Kane joined Bayern Munich from Spurs in the summer in a protracted transfer saga that dominated the headlines in the summer transfer window. The deal was finalised for a reported fee in excess of €100 million ($110m) bringing the curtain down on a 19-year-old career for the forward in N17 (ESPN).

He departed Spurs as the club’s all-time top goalscorer and was just 47 shy of eclipsing Alan Shearer’s Premier League record, the academy graduate played 430 times for Spurs, scoring 278 goals and providing 64 assists across all competitions (Transfermarkt). 

Whilst everyone widely expected him to succeed at Bayern Munich, not even Kane would have envisioned the start he has had to life in Germany. In just 18 matches for Bayern this season, he has already scored 22 goals and provided seven assists (Transfermarkt).

(Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Porro admits he wishes Kane had stayed at Spurs

Speaking to the Telegraph, Porro opened up on the exit of Harry Kane, admitting that it was a very painful saga in the summer.

He said: “Kane’s exit was painful for everyone because he was the heart and soul of the club. I would have liked to have enjoyed Kane more because we didn’t spend much time together. He is a special striker, used to scoring goals everywhere. He has not found it difficult to adapt to Bayern. He is undoubtedly one of the best in the world.”

“However, I think we at Tottenham have been able to overcome that absence quickly. Maybe there are more authoritative voices now. Son, for example, has taken the baton. Since Kane left, he’s stepped up, he’s taken responsibility and you can feel that inside and outside the dressing room. People usually underestimate him, maybe because he was always in the background, but he’s an out-and-out player.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Whilst Kane’s exit a few days before the new season left a bitter taste in the mouth, all the parties involved have moved on pretty well. While Kane has had a great start to life in Germany, we have had a great start to life under Ange Postecoglou and have moved on quickly.

The post ‘Was painful for everyone’ – Spurs defender opens up on the departure of Harry Kane appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

Back in January of this year, Porro completed a switch from Sporting to Spurs on an initial loan deal which became a permanent move in the summer for a fee of €45m (£39.7m – Guardian).

Since joining the club, the 24-year-old Spaniard has made 29 appearances for Spurs, scoring three goals and providing seven assists across all competitions (Transfermarkt) and has cemented his place as Postecoglou’s first-choice right-back ahead of Emerson Royal.

However, not everything was plain sailing for Porro in the early months of his career in North London with former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood having been extremely critical of the defender in th wake of hs debut at Leicester, a game which they lost 4-1 (Daily Mail).

Porro has shown great determination to grow into his role in N17. This season, he has adapted well to the inverted full-back role that Postecoglou expects him to play and is showing a plenty of tactical flexibility.

(Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images)

Porro opens up on adaptation to new role

Speaking to the Telegraph, about his difficult start to life at Spurs, here is what Porro had to say about his difficult period.

“I remember the first few weeks I struggled with everything. On my debut I said to myself: ‘These guys are on a motorbike. Either I wake up or they’re going to eat me.’”

“I had to do more gym work. Before, I didn’t do anything in the afternoons, just preventive work, but when I arrived in England I had to do double sessions because the pace and intensity of the Premier League is diabolical.”

On playing in a new tactical system as an inverted full-back under Postecoglou, he added: “This tactical system is new in my career because I have never played inside. I feel very comfortable in this role although at first it took some getting used to in pre-season. Ange tried to advise me, to make me see how I had to position myself to receive the ball better on the inside.”

“It may seem easy but finding the spaces is not. And that also requires a high level of concentration because you can’t forget to defend. In the last two years of my career, I have improved especially in that defensive order. Before maybe I was a player who was mainly concerned with attacking, but now I have to do more things. And honestly I’m enjoying defending. Attacking is always more fun, but this other ability has given me confidence.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I will be the first one to admit that I was not very impressed by Porro’s debut for Spurs at the King Power Stadium. That said, he was coming to a new league and needed some time to adapt. The talent was always there.

Now, Porro has made the right-back role at Spurs his own. He was always comfortable going outside but is now adept at coming inside too. Postecoglou is making the perfect use of the Spaniard.

The post ‘Going to eat me’ – £39.7m player opens up on his difficult start to life at Spurs appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

While on paper, three back-to-back defeats sound like a disaster, Ange Postecoglou and the Tottenham players will argue that the rub of the green has entirely gone against them over recent weeks.

Spurs gave an excellent account of themselves despite being down to nine men against Chelsea and gave up two goals in injury times against Wolves.

Similarly against Aston Villa, despite having a major injury crisis, the home side dominated proceedings, had three goals ruled out for offside and hit the post twice.

That is perhaps why there is not a sense of doom and gloom among Tottenham fans at the moment or any great fear that the wheels have come off.

(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Tottenham players will keep fighting through crisis

The players certainly do not appear to have lost belief, with Lo Celso, Gil and Porro taking to social media to thank the fans for their support and vowing to give their all to turn things around sooner rather than later.

Here’s how they reacted:

Not the result we wanted, but we'll keep fighting Thanks to our fans for the support ! pic.twitter.com/IKSbxpPSwx

— Giovani Lo Celso (@LoCelsoGiovani) November 26, 2023

Sometimes things don't go the way we want, but we must try to keep a strong mentality and learn from our mistakes. Fans, you are incredible. @SpursOfficial pic.twitter.com/dq9vzmxvfc

— Pedro Porro (@Pedroporro29_) November 26, 2023

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bryan Gil (@bryan11gil)

Spurs Web Opinion

My faith in Postecoglou and his methods have only been further reinforced after yesterday as I thought we played some outstanding football at times, even though we were missing almost an entire team of players due to injuries and suspensions.

