The glory hasn’t always followed, but Tottenham Hotspur have had some truly world-class stars play for them over the last ten to 15 years.

The one who was able to cement his legacy with a trophy was Son Heung-min, but the likes of Harry Kane, Mousa Dembélé and Luka Modrić were just as brilliant for the North Londoners.

However, when it comes to a combination of otherworldly talent and entertainment value, it’s hard to look past Gareth Bale.

The Welshman transformed into one of the best players in the world at Spurs, and it now looks like the club might have a new version of him.

Bale's rise at Spurs

Ask any Spurs fan what season Bale hit his peak at the club, and the vast majority will say his final season, 12/13.

That campaign saw the Welshman reach levels nobody really knew he could, as he scored 26 goals and provided ten assists in just 44 appearances, totalling 3,891 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal or assist every 1.22 games, or every 108.08 minutes.

Such a ludicrous rate of return for a team that only finished fifth was enough for Real Madrid to come sniffing, and one world record bid of £85m later, the Spanish giants got exactly what they wanted.

However, while the memory of the international legend at Spurs is a great one, things were not always so straightforward for him, nor was he always such a goal machine.

In fact, when the club signed him from Southampton in May 2007, he wasn’t even an attacker; he was a highly rated full-back.

That’s the position he continued to play, through injuries and poor form, for a couple of years in North London, until, partway through the 09/10 season, Harry Redknapp decided to move him up the pitch and play him on the wing.

The rest, as they say, is history, and while Spurs might not have another winger as devastatingly effective as Bale, they might have another international in the making who could be as good in their own position.

Spurs' new Bale

Spurs have several exciting young talents com

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

ing through the academy at the moment, from Luca Williams-Barnett to Oliver Irow, but there is one out on loan who could just be the best of the lot.

That youngster is, of course, Luka Vušković, who is currently on a season-long loan with Bundesliga side Hamburg, and by all accounts, is having an exceptional season so far.

In fact, the Croatian wonderkid has just been named the league’s rookie of the month, and has clearly won over the fans, with content creator Fiago claiming that he’s “the best 18-year-old center back I’ve ever seen in my life.”

That’s not all, though, as not long after the Lilywhites originally signed the youngster, respected analyst Ben Mattinson described him as a “freak athlete” and a “freak talent” with a “scary ceiling,” which sounds quite Bale-esque.

Combine these raving reviews with the fact that he’s currently playing in defence, still incredibly young, and has proven himself to be something of an attacking force over the last year or so, and the comparison is easy to make.

For example, in 36 appearances for KVC Westerloo last season, the Split-born titan scored seven goals and provided three assists, and in just four appearances this year, he has already opened his account.

Appearances

36

4

Minutes

2965′

360′

Goals

7

1

Assists

3

0

Goal Involvements per Match

0.27

0.25

Minutes per Goal Involvements

296.5′

360′

Finally, he has already won a senior cap for Croatia, so it looks like he’s set to dominate on the domestic and international scene for a long time to come.

Ultimately, Vušković is unlikely to become a winger like Bale, but there is arguably even more hype around him today than around the Welshman when he joined Spurs, and he looks set for superstardom.

Spurs sold "phenomenal" striker for just £7m, now he's as prolific as Kane

The incredible striker Spurs sold is starting to play like Harry Kane.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 7, 2025

Arsenal are now looking to sign a £87m striker with the same agent as Kai Havertz, joining a number of their Premier League rivals in the race for his signature.

Gunners looking to sign new striker amid Gyokeres criticism

Having knocked on the door in each of the last three Premier League seasons, finishing second on each occasion, the Gunners look like they are finally in a strong position to take the final step and win the title, most recently defeating Crystal Palace 1-0.

The narrow victory ensured Mikel Arteta’s side moved four points clear at the top of the table, with their stellar defensive record one of the main reasons they continue to set the pace, having shipped just three goals in their opening nine league games.

At the opposite end of the pitch, summer signing Viktor Gyokeres was seen as the final piece of the jigsaw, but the Swedish striker has already developed a reputation of a ‘flat track bully’, having scored just three league goals, two of which coming against Leeds United in August.

