicius has a respectable burst of pace and is technically adept to dribble at speed. This dimension to his game provides a more than valid attacking alternative for days in which Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son are struggling to convert.
During his stint at Benfica, Vinicius was primarily utilised as a striker in a 4-4-2 formation. Mourinho has employed the same formation at points in his successful spell at Inter Milan, as well as currently in North London. The prospect of having both Kane and Vinicius to deal with is a headache for any centre-back partnership. Due to his pace and impressive agility, Vinicius also occasionally occupied a wide attacking birth during his time in Portugal. This gives the Special One a more combative wide option compared to the trickery of Steven Bergwijn, the raw pace of Lucas Moura, and the intelligence of Gareth Bale.
The current situation is beneficial for both the club and the player. At 25-years-old, Vinicius is entering the golden years of his career. Having been given a chance in the Premier League, he will feel he has to seize every playing opportunity that comes his way. Furthermore, having a hungry striker seeking to prove he belongs at the top level will only benefit Spurs. Time will tell if Vinicius has impressed enough to warrant a permanent switch.
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