The post ‘We’ll keep fighting’ – Lo Celso, Bryan Gil and Pedro Porro react to Villa defeat appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

Sherwood was infamously quite critical of Porro soon after the right-back joined Spurs from Sporting Lisbon back in January.

The former Spurs interim boss blasted the 24-year-old following his debut at Leicester City, stating at the time that the Spaniard is “so bad it’s unbelievable” (talkSPORT).

Porro has since silenced his critics and has had a fine start to the season, having adapted impressively to the demands of the inverted full-back role under Ange Postecoglou.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 19: Pedro Porro of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 19, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)

Tim Sherwood piles more criticism onto Pedro Porro

However, Sherwood has seemingly not changed his mind about the Spain international, labelling him a ‘poor defender’ ahead of the London derby, and suggesting that Mauricio Pochettino’s men could exploit his weaknesses.

The pundit told Premier League Productions (06/11/23 at 5:45 pm): “The weakness is the fullbacks. If Udogie isn’t fit, I think he has done brilliantly. Pedro Porro is a poor defender. But he is a very good going forward. If I was Chelsea, then I would try to exploit that.”

The right-back once again proved his one-on-one defensive prowess against the Blues, delivering a battling second-half performance as the home side made the visitors sweat despite being down to nine men.

Spurs Web Opinion

There were certainly some question marks about Porro’s defensive ability coming into the season but the former Sporting Lisbon man has demonstrated that he is quite reliable defensively. 

While there are still things that the 23-year-old can improve on, I am surprised that Sherwood has described him as a ‘poor defender’.

The post ‘Poor’ – Tim Sherwood had another pop at Pedro Porro ahead of Chelsea clash appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

Emerson has largely been used as an impact substitute by Ange Postecoglou in the past two months, with the Spurs boss turning to the Brazilian when he needs to solidify things at the back.

While Pedro Porro has been in superb form this season, one could argue that Emerson possesses a more natural ability to defend his own box compared to the Spaniard.

Emerson has also showcased his versatility this season, replacing the injured Destiny Udogie at left-back against Fulham and playing the entire second half there against Crystal Palace too.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 23: Pedro Porro of Tottenham Hotspur and Antonee Robinson of Fulham FC during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 23, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)

Emerson vs Porro competition is healthy for Spurs

The former Barcelona man has insisted that he is always there when Postecoglou needs him, and will continue to compete with Porro in a healthy and professional way.

He said (R7): “I’m completely professional, it’s healthy competition, which we enjoy. Even though I’m not always playing, I’m strong, and when the coach needs me, he can always count on me.

“I have the ambition to seek my position again and keep Tottenham at the top of the table, and I believe that this season we have a great chance of staying in the fight for the title.”

Spurs Web Opinion:

The post ‘I have the ambition’ – Emerson Royal on his ‘healthy competition’ with Pedro Porro appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

Romero has now emerged as the leader of the new-look, young, Tottenham backline, with the 25-year-old now having plenty of experience under his belt in big tournaments, having won both the World Cup and Copa America with Argentina.

The former Atalanta man has formed a formidable partnership at the back with Micky van de Ven, having hardly put a foot wrong so far this season.

The pair delivered another solid display to keep a clean sheet against Fulham on Monday, with the Lilywhites emerging 2-0 winners on the night.

BURNLEY, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 02: Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Turf Moor on September 02, 2023 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Is Romero one of the best defenders in the PL?

Romero is used to getting some high words of praise from his international teammates, with Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul labelling him the best centre-back in the world recently (Mirror).

Some pundits such as Alejandro Moreno have scoffed at those claims (ESPN FC) but it is an assertion that Porro certainly agrees with.

The Tottenham right-back commented on Romero’s Instagram post: “Best in the world. Mi cutiiiiii!!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cristian Romero (@cutiromero2)

Spurs Web Opinion

Romero has always had the raw materials to be one of the best centre-backs in the world, but much like the rest of the Tottenham squad, he struggled at times last season. The 27-year-old needs to show consistency over a year or two to be in the conversation for the best defender in the world.

The post Pedro Porro labels one Tottenham teammate as the ‘best in the world’ appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

Spurs certainly did not seem like a happy camp for much of last season, with Antonio Conte even publicly accusing every single player in the dressing room of being selfish before his eventual departure (ESPN).

The atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was quite toxic at times towards the end of the campaign, with Davinson Sanchez even being jeered off the pitch by home fans after coming on as a substitute against Bournemouth back in April (Sky Sports).

However, in a matter of months, Postecoglou has not only managed to get the fans back on side but has also seemingly managed to get every single player pulling in the same direction.

(Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

One big happy family at Tottenham Hotspur

Porro, who is one of several first-team stars who has improved considerably this season, has admitted that he is now really enjoying being part of the current group at Spurs.

The Spaniard told the club’s official website: “We have a really strong group that has a big family feel to it. It’s quite obvious since Ange arrived that there’s been a unified effort towards the work that he asks of us.