Troy Deeney has recently made it clear he doesn’t believe Gyokeres is in the same bracket as Harry Kane or Erling Haaland, given that Brighton & Hove Albion’s Danny Welbeck is outscoring the former Sporting CP man in the Premier League this season.

Gyokeres is regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, but there has now been a suggestion that Arsenal are already planning to bring in another new striker, with a report from Caught Offside stating they are keen on FC Porto’s Samu Omorodion.

Omorodion is protected by a monster release clause of €100m (£87m), so the Gunners would need to be willing to spend big to get a deal done, and they are not the only English club keen, with Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest also in the race.

The north Londoners have sent scouts to watch the Porto star in action in recent weeks, and they are likely to have been left impressed by his performances…

Arsenal now rivalling Real Madrid for "powerful" £61m maestro who Arteta loves

The Gunners are looking to sign another midfielder.

ByDominic Lund Oct 26, 2025 "Box dominator" Omorodion on fire in Portugal

The 21-year-old is off to a very impressive start to the season, amassing eight goals in all competitions for Porto, and the youngster is showing signs he could be on course to have his best season to date, having progressed year-on-year since breaking through in Spain.

Season

Appearances (all competitions)

Goals

2023-24

36

9

2024-25

45

27

2025-26

10

8

During that time, the former Alaves man also caught the eye of scout Ben Mattinson, who hailed him as a “box dominator” back in February.

Omorodion could be capable of becoming a top-level striker, but there are doubts over whether he would be a necessary signing for Arsenal, given that Gyokeres and Havertz are also on the books, with the Spain international interestingly represented by the same agent as the German.

أكد عادل مصطفى مدرب فريق الكرة بالنادي الأهلي، على أهمية التتويج بلقب كأس السوبر المصري على حساب الزمالك، مشيدًا بـ أحمد عبد الرؤوف المدير الفني للقلعة البيضاء.

وتوج النادي الأهلي للمرة الخامسة على التوالي والـ16 في تاريخه، بعد الفوز على الزمالك، بنتيجة 2-0، سجل الأهداف أشرف بن شرقي ومروان عطية.

وقال عادل مصطفى في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “أبو ظبي” الرياضية: “كانت البطولة مهمة، وكان هناك ضغط كبير على اللاعبين، ظهر تدرج في المستوى خلال المباريات الأخيرة، وكان الجميع في حالة تركيز عالية، كنا واثقين من أننا سنلعب بشكل جيد”.

وأضاف: “بداية جهاز فني جديد ببطولة أمر مهم، ولا يضع عليك ضغوطًا بعد ذلك، أعتقد أن فترة التوقف القادمة ستكون مهمة، وسنعمل بأريحية، سنغلق صفحة البطولة الحالية ونركز من الغد على البطولة القادمة”.

وعن أداء اللاعبين، أوضح: “عملنا بشكل جيد جدًا، وبدأنا إفريقيا بأداء ونتائج جيدة، وكان لدينا تعثر في الدوري، ولكن الأداء كان جيدًا، والجماهير كانت تتوقع نتائج أفضل”.

طالع |أول تعليق من زيزو بعد التتويج مع الأهلي بـ كأس السوبر المصري أمام الزمالك

وأشار: “اللاعبون كانوا واثقين مما يفعلون، ونحن كجهاز فني نثق بأن اللاعبين جيدون، ولم يكن هناك ضغط عليهم، الجمهور كان لديه رغبة في الفوز، وهذا شيء طبيعي، ونحن معتادون على ذلك”.

واستطرد: “قدمنا مباراة بتروجيت بشكل جيد، والأهداف المتوقعة كانت نحو خمسة تقريبًا، والمصري نحو ثلاثة تقريبًا، أما سيراميكا كليوباترا فقد قدمنا أداءً محترمًا جدًا، وحققنا الفوز في النهاية”.

وزاد: “اليوم كان الأداء جيدًا جدًا، اللاعبون يتطورون بشكل ملحوظ، وهناك التزام وروح داخل الملعب، وكل فرد يسير ضمن النظام، وهذا أهم شيء، الأداء ثابت، حدث تحسن في المنظومة الدفاعية، واللاعبون لديهم أفضل من ذلك، اللاعبون قدموا مباراة جيدة جدًا أمام الزمالك، وقد حققنا الهدف من المباراة وهو الفوز بالبطولة”.

