“Top drawer” – Jamie O’Hara says Tottenham duo “walk” into Real Madrid’s team

Tottenham opened their Champions League account for the marketing campaign with a 1-0 win over La Liga aspect Villarreal in north London on Tuesday night time, with a calamitous personal aim from goalkeeper Luiz Junior gifting Thomas Frank’s aspect a treasured three factors.

It was a decent, cagey affair, and Villarreal had possibilities of their very own to stage, together with a late free-kick in a harmful space, however former Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe blazed it over the bar.

Pape Sarr additionally compelled a low, outstretched save from Luiz on half-hour to maintain the rating at 1-0, and that is the way it stayed, with there being treasured few highlights from the pretty uneventful victory — not that Frank is complaining an excessive amount of as Spurs make it 4 wins from 5 in all competitions.

Midfielder Lucas Bergvall additionally continued his superb begin to the season with a Man of the Match show towards Villarreal, outshining the likes of Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus in what was one other glorious efficiency.

It has been a superb begin to life beneath the Dane, however Tottenham’s restructured boardroom – headed by CEO Vinai Vinkatesham and minus ex-chair Daniel Levy – will keep in mind that Ange Postecoglou made the most effective begin by some other supervisor in Premier League historical past when he first joined the membership in 2023.

Nevertheless, with the shape on show by a few of his key males, particularly defensively, the early indicators are extraordinarily promising.

Frank’s aspect have conceded simply three objectives in six video games this season, together with the UEFA Tremendous Cup remaining, with Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero proving imperious on the again for Tottenham.

Jamie O’Hara Says Micky Van de Ven and Cristian Romero “Stroll” into Actual Madrid

Talking on talkSPORT, pundit Jamie O’Hara has claimed that Romero and van de Ven are the most effective centre-back partnership on the planet proper now, happening to say that each of them stroll into Xabi Alonso’s Actual Madrid aspect.

The duo have been important for Frank since he took over from Postecoglou, and the numbers communicate for themselves.

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero shining for Tottenham

Van de Ven enhances Romero by providing sturdy aerial means, searing tempo and consistency in clearances and interceptions.

The Dutchman’s clean-sheet charge when match and his means to deal with one-on-one duels have turn out to be key for Spurs. Romero, in the meantime, brings aggression, management, and expertise, particularly in huge video games.

In Postecoglou’s remaining season, they featured in 18 matches collectively, throughout which Tottenham conceded simply 20 objectives.

Collectively, what van de Ven lacks in expertise, Romero makes up for with management and composure; and whereas the latter’s aggressive defending generally invitations threat, the previous helps cowl for him. Their strengths stability one another out, and it’s clear that the pair remaining match shall be essential to Tottenham’s prospects this season.