“The work that we’re putting in is giving us the results we deserve and we’re happy since he arrived, we’re all together as a group and I think you can see that when we’re on the pitch.

“I’m very happy with the start of the season because when you work hard and you’re enjoying it everything should, in theory, go well. Up until now, it’s all been like that thankfully, so I’m really happy.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The results have certainly helped foster a positive atmosphere around the squad. The real test for the leadership group at Spurs and Postecoglu will come when we go through a difficult spell.

The post Porro admits there is a ‘big family feel’ to Tottenham right now thanks to Ange appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

England needed a point at Wembley on Tuesday to secure passage to next summer’s European Championship in Germany, and it looked like the Three Lions might be in for a tricky night when the away side took the lead through Gianluca Scamacca on 15 minutes.

Destiny Udogie, who made his first start for the Azzurri, was involved in the goal, with the Spurs star starting the move with an impressive burst down the left flank.

However, the Three Lions hit back quickly, with Kane stepping up to convert from the penalty spot on 32 minutes after Jude Bellingham was fouled in the box.

Marcus Rashford then put England ahead with a wonderful solo effort on 57 minutes before Kane put the icing on the cake with a well-taken third goal on 77 minutes.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JUNE 08: The England badge on their home shirt ahead of UEFA Euro 2020 on June 8, 2021 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

There are still Harry Kane fans in the Spurs squad

Apart from his goals, the England captain also held the ball up brilliantly and was involved in some smart interplay, with Porro mightily impressed by what his former Spurs teammate produced.

Here is what the Spaniard tweeted after the game:

What a player Harry..

— Pedro Porro (@Pedroporro29_) October 17, 2023

Spurs Web Opinion

Kane showed yet again on Tuesday just why is the most well-rounded striker in world football. I am sure I am speaking for most Spurs fans when I say that I hope he wins a bucket load of trophies with Bayern and England over the coming years.

The post Tottenham defender was in awe of Harry Kane’s performance against Italy appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

Sherwood gave a frank verdict on Porro just a matter of weeks after he joined the North Londoners from Sporting Lisbon in the January transfer window with the 54-year-old slamming Porro’s display in his first Premier League start in the 4-1 defeat at Leicester City.

He told Sky Sports: “I don’t want to keep picking on the kid but he needs to be relieved of his duties at the moment,”

“I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt because it’s his debut but Pedro Porro is so bad it’s unbelievable.

“His positioning is disgusting, Barnes and Maddison are destroying him down the left hand side.

“He’s just ran inside him, he hasn’t even seen him, he gets the ball played in and lets him run inside him.”

Sherwood‘s comments sparked a reaction from the Spanish international when he shrugged off the claims in March when he said that Sherwood wouldn’t be the first person “who had to then shut his mouth”.

Porro told The Guardian: “It doesn’t annoy me, exactly,” he said.

(Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)

Tim Sherwood praises Pedro Porro’s current form

The post Tim Sherwood performs u-turn on Spurs player he previously called ‘so bad’ appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

The relatively little-known Aussie is drawing plaudits from pundits and fans alike for the way he sets out his teams, his refreshing personality and his clear will to win.

His wider recognition has led to two Premier League Manager of the Month awards for his first two months in the job, the first time a manager in the league has ever achieved this.

The signings Postecoglou has made so far during his tenure in the Tottenham dugout, on paper to the average Spurs fan, looked promising but no one could have predicted the immediate impact that some of them have made.

Part of his philosophy is to develop young players, both signing them himself and from the youth system, and that is evident upon viewing a list of his additions.

Including future acquisitions and players agreeing to join at a later date, a total of ten new signings were brought in during Postecoglou’s first transfer window, and those signings will all be graded out of 10…

Rating Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham signings

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 19: Pedro Porro of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 19, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)

Pedro Porro – Loan deal made permanent from Sporting, reported £39m

Having had a shaky start to life in N17, with his full debut coming in that 4-1 defeat to Leicester City in February, Pedro Porro has firmly established himself as one of the league’s best right-backs.

This was evident during his commanding display against Liverpool, where not only did his late driven cross find the back of the net off the foot of the unfortunate Joel Matip, but his defensive awareness and strong tackling ensured a quiet day at the office for Mo Salah, and firmly put to bed any doubts about his defensive abilities.

He looks to have come into his own under Postecoglou, freed from the shackles of Antonio Conte’s back five for his opening two months at Tottenham, and, at 24 years of age, is likely to only improve from here. 7.5/10

Dejan Kulusevski, loan move from Juventus made permanent, reported £25m

It seems that Dejan Kulusevski has been at Tottenham for ages, even though he is technically a new signing, the former Juventus man joining in January 2022 on an initial 18-month loan, with Postecoglou triggering the option to buy the Swedish international over the summer.

Another player who looks to have come under life under a new manager, Kulusevski is quickly putting a disappointing 2022/23 behind him, and our own “ginger from Sweden” is proving undroppable and unstoppable once again on the wing.

The scorer of the winning goal against Sheffield United already this term, completing the latest comeback in Premier League history, ‘Deki’’s work rate and endless determination has won the Spurs fans over again, after a fairly turbulent previous season on a personal level. 7.5/10

Guglielmo Vicario, from Empoli, reported £16m

The first ‘proper’ new signing for the season, it has been a fine start to life in N17 for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. Despite some quite unstable performances in pre-season, his shot-stopping prowess is already proving a hit with the Spurs faithful and justifying every penny that Spurs paid for him.

