Tottenham have been criticised as of late for a perceived lack of creativity, with it being clear they’re far from the finished article.
Tottenham travel to Everton after lacklustre Monaco draw
Thomas Frank’s side travel to Everton on Sunday with the aim of getting back to winning ways after two uninspired performances.
Their 2-1 loss at home to Aston Villa last weekend heightened concerns around Spurs’ inability to dominate matches or create openings on a consistent enough basis, as critics call for Frank to shake things up.
Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur have been in fantastic form individually, particularly the former, but questions surround whether they should be the north Londoners’ starting pair in central midfield every game.
Frank’s men are struggling to connect defence with attack, and this was on full display during their stalemate in France.
Goalkeeper Gugilelmo Vicario was by far their player of the match against Monaco, saving Spurs time and time again with a string of excellent stops — thwarting ex-Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun three times in the first 45 alone.
21
Shots
10
9
Shots on target
4
50%
Possession
50%
399
Passes
328
91%
Pass accuracy
89%
13
Fouls
12
0
Yellow cards
1
0
Red cards
0
1
Offsides
1
5
Corners
4
In terms of their attacking players, some believed winger Wilson Odobert had his “best game in a Spurs shirt” at the Stade Louis II, but the Frenchman was forced off through injury in the second-half and couldn’t make a further impact.
Even though Vicario has attracted criticism for his handling of crosses into the box this term, based off their 0-0 at Monaco, Frank’s goalkeeping department looks like one of the areas least in need of strengthening come January.
However, journalist Graeme Bailey reports that co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange now have the chance to bring in a pretty big name for that position.
Tottenham offered Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen on loan
According to Bailey, speaking to TBR Football, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen has been offered out to Spurs, with the 33-year-old told that he can leave in January.
Ter Stegen, who’s made just nine appearances in all competitions since the beginning of last season due to injury, has watched summer signing Joan Garcia take his number one spot.
The German, who is still captain of Barça regardless of his unavailability over the last 12 months, is close to returning from a back problem, but the La Liga champions have told his camp to find him a new club when the winter window opens.
Tottenham have been approached by intermediaries over signing ter Stegen as a result, with the Lilywhites handed an opportunity to strike a temporary deal.
“Ter Stegen is expected to be fully fit by December. Indeed, I am told he is not too far away, but he knows there is no room for him at Barcelona – they have already moved on,” Bailey expanded.
“Intermediaries have been given the green light to look at prospective moves around Europe, and the Premier League is a destination he would seriously consider.
“I am told at this point he is being offered on an initial loan; clearly, Barcelona realise that is a good way to earn a permanent deal.
“United, Spurs, Newcastle, and West Ham have been made aware too.”
A six-time Spanish champion with Barça and Champions League winner, ter Stegen’s proven top-level experience could be invaluable to a largely young Spurs dressing room.
However, his fitness issues, combined with a pretty lofty £280,000-per-week pay packet, makes this potential move a fairly risky one, even on loan.
Vicario’s heroics against Monaco prove that Frank already has that base pretty covered, and the club should really be prioritising new additions further forward.
Dominic Solanke’s fitness issues and concerns around Richarlison’s form have prompted reports that Tottenham are targeting a new striker in 2026, with ex-Brentford star Ivan Toney among the names linked as Frank looks to bolster his attack.
Paratici and Lange, after Tottenham failed to sign Savinho in the summer, could also look to target a new winger in the winter.