وأضاف: “أحمد عبد الرؤوف مدرب شاطر جدًا، عندنا شيء في مجال التدريب، المدرب يتم تقييمه بالنتائج، قد تكون أنت كمدرب عندك شيء ولكن لا تناسب الفريق الذي تتولى مسؤوليته، قد تقود فرقًا صغيرة وأدائك غير ظاهر، إنما عبد الرؤوف لديه شيء جيد جدًا وفكر جيد”.

وأكمل: “عبد الروؤف أدى مباراة طلائع الجيش وبيراميدز بشكل جيد جدًا، وأوجه له التحية”.

وأتم: “اليوم كان يحاول أن يقدم شيئًا جيدًا وهذا شيء يحسب له، هو مدرب شاب وقادم بقوة، أدى مباريات جيدة في حدود المتاح له، لديه فكرة ويحارب عليها”.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix were on target as Al-Nassr comfortably thrashed Neom 3-1 to extend their lead over Al-Taawoun to three points at the top of the Saudi Pro League table. After a quiet second half, the floodgates opened with Gabriel's powerful shot before the Portuguese icon doubled the lead. Felix then scored the final goal to seal a memorable win for the Saudi giants.

• Al-Nassr's eighth consecutive win

  Al-Nassr and Neom played out an exciting first half, albeit goalless, as both teams had numerous chances to break the deadlock. Al-Nassr, of course, dominated proceedings with each of Ronaldo, Joao Felix and Sadio Mane coming close to opening their account in the game but they failed to keep the ball inside the goal.

  Ronaldo possibly squandered the easiest chance of the half as he failed to keep his header on target from close range. Mane too missed a simple opportunity after miskicking the ball when inside the box.

  The Saudi giants, though, did not take much time in the second half to open their scoring as in-form midfielder and ex-Chelsea star Angelo Gabriel broke the deadlock with a picture-perfect finish. In the 48th minute, Ronaldo took a free-kick from just outside the box, which was blocked by the Neom defenders but from the rebound, Gabriel scored with a brilliant grounded shot. 

  Just seven minutes later, Neom were dealt another blow as striker Luciano Rodríguez was given his marching orders for a reckless challenge. The Uruguayan attacker was taking his position on the edge of the box to meet a cross from the left side when he intentionally elbowed an Al-Nassr player in the neck. The referee consulted the VAR before brandishing a red card. It was indeed a massive blow for Neom as they had already lost ex-Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette in the first half due to injury.

  Ronaldo soon completed his 953rd career goal after finding the back of the net from the penalty spot. In the earlier move, Ronaldo had seen his attempt saved from close range by compatriot Luis Maximiano but Joao Felix chased the second ball. The Portuguese forward tried to regain possession, but he was shoved from behind, which led to the spot-kick.

  Ahmed Abdo pulled one back for the hosts in the 84th minute as Mohamed Simakan was caught napping. Abdo received the ball behind Simakan and comfortably placed it into the goal. Neom's celebrations were, however, short-lived as Joao Felix scored the third and final goal of the game to secure crucial three points. 

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• getty
  

  The MVP

  Ronaldo was once again on target as Al-Nassr extended their winning streak in the Saudi Pro League to eight games. The 40-year-old veteran star displayed a lively performance throughout the 90 minutes and also scored the team's crucial second goal from a spot-kick. 

• The big loser

  Uruguayan striker Rodríguez was the main villain for Neom tonight as his reckless behaviour on the pitch led to his team being reduced to 10 men. Up until the sending off, Neom were fighting tooth and nail against the giants of the league, but his red card completely changed the complexion of the game. Rodriguez should have kept in mind that he was the team's last attacker for the night, especially after Lacazette's injury. 