It is a testament to the impact of Vicario that his former side, Empoli, comfortably mid-table in the Italian Serie A last season, are struggling in the relegation zone this year without their shot-stopper.

Overall, it’s fair to say that Vicario is becoming more and more comfortable with life in England with every passing week, proving he is not just a ‘cheaper David Raya’. 8/10

James Maddison, from Leicester City, reported £40m

The first true ‘statement’ signing of the Postecoglou era, and James Maddison has exceeded expectations.

A star man of the Leicester team for so long, Spurs beat numerous other clubs, including Newcastle, to his signature when the Foxes were relegated at the end of last season, and his impact on and off the pitch has been sensational, having been appointed vice-captain before a ball was even kicked this season.

Currently, the top provider of assists in the Premier League with five, and with two goals to his name, Maddison’s Spurs career has got off to a flying start, earning him a recall to the England squad, and a well-deserved Premier League Player of the Month award for August.

If he can stay fit all season, who knows how far he can help take this young, hungry Spurs team? 9.5/10

Manor Solomon, free transfer

Eyebrows were raised when Manor Solomon was brought in on a free transfer, upon the expiration of his contract at Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk.

However, the former Fulham man has proven himself to be a capable winger when called upon, as was evident with his two assists on his first start for Spurs in the 5-2 win at Burnley.

Unfortunately out for a few months due to an injury suffered in training, and subsequent operation, Solomon will look to hit the ground running when he returns, and prove himself to be the exciting winger that Ange Postecoglou is looking for. 6/10

Ashley Phillips, from Blackburn Rovers, £2m

It almost seems unfair that a grade has to be given for an 18-year-old centre back, signed from the Championship, with no first-team appearances yet for Spurs.

However, Ashley Phillips has proven a commanding presence at centre-back for the youth team, and has nine caps for England’s Under 19 team.

A composed centre-back, comfortable with the ball at his feet, and with first-team experience having made eight appearances in the Championship for Blackburn Rovers, Phillips is undoubtedly one to watch for the future. 5/10

Micky van de Ven, from Wolfsburg, reported £30m

The transfer saga that seemed to last a lifetime finally ended with Spurs getting their man, and what a signing Dutch centre-back Micky van de Ven has turned out to be.

A string of sensational performances at the back alongside Cristian Romero, culminating in his first goal in Lilywhite away to Luton Town, it is clear that van de Ven is the authoritative centre-back that Tottenham so desperately desired to form a rock-solid partnership with Romero.

Being just 22 years old, van de Ven will surely have a long and successful career in North London and with the Dutch national team, who, amazingly, he is still without a cap for – only a matter of time surely. 9/10

Alejo Veliz, from Rosario Central, reported £13m

Again, it does not seem fair that a grade has to be provided for Alejo Veliz, with the young Argentine striker having played just ten minutes of Premier League football so far this season.

Moreover, he was on the pitch as the winning goal was scored against Liverpool, so it could be said that he already has a winning mentality…

An exciting signing from his native Argentina, the 20-year-old has bags of potential and, as he progresses, will surely be looking to knock on the door of the starting XI before long. 6.5/10

Brennan Johnson, from Nottingham Forest, reported £45m

Another young player with raw potential, Brennan Johnson was signed on Deadline Day from Nottingham Forest to provide competition in forward areas – however picked up a knock during the North London Derby and has not played since.

An unquestionably lively player, epitomised by the fact he scored immediately after coming on as a substitute against Sheffield United, though it was disallowed for offside, Johnson has a hunger and desire when he plays and, in the long run, will be an ideal option for Postecoglou. 7/10

Luka Vuskovic, from Hajduk Split, reported £9.5m

The only player to not pull on the Tottenham shirt for a match yet, unable to join the club until 2025, Luka Vuskovic is a highly-rated Croatian central defender, and Spurs, who are no strangers to welcoming Croatian talent, beat competition from other elite European clubs to sign him.

Provided that Ange Postecoglou stays to welcome him to the club, and therefore aids his development so that he becomes a starting centre-back, we look to have a real player on our hands. One to watch for sure. 6/10

The post Opinion: Grading every Tottenham signing of the Ange Postecoglou era appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

Many anticipated that Spurs might struggle to score goals this season after the loss of their record goalscorer Harry Kane in the summer but that has not proven to be a problem for Ange Postecoglou’s men, who have found the back of the net 17 times in seven matches so far.

To people’s surprise, the Lilywhites, who had an extremely leaky backline last season, have also been tidy in defence, having conceded just eight goals so far despite having two newcomers in their backline in Destiny Udogie and Micky van de Ven.

Pedro Porro’s defensive game has improved considerably and Ange Postecoglou admitted after the 2-1 win over Liverpool that Wells has to take some credit for the 23-year-old’s development (Football.London).

(Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

Matt Wells has been working with Pedro Porro

Gold has now elaborated further on the work that Wells has done with the Spaniard, with the journalist opining that the right-back is one of the best passers at the club.