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  Match rating (out of five): ⭐⭐⭐

MatériaMais Notícias

Independentemente do candidato que se tornar o novo presidente do Corinthians a partir de janeiro de 2024, o clube alvinegro terá mudanças no seu departamento de futebol. Alessandro não seguirá como gerente, abrindo espaço para um novo profissional. O nome de Rodrigo Caetano circula nos bastidores políticos do Timão, mas até agora não houve contato algum de qualquer postulante ao cargo máximo no Time do Povo nos próximos três anos.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansEx-jogador acusa o Corinthians de ‘compra casada’ na contratação de Eduardo Ramos durante a primeira passagem de ManoCorinthians13/10/2023CorinthiansPróximo de feito histórico com a Albânia, entenda por que Sylvinho saiu ‘chutado’ do CorinthiansCorinthians13/10/2023CorinthiansCapitão da Seleção Brasileira, Casemiro quase iniciou a carreira no CorinthiansCorinthians13/10/2023

+ Garanta a sua vaga no curso que formou craques como Pet, Dante e Léo Moura! Cupom: LANCE1000

Caetano está empregado no Atlético-MG, onde no ano passado renovou o seu vínculo até o fim de 2026 com o clube mineiro.

Representante da oposição, Augusto Mello admite internamente o desejo de, caso eleito, contar com alguém considerado de alto escalão no mercado para comandar o futebol corintiano. No entanto, ele ainda não abriu conversas com possíveis nomes para assumir a função. O candidato passou os últimos dias focado em definir os associados que o acompanhariam na formação da sua chapa, registrada na quarta-feira (11).

Já no lado da situação, que tem André Luiz de Oliveira, o André Negão, como aspirante à presidência do Corinthians, a definição de um gerente passará diretamente pela escolha do diretor de futebol. De acordo com o estatuto do clube alvinegro, essa função não pode ser remunerada. Existem boas chances do ex-presidente Andrés Sanchez ocupar essa função e voltar a ser o homem forte do futebol no Timão.

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Ainda não foi definido oficialmente se Andrés vai ocupar alguma função diretiva no Timão, no caso de André ser eleito. Esse é o desejo do candidato, mas existe receio sobre uma repercussão negativa com o movimento. De toda forma, Sanchez terá influência direta no clube alvinegro em uma possível administração de Negão por conta da proximidade entre os dois.

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Ainda assim, a ideia é ter um profissional remunerado na equipe de futebol para fazer a função de gerência, hoje exercida por Alessandro. O intuito seria que essa pessoa fosse um elo entre a diretoria e o campo, enquanto o diretor de futebol trabalhasse mais nos assuntos envolvendo o mercado.

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No caso de Augusto, a ideia é ter um executivo de futebol e um gerente. Sobre esse segundo cargo, há chances de ser exercido pelo ex-zagueiro Chicão. A função de diretor ainda não foi discutida internamente.

Bangladesh are searching for a 3-0 series clean sweep; Pakistan are looking for fixes

Danyal Rasool23-Jul-2025

Big picture: Can Bangladesh make it 3-0?Bangladesh set aside Pakistan’s pseudo-paternalistic concerns about their home pitches not helping them away on Tuesday. After all, this series is taking place in Bangladesh, and in the corresponding one six weeks ago, Pakistan prepared surfaces designed to suit their own game; it hasn’t exactly helped them away in Bangladesh, either.A dominant bowling performance helped Bangladesh wrap up the three-match T20I series at the earliest opportunity, with the visitors grateful for a counterattacking knock from Faheem Ashraf that staved off sharper embarrassment, though not defeat.Coming a day after the tragic events of a plane crash into a school that took many lives, an emotional crowd in Dhaka were given something to cheer by a home performance which oscillated between steel and swagger. The former was required when Pakistan’s bowlers punctured Bangladesh’s top order repeatedly in the powerplay and beyond; Jaker Ali and Mahedi Hasan stanching the bleeding and keeping alive their hopes in the contest. The fast bowlers then lit the stadium up in a scarcely believable powerplay where they took five wickets.Related

Hesson slams 'unacceptable' Mirpur pitch

Bangladesh seal first T20I series win against Pakistan

Jaker: 'I only count match-winning runs, the rest doesn't register'

Even more satisfying, perhaps, for Bangladesh is the well-roundedness of their displays this series. They showed, in the first game, an ability to hunt down a low-scoring total with ease despite early pressure, before defending one in the second, holding their nerve in a tight finish. They even rested two of their best performers in the second contest – Tanzid Hasan and Taskin Ahmed – without leaving them too exposed in these conditions. At just about every stage in each game, they have found themselves ahead of Pakistan, and fittingly, that’s where they are guaranteed to stay.When Pakistan trounced this opposition at home a few weeks earlier, captain Salman Agha had said he would judge his team by intent more than results. However, that intent – particularly on Tuesday after Pakistan lost a heap of early wickets – was lacking for large periods. The asking rate ballooned to a point where, even in a low-scoring game, Pakistan scored 78 off the last 45 balls and still end up short. Salman himself scratched around for 23 balls, managing just nine.However, one thing going for Pakistan is that they have a large number of T20Is over the rest of the year. If they find themselves unable to implement the fixes they have so publicly promised they are seeking, it won’t be for lack of match practice. The final game against Bangladesh may offer a window into how quickly those fixes can begin to be implemented.Form guideBangladesh: WWWWL
Pakistan: LLWWWMustafizur Rahman returned outstanding figures of 4-0-6-2 in the first T20I•BCB

In the spotlight: Mustafizur Rahman and Hasan NawazMustafizur Rahman has tormented Pakistan this series, using his famous offcutters on a surface designed to make them impossibly difficult to play. The pace-on variation makes that weapon even more deadly, and Bangladesh have wrapped up the series before Pakistan have figured out how to handle him. Across two games, he boasts an economy rate under five and has taken three wickets, including the one that finished Pakistan off on Tuesday. Should Bangladesh play him with the series already done, there’s little to suggest Pakistan won’t struggle similarly against him.Hasan Nawaz intersperses big scores and impactful innings with a string of low ones, and he’s in the latter cycle right now. He’s faced ten deliveries this series, but he’s yet to score, dismissed for a duck each innings. It’s been a story that’s repeated itself throughout his brief career so far; the T20I series against New Zealand in March saw him score one century but add just a solitary run in the other four innings. It is that explosiveness that Pakistan use to justify his selection, and what they will bank on as they try and avoid a series whitewash.Team news: Farhan, Muqeem to get a chance?Bangladesh may rest the odd player or two with the series done, but there are no new injury concerns.Bangladesh (probable XI): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Parvez Hossain Emon, 3 Litton Das (capt), 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Jaker Ali (wk), 6 Shamim Hossain, 7 Mahedi Hasan, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Tanzim Hasan Sakib, 10 Mustafizur Rahman/Shoriful Isman, 11 Taskin AhmedWill Sufiyan Muqeem come into the side for the third T20I?•AFP/Getty Images

Sahibzada Farhan is yet to get a game this series, as is Sufiyan Muqeem. The inclusion of either won’t be a surprise, though Pakistan’s weakened bowling attack means they will continue to be forced to turn to part-timers to run through an innings.Pakistan: (probable XI): 1 Fakhar Zaman, 2 Saim Ayub/Sahibzada Farhan, 3 Mohammad Haris (wk), 4 Hasan Nawaz, 5 Salman Agha (capt), 6 Khushdil Shah, 7 Abbas Afridi, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Ahmed Daniyal, 10 Salman Mirza, 11 Abrar Ahmed/Sufiyan MuqeemPitch and conditionsMirpur has stayed dry even amidst heavy monsoon rain in Dhaka of late. There’s an afternoon shower forecast, while the pitch – a subject of such focus this week – is unlikely to be significantly different.Stats and triviaRishad Hossain is two wickets away from becoming the sixth Bangladeshi man to reach 50 T20I wicketsBangladesh have won two T20I series 3-0 against Full Members – once at home against England in 2023, and one in the West Indies last year

Fatima Sana continues to lead the 15-member squad that does not have Nida Dar, who is on an indefinite break

Danyal Rasool23-Jul-2025Twenty-year-old Eyman Fatima has been called up to the Pakistan T20I squad to tour Ireland following her success in the National T20 tournament in May.Fatima was the fourth-highest run-scorer in that tournament, amassing 287 runs at a strike rate in excess of 155. She had earlier played in the inaugural women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup in 2023 and was Pakistan’s highest run-getter there (and fourth overall) with 157 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 126.61.Fatima Sana will lead the side that will play three T20Is in Dublin. Sana was both the highest run-scorer and the player with the highest strike rate at the National T20 tournament. These will be the first T20Is Pakistan play this year; the last time they played in the format was at the T20 World Cup last year.Related