The journalist said on his YouTube channel about Porror: “He’s worked on the defensive aspects of his game so much over the last two months or so. And when you add that to his speed, skill, his delivery, he’s got a brilliant passing range. I’d actually say he’s one of the best passers at Spurs.

“[Ange] Postecoglou revealed afterwards is Matty Wells – the coach who obviously came into help Ryan Mason and has stuck around with Postecoglou because he’s got a very similar kind of mindset to Postecoglou. Matty Wells has been working with his defence and [Pedro] Porro in particular.”

Spurs Web Opinion

While there has undoubtedly been an improvement at the back personnel-wise, the main reason for Tottenham’s defensive improvement is down to the fact that we now control possession and look to play in the opposition half. As the old adage goes, attack is the best form of defence.

The post Alasdair Gold says Matt Wells has been working with one Spurs defender in particular appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

There were question marks raised about Porro’s ability to adapt to the inverted full-back role, with the Spaniard having played exclusively as a wing-back at Sporting Lisbon.

Those doubts were only further solidified when Emerson Royal started Tottenham’s first game of the season away at Brentford but the former Manchester City man has not looked back since he broke into the starting eleven.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 19: Pedro Porro of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 19, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)

Pedro Porro is shining for Tottenham Hotspur

Porro produced his best performance in a Tottenham shirt against Liverpool, managing to shut out the threat provided by Luis Diaz and Andy Roberts down the away side’s left flank.

The right-back also showed his quality on the ball and played a decisive role in the Lilywhites’ match-winner, with his low cross being turned into his own net by Joel Matip.

Gold has now explained that right from the start of the summer, Porro was determined to adapt to the demands of Postecoglou’s system.

The journalist remarked that the Spain international worked extremely hard on the defensive side of his game, and his intention to do so, allied with his speed, skill and passing range, convinced the Australian that he would be his first-choice right-back.

Spurs Web Opinion

I was certainly part of the chorus who were sceptical about Porro’s fit for the inverted full-back role as I saw his primary skill as being able to overlap out wide and get crosses into the box.

He has pleasantly surprised me with how solid he has been defensively and his awareness of what is around him when receiving the ball in the middle of the park.

The post Alasdair Gold says one Spurs star has been working extremely hard on his defending appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

It was only a few weeks ago that Gary Neville was questioning Porro’s ability to player an inverted full-back in the harshest possible terms, stating that the 23-year-old thinks he is ‘Rodri meets Xavi’ (Sky Sports).

It is fair to say that the jury was still out at the time about the Spaniard’s ability to play in that position as he had exclusively featured as a wing-back during the last couple of years and had shown some weaknesses defensively.

However, Postecoglou showed trust in Porro and the former Sporting Lisbon man is now repaying that trust, getting better and better with each game.

The right-back delivered what was arguably his best performance in a Tottenham shirt in the 2-1 win over Liverpool on Saturday.

Porro was flawless defensively, extremely tidy on the ball and made a big impact in the final third, with his low-cross being turned into his own net by Joel Matip in stoppage time to give Tottenham all three points.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 19: Pedro Porro of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 19, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)

Postecoglou is really impressed with Pedro Porro

Postecoglou told Spurs Play after the win over the Reds: “Pedro has been super. He didn’t start the first game but right from pre-season, he’s really adapted.

“Obviously, with our full-backs, we’re asking for a different type of role from what they’re used to but I think he and Destiny have adapted really well to it.

“They’re trying to learn, they’re trying to understand it. I think it suits him in many respects because he’s such a good footballer. Technically he’s a very good footballer and he’s also a great athlete. You could see it today.

“We needed both he and Destiny to be at it today, along with Micky because when you see the speed they have up front with the transition we were going to need our guys to be really on it defensively.”

Spurs Web Opinion

While we all knew of Porro’s quality on the ball, the Spaniard has demonstrated over the last couple of weeks that he is a fantastic one vs one defender, which I have been pleasantly surprised by. 

The post Postecoglou hails ‘super’ Spurs star who has ‘really adapted’ to his new role  appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

Liverpool’s clash at Tottenham saw VAR be called in for judgement three times. The first occasion was the dismissal of midfielder, Curtis Jones, whose challenge on Bissouma was deemed dangerous.

VAR instructed referee Simon Hooper to consult with the video replay of the challenge; to which the English referee decided to upgrade Jones’ punishment from yellow to red, much to the dismay of Liverpool fans and pundits.

The visitors then took the lead eight minutes after losing Jones as Diaz fired a shot into the bottom left corner. VAR yet again was called upon to check the call for offside, the goal was deemed illegal and Tottenham went on to go 1-0 up.

Despite little awareness amongst the fans inside the stadium, VAR had made a glaring error which prompted a later apology from the PGMOL (Sky News). Inevitably, this led to more media onslaught for inconsistent officiating which has been a theme throughout the start of this season.

The controversy seemed to absorb so much attention that little has been said about Tottenham finally defeating one of their toughest opponents, only beating The Reds once across the past six years.

So, exactly how good was Tottenham’s victory despite the officiating mishaps which continue to dominate the headlines?

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 30: Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates the win with Pedro Porro and Alejo Veliz at full time during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 30, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Richarlison’s successful re-introduction?

Despite Richarlison’s heroic cameo against Sheffield United two weeks ago, Ange Postecoglou opted for the pace of Brennan Johnson against North London rivals, Arsenal, but an injury to the Welsh winger paved the way for the Brazilians’ reintegration into the starting line-up against Liverpool.