Nida Dar takes indefinite break from cricket

Allrounder Nida Dar, the highest wicket-taker in Pakistan women’s T20I history, and behind only Australian Megan Schutt globally, took an indefinite break from cricket following a breakdown in the relationship between her and the board and last played for Pakistan at that T20 World Cup. This squad, though, is similar to the one which, under new head coach Mohammad Wasim, stormed through the ODI qualifiers at home earlier this year, winning all five games.The squad was chosen from among the 24 players, who have taken part in a skills camp in Karachi that concludes on July 27. Following that, the 15 players selected will undergo an additional pre-series training camp before leaving for Ireland.The three T20Is take place on August 6, 8 and 10.Pakistan squad for T20Is vs IrelandFatima Sana (capt), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali (wk), Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Tuba Hassan, Waheeda Akhtar

Tea Shubman Gill and KL Rahul weathered a testing spell from England’s bowlers to produce a wicketless middle session on day four in Manchester, but it was perhaps the only thing that went India’s way after Ben Stokes’ century carried his team to a total of 669 and a lead of 311. Then Chris Woakes struck twice in the first over before India could score any runs to create incredible drama.India went to tea at 86 for 2, still 225 runs behind. They could easily have lost their captain for 46 had Liam Dawson been able to hold on to a tough catch at gully but Gill made the most of that generosity to continue his run-spree. He went past Virat Kohli’s 655 runs against England in 2016 and is chasing down Sunil Gavaskar’s record of most runs as an Indian captain in a Test series (732).Stokes did not bring himself to bowl any of the 29 overs so far, a sign of perhaps the workload he has already taken on. He is playing back to back Tests. He picked up a five-for in the first innings and backed it up with a century – a rare feat among players and even rarer among captains. In scoring 141, he broke a spell of 35 innings without a hundred and earned himself a spot among the best allrounders in the history of cricket. There were, prior to his efforts at Old Trafford, only two with 7000 runs and 200 wickets – Garry Sobers and Jacques Kallis.England’s innings reached incredible heights – 669 was their fifth-highest total in Tests – and it ended with 15 minutes for their bowlers to target India before lunch. Woakes produced a beauty from around the wicket to trap Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck – angled in, seaming away, taking the leading edge to first slip. Then Sai Sudharsan made a mistake born out of spending 157 overs in the field, fatigue resulting in him misjudging a ball that was short and wide. In the end, he ended up getting caught at second slip trying to play the leave.

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes enjoyed yet another stellar start against the Miami Marlins at PNC Park on Monday night, as the rookie righthander struck out nine Marlins while allowing one earned run across six innings of work to earn his 10th win of the season.

After he was done for the day, Skenes, like a talented artist, took a moment to admire his work.

Cameras caught the Pirates pitcher in the dugout, with a teammate behind him, staring at the scoreboard and counting all nine of his strikeouts out loud. When he finished, Skenes smiled and turned away from the camera.

All in a day's work for Skenes, who also set the Pirates' record for the most strikeouts in a single season by a rookie since 1900 after recording his first punchout in the top of the first inning.

Skenes, 10-2 with a 2.10 ERA and 151 strikeouts in 120 innings pitched, remains in the running for the National League Rookie of the Year award, along with San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill.

Tottenham Hotspur took the lead in short time against Aston Villa at the weekend, and Thomas Frank’s clear impetus on fast starts is an exciting addition indeed.

But Spurs failed to make that early advantage count as Unai Emery’s Villa gained momentum and left with the spoils in the Premier League. Tottenham’s wretched home form drags on.

Evident is the deep creative issue the Lilywhites are struggling to uproot at the moment. But there’s much room for optimism, with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski working hard to return from their long-term injuries.

(1) Crystal Palace

12

17.1

(2) Man United

11

14.9

(3) Man City

17

14.4

(4) Arsenal

15

13.6

(5) Liverpool

14

13.6

(14) Tottenham

14

8.3

Such midfielders are the playmaking stars in north London, true, but Xavi Simons was signed as a difference-maker, and he’s failing to inspire thus far.

Xavi Simons' Spurs career so far

Simons, 22, joined Tottenham from RB Leipzig this summer for around £51m. The Netherlands international has long been regarded among the brightest talents of his age bracket, and he posted 22 goals and 24 assists across two seasons in Germany.

But the English game is a tough one, and across eight fixtures in a Tottenham shirt so far, Simons has yet to open his account, assisting once, on his debut against West Ham United.

He’s a tenacious little player but needs to get up to speed with the pace and rigorousness of the Premier League, and find his footing from a creative standpoint too.

Considering the injured midfielders working hard to return could threaten Simons’ starting berth in the coming months, there’s a case to be made that Frank will utilise the one-time Barcelona academy star from a wider berth.

But with Mikey Moore currently out on loan with Rangers, that spot may well be taken in the years to come.

The Spurs teenager coming for Mikey Moore's shirt number

Moore is still only 18, but already he has featured 21 times for Tottenham’s senior set-up, scoring once and assisting two goals. Scouts have lauded him for his “world-class” potential, and he had a big fan in Ange Postecoglou.

Last season, en route to Tottenham’s Europa League triumph, the teenager bagged his first senior goal against IF Elfsborg, drawing all the plaudits.

Hailed as a “superstar” of a prospect by journalist Fabrizio Romano, Moore’s dynamic approach to his game will serve him well as his physical development continues, and though he’s struggled on loan with Rangers this term, that is more of a reflection of the sinking ship that is Ibrox, embroiled in so many problems this season.

The England U19 captain, with seven goals from 13 games, operates across the frontline, but the left channel is ostensibly the position he is most naturally suited to, with his electric pace and ability to leave defenders munching dust lending itself to the role.

And, while he has yet to establish himself as a prolific force on the senior stage, Moore’s staggering returns on the development scene have created quite the noise around his name. In the U18 Premier League, for example, the diminutive forward posted 17 goals and 12 assists across just 22 appearances. ​​​​​​

Tottenham U18

24

19 (13)

Tottenham

21

1 (2)

Rangers

7

0 (1)

Tottenham U21

5

2 (2)

Tottenham U19

5

0 (0)

Already, the fleet-footed talent ranks among the top 16% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues this season for assists per 90, data courtesy of FBref, and this natural-born creativity is something Tottenham could clearly add to their ranks right now, especially with Simons flattering to deceive.

Simons is an immensely talented attacking midfielder, and he will surely come good, but Moore is a one-of-a-kind talent, striking that balance between entertaining, showpiece football and the intelligent and calculated approach needed to steer through the many grittier moments of a campaign.

Youth scout Jacek Kulig has hailed Moore as “one of the most talented players of his generation in Europe”, and there’s no question that Spurs expect him to play a pivotal role under Frank’s wing in the years to come.

Last season, former Spurs boss Postecoglou had said he’s “very mature for a 17-year-old”, able to grasp the different facets of multi-positional play while retaining prolificness at youth level.

Maddison has even made the rather bold claim of Moore being Neymar-esque when carrying the ball down the wing, artful and elegant but also in full control.

This current campaign will teach him a thing or two about adversity, with Rangers having won just one of their opening eight Premiership matches, languishing some 13 points behind surprise league leaders Hearts.

Of course, there’s nothing to say that Simons and Moore couldn’t operate in harmony in the Tottenham attack, but, as acknowledged already, Kulusevski and Maddison are currently recovering on the sidelines.

The success of Spurs’ Swedish star when shuffled into a central creative berth underscores the size of the task in front of Simons, who was criticised by football.london for his ‘poor’ performance against Aston Villa at the weekend, hit with a 5/10 match rating.

All told, Frank has still made a steady start to life at the Tottenham helm, but he has several creases to iron out, and if Simons continues to struggle in his creative role, Moore might just return and find a pathway toward the starting line-up.

He has already been billed as a teenage talent with the potential to feature on the Premier League billboards, and that will soon be put to the test under Frank’s leadership.

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