For many Spurs fans, it may have been perceived that Son would be pushed back out onto the left for the game, allowing Richarlison to operate through the middle, but those perceptions were quickly dispelled pre-game as Postecoglou confirmed to Sky Sports ‘He [Richarlison] will start on the left’.

Richarlison offered a different type of threat from the left-hand side than Tottenham had experienced so far this season. Richarlison despite creating 2 chances, one being an unselfish cutback for Son’s opener, the winger also had five shots of his own, two of which were on target and perhaps were unlucky to have not hit the back of the net (FotMob).

Postecoglou had deployed Solomon, Son and briefly Johnson on the left so far this season; Richarlison had the most xG out of them all. The Brazilian experienced 0.78 xG (FotMob), Tottenham’s highest xG from their left-sided attacker all season, by some way too with Johnson’s 0.59xG last weekend being the only performance that came close (FotMob).

It can be frustrating that Richarlison therefore didn’t end up putting himself on the scoresheet, but his quality of chances display that his runs and movement offer something Tottenham haven’t experienced all season, and with Tottenham’s number 9 now grabbing 1 goal and 2 assists in his last 111 minutes of football, it could allow him to lock down a spot in Postecoglou’s team.

Pedro Porro’s outstanding display

A common preconception before the start of the season amongst fans was that you could not start Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie together, but in true Postecoglou fashion; Ange ripped up the rulebook. Porro has found a new level at Tottenham since the Australian came in and Saturday’s performance was an embodiment of his hard work, especially on his defensive game.

Porro’s Spurs career certainly took off turbulently as former Tottenham boss judged him as being ‘so bad it’s unbelievable’ whilst also claiming his ‘positioning was absolutely disgusting’ (Sky Sports) as Tottenham fell to a 4-1 defeat away at Leicester, Porro failed to make a single tackle that game and was substituted after 75 minutes.

Porro when asked about those Sherwood comments at the time stated, ‘Let me loose in a prison and I’ll end up owning the place’, his flash of arrogance was balanced with a sense of understanding that he’d need to adjust as Pedro also stated ‘it’s hard: it was only a week, I’d never played a minute at City, never played in England in my life’ (The Guardian). It’s now seeming not so hard for the Spaniard.

His display against Liverpool was nearly immaculate, he often dampened the Liverpool attack and utilised his pace to stop any counter-attacking threats, especially when the visitors often used it as their only attacking outlet as they dropped to nine men.

Porro made the most tackles out of anyone in the game (6) (SofaScore) and made the all-important fizzing cross across the Liverpool box which forced Matip to deflect the cross into his own net, sending the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium into raptures.

Porro’s performance was arguably man-of-the-match worthy and won Tottenham the tie; now that the Spanish international has improved his defensive ability, it’s hard to see a true weakness in the full-backs game.

The un-Spursy result

When Tottenham came from behind twice away to Arsenal last weekend to clinch a rare point at the Emirates, James Maddison stated that ‘Neutrals talk about Tottenham, they often say; soft, weak, bottle it, Spursy, all that rubbish.

I think the last couple of weeks shows we might be going in a slightly different direction’ (Mirror), and Saturday’s result suggests that perhaps the tide is certainly turning at Tottenham.

Obviously, the expectation would have been to get a winning goal in those final 20 minutes against a nine-man Liverpool, however, the Reds effectively had all nine of those men behind the ball at times.

Other than the odd outlier Tottenham have notoriously struggled to finish the job off against sides with a low block, but Postecoglou’s side have now defeated two teams back-to-back at home that end the game with an extremely low block with the intention of nullifying Spurs’ threat.

Spurs patiently plugged away, with little sign of players becoming frustrated, shown by the fact that Tottenham only had eight shots from the moment that Jota was sent off.

The patient passing around the Liverpool box is shown by the fact that Spurs had 42 more passes in the final 20 minutes of the second half than they did in the first 25 minutes of the second half (Opta).

Spurs’ winner was the clearest display of the confidence that Postecoglou has breathed into the side and the lack of ‘bottling it’ which Maddison alluded to.

Kulusevski doesn’t panic at the start of the move which caused the winner and even passes it back to the wide-open Romero; a decision which was met with audible groans around the ground.

Romero continues the calmness and confidence in playing Postecoglou’s way as the Argentine holds the ball for six seconds, a time which seems like an eternity when it’s the final minute of the game, but it was a much-needed wait as allowed Porro to drift out wide and ultimately fire in his cross which ensured Tottenham would get three points against Liverpool since October of 2017.

The post Opinion: Why Spurs should not let their win be clouded by Liverpool VAR chaos appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

Porro has been extremely consistent so far this season and has shown over the last few weeks that he is more than capable defensively.

The Spaniard delivered another impressive display in the North London Derby, helping the Lilywhites progress the ball consistently while also dealing with the threat of Gabriel Jesus competently.

The 23-year-old remarked that Spurs were looking to take all three points at the Emirates and added that all focus now shifts to the Liverpool clash.

He told Plaza Deportivo about the 2-2 draw: “We came to play our game, to do what we had been doing since the season began. We wanted to win, we got a point which is also good and now it’s time to continue next week when we have another important game.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 19: Pedro Porro of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 19, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)

Pedro Porro speaks highly of Ange Postecoglou

Porro also spoke positively about the impact Ange Postecoglou has had at the club, admitting that the Spurs camp is a happy one at the moment.

He stated: “It looks like we are happy. When you have happy players, it shows differently on the pitch. Ange is a great coach, in the time we have worked with him, he has that mentality that the players also have. Together we are on a good path.”

Porro has come under plenty of criticism since moving to Spurs back in January, with Tim Sherwood claiming after the right-back’s Premier League debut that he is ‘so bad it’s unbelievable’ (Guardian).

Gary Neville said in the first half of Tottenham’s clash against Manchester United last month that the Spaniard was not good enough to receive the ball on the half-turn, and even mockingly remarking that ‘Porro thinks he’s Rodri meets Xavi’ (Sky Sports).

When asked about the criticism, the Spurs star said: “You focus more on playing. Criticism bothers you, because for me it is the first time I play here, it is a very different league, the best league in the world. 

“You try to accept the criticism and move on. Working in silence, showing that I am a player who can give a lot and being humble. Make those people who have criticised you wrong.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Porro is getting better and better with each game as he is getting accustomed to the demands of the inverted full-back role. The Spaniard’s quality on the ball and his passing range make him a huge asset, particularly when we have the pace of Son and Johnson up front.

The post ‘Criticism bothers you’ – Spurs man is determined to prove doubters wrong appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

Pedro Porro also shared words of encouragement with Ivan Perisic on social media, after his Tottenham Hotspur teammate was ruled out with a knee injury.

Many had suspected Ivan Perisic to be on his way out of Spurs this summer. The veteran Croatian joined the club on a free transfer last year to link up with his former boss, Antonio Conte.

With Conte gone, and Perisic not seeming to fit into new coach, Ange Postecoglou‘s plans, it seemed his brief stay in North London would be over.

Perisic has been strongly linked with a return to his first club, Hajduk Split. The club’s goalkeeper, Ognjen Cancareviceven told Germanijak that he has spoken to the Spurs man about a potential switch.

However, Perisic remained with the Lilywhites and has proven to be a fairly useful asset so far this season. The 34-year-old has contributed two assists in six appearances (Transfermarkt), but he will not play again for quite some time.

(Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Ivan Perisic vows not to give up despite injury blow

The club announced yesterday that Perisic has suffered an ACL injury and will require surgery. According to Fabrizio Romano, the issue could keep Perisic out for up to six months.

Upon hearing the news, Tottenham wing-back Pedro Porro took to Instagram to share his support for his teammate.

Porro wrote: “Good recovery, brother. We will fight for you!”

In fact, Maddison, Porro, Emerson Royal, Udogie, Højbjerg, Solomon, Van de Ven, Kulusevski and Vicario all took to social media to send messages of support to their friend.

Perisic then took to Instagram himself to post the following message:

Ivan Perisic on Instagram pic.twitter.com/EzUBKy97XI

— The Spurs Web (@thespursweb) September 21, 2023

Spurs Web Opinion

To say Perisic was all but ready to leave the club this summer, it’s nice to see that he is still well-liked in the dressing room and has the backing of his teammates. Hopefully, he can get back to full fitness soon and enjoy the final years of his career.

The post ‘See you soon’ – Ivan Perisic breaks his silence on ACL injury news at Spurs appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

While the resurgence of Yves Bissouma and the scintillating start that James Maddison has made to life at Tottenham dominating the headlines, their midfield partner, Sarr, has been quietly going about his work.

(Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

The Senegal international has established himself as a vital cog in Ange Postecoglou’s midfield, keeping the likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp out of the starting eleven.

The 20-year-old delivered another tireless display against Sheffield United on Saturday, helping Spurs win the ball back on several occasions and intelligently recycling possession.

Pedro Porro says Pape Matar Sarr is his starboy

Porro is another man who has surprised many with the ease with which he has adapted to the inverted full-back role, nailing down the starting spot ahead of Emerson Royal.

The Spaniard was seen celebrating with Sarr on the pitch following the Lilywhites’ dramatic win on Saturday and he has now praised the youngster on X.

My starboy https://t.co/HHUAxLupsS

— Pedro Porro (@Pedroporro29_) September 16, 2023

Spurs Web Opinion

The biggest compliment that I can pay to Sarr is that Bentancur is no longer assured a place in the starting eleven when he gets back fit. That is no ordinary feat considering how good the Uruguayan has been since arriving at Spurs.

The post Pedro Porro reveals who he considers to be the ‘starboy’ at Tottenham appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

Neville said in the first half of Tottenham’s clash against Manchester United last month that the Spaniard was not good enough to receive the ball on the half-turn, and even mockingly remarking that ‘Porro thinks he’s Rodri meets Xavi’ (Sky Sports).

Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA / Contributor

The Spurs star responded resoundingly by putting in a superb second-half performance to help the Lilywhites emerge 2-0 winners in that game, and has subsequently impressed in the same role against Bournemouth and Burnley.

This is not the first time that Porro has received scathing criticism at Tottenham, with the former Spurs interim manager Tim Sherwood claiming after the right-back’s Premier League debut that he is ‘so bad it’s unbelievable’ (Guardian).

Pedro Porro is not bothered about outside criticism

When asked about Neville’s words, the former Sporting Lisbon man told Sky Sports: “To be honest, there’s so much said about football and as to how we’re playing.

“At the beginning, there were times where I felt a little unloved in that sense, but not because of anyone in particular, just because of the noise.

“At the end of the day, it’s up to me. I’m the one who has to change people’s minds. The criticism itself, I don’t give it too much importance and I just focus on my own game because I’m the one who can change these things.”

Porro certainly had a difficult first six months at Spurs, owing to the team’s struggles on the pitch and managerial upheavals, but the 24-year-old admitted that he is now enjoying life at the North London club.

When asked about Tottenham’s impressive start to the season, he said: “I think it’s more the work that we’re doing as a team. We’re all together and I think that’s the most important thing.”

“I’m really, really happy with how things are going. Since he [Postecoglou] has got here he’s given us so much positivity to the team and it’s something very important for players to have, and I think you can see that when we’re playing.”

Spurs Web Opinion

In fairness to Neville, he was calling it as he saw it as Porro was giving away the ball a lot in the first half against Man Utd and was struggling to receive it on the half-turn, which led to Spurs being hit on the break time and again.

However, the Sky pundit should have been a lot more measured in his criticism and could have chosen his words carefully rather than aiming insults at Porro or Postecoglou.

The post ‘Don’t give too much importance’ – Pedro Porro responds to Gary Neville criticism appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

Having played exclusively as a wing-back over the last few years and having shown some defensive weaknesses after arriving at Tottenham in January, many questioned whether Porro would be able to operate as an inverted full-back.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 19: Pedro Porro of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 19, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)

That is a question that the Spaniard has answered resoundingly over recent weeks, proving a threat whenever he picks up the ball in the middle of the park, owing to his vision and passing range.

The 23-year-old admitted that he is now enjoying the freedom afforded to him in the new system.

Pedro Porro is confident under Ange Postecoglou

He told Sky Sports about his new role at Spurs: “It’s a system that I’m really suited to and it’s really working well for me.

“It’s a new system that I haven’t played before. I’m playing inside as a full-back, but it’s somewhere I’m feeling confident. I’m feeling really happy out there and I think you can see that when I’m playing.”

Porro admitted that he has had to work on the defensive side of his game in order to play in a back four and revealed that he now understands what Postecoglou and his coaching staff expect from him.

He continued: “For me, it’s not been so difficult to adapt to the new system. I’m someone who takes on these new concepts relatively easily.

“The difference is that with five [at the back], I’m able to have that more freedom to attack, whereas with four [at the back] often I’m defending in a line of four so I’ve been working really hard on my defensive game and I think that I’m improving on that front.

“It is different, but I feel good in both systems and, really, I’ll play wherever the coach asks me to. I’m enjoying it and increasingly every day I think I’ve got the vision. The coaching staff are saying I’ve got the vision to pick up this part of the game and the new system.”

Porro demonstrated against Burnley just how deadly he can be when he is afforded space and time in the central areas, picking out Son Heung-min’s run with a perfectly weighted through ball in the second half.

When asked about the position that he picked up for the goal, he said: “In this particular instance I just tried to be focused and I’m always trying to look for the spaces.

“Quite often what we’re working on is the need to be ready and to be able to pick up spaces where you can’t be picked up by the opposition, so that’s really what we’re working on a lot and that’s what I’ve done here.”

Spurs Web Opinion

To Postecoglou’s credit, he was always confident that Porro had the attributes to thrive in the inverted right-back role, even though it was not so obvious to the rest of us. The Spaniard seems to be getting better with each game he plays in that position.

The post Tottenham man insists he is ‘really suited’ to playing in Postecoglou’s system appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

At the start of the season, there were doubts as to whether Udogie or Porro possessed the attributes needed to operate as inverted full-backs.

The Italian had played exclusively as a wing-back for Udinese during the two prior seasons while the Spaniard showed chinks in his armour defensively last season following his arrival from Sporting Lisbon.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 19: Pedro Porro of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 19, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)

However, both players have started the season in fine form and have silenced doubters, not only playing a crucial role in helping Ange Postecoglou’s men progress the ball up the pitch but also proving dangerous in the final third.

According to DataMB, Udogie is second in the Premier League for fullback progressive carries so far, with only Chelsea’s Malo Gusto averaging more than him, while Porro has registered the fifth-highest across the division.

Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie shining for Spurs

2023/24 PREMIER LEAGUE FB
Carrying Leaders (Prog Carries per 90)

‣ Malo Gusto
‣ Destiny Udogie
‣ Pervis Estupiñan
‣ Kyle Walker
‣ Pedro Porro

https://t.co/McR5zrPSJm pic.twitter.com/RwiBlnkfMi

— DataMB (@DataMB_) September 11, 2023

Spurs Web Opinion

Udogie and Porro have both undoubtedly had excellent starts to the season but the list above shows exactly what is wrong with how progressive carries are measured.

The fact that all of the top names are full-backs is obviously because they pick the ball up deeper than midfielders do and are thus allowed to progress a few more yards before being pressed or challenged. So, I am not sure if we can read too much into this stat.

The post Key statistic shows just how impressive Udogie and Porro have been on the ball for Spurs appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.