Tottenham boss Thomas Frank says a “not as highlighted” member of his Spurs squad is extremely underappreciated ahead of his side’s Carabao Cup trip to Newcastle on Wednesday.
Tottenham defence shines in 3-0 victory at Everton
On Sunday, the Lilywhites continued their solid start to the campaign overall by making history away to Everton.
Tottenham became the first away team to win at the brand new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Merseyside, with a brace from star defender Micky van de Ven and substitute Pape Sarr catapulting the north Londoners to third in the Premier League.
In the build up, much was made about Spurs’ problems with creativity in the final third, especially after a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa last weekend and their tepid 0-0 draw away to Monaco in the Champions League — where goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario spared their blushes time and time again with fantastic saves.
Vicario did make a vital stop to prevent Everton from going 1-0 up with a fine, point-blank save from Jack Grealish before van de Ven opened the scoring midway through the first-half.
The Toffees did briefly equalise, only for the goal to be chalked off for a foul on Vicario, with van de Ven then doubling the away side’s lead by getting on the end of another corner just before half-time.
Vicario’s fine form continued, thwarting Beto’s acrobatic overhead kick with an excellent reflex save from close range before denying them again. Richarlison had a chance to kill the game off when he found himself in on goal, but Jordan Pickford frustrated the Brazilian with a one-on-one save.
However, the striker redeemed himself with an assist for Sarr in the 89th minute to seal all three points for Frank’s side – putting what was a torrid week behind them as they prepare for another tough trip to St. James’ Park on Wednesday.
Tottenham will be without nine players to face Eddie Howe’s side, with Frank confirming no changes to their absentee list from their win at Everton.
|
Tottenham absentee list to face Newcastle |
Problem |
Estimated return date |
|---|---|---|
|
Dejan Kulusevski |
Knee |
22/11/2025 |
|
James Maddison |
ACL |
01/06/2026 |
|
Radu Dragusin |
Knee |
22/11/2025 |
|
Ben Davies |
Thigh |
23/11/2025 |
|
Yves Bissouma |
Ankle/Foot |
08/11/2025 |
|
Kota Takai |
Ankle/Foot |
08/11/2025 |
|
Cristian Romero |
Groin |
01/11/2025 |
|
Destiny Udogie |
Knee |
08/11/2025 |
|
Dominic Solanke |
Ankle |
08/11/2025 |
|
via Premier Injuries |
||
While van de Ven stole all the headlines for his obvious contribution, January signing Kevin Danso also enjoyed an absolutely solid outing.
The 27-year-old, tasked with replacing Cristian Romero, has done an excellent job in the Argentine’s stead, especially against Everton, with Danso winning 100 per cent of his duels, both in the air and on the ground.
Danso also made a whopping 18 clearances at the Hill Dickinson, and his defensive heroics were key to Spurs coming away with a much-needed three points.
|
Vs Everton |
Kevin Danso |
Micky van de Ven |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
90 |
90 |
|
Tackles won |
1/1 |
0/0 |
|
Clearances |
18 |
7 |
|
Blocked shots |
2 |
0 |
|
Ball recoveries |
3 |
2 |
|
Ground duels won |
2/2 |
1/2 |
|
Aerial duels won |
4/4 |
1/4 |
In the aftermath, Frank was quick to herald Danso’s contribution.
Thomas Frank says Kevin Danso is Tottenham’s underrated star
Speaking after Tottenham’s win at Everton in a post-match press conference, Frank claimed Danso’s performance was “not as highlighted”, but just as vital to his side claiming victory.
“Don’t forget Kevin Danso, maybe he was not as highlighted as the two others [van de Ven and Vicario], but he has done very well to step into big, big shoes to fill out after Cuti,” Frank said.
“Micky, man of the match, clearly defended well, two goals and good on the ball. And I think Vicario, man of the match in Monaco, but today I think his performance was more complete, good with the feet, very good in the box and two exceptional saves.”
When asked about Danso again before Tottenham’s trip to the North East, Frank piled more praise on the Austrian – claiming he deserves praise.
“He deserves praise,” Frank continued.
“Every coach will love him, great character and personality. He was good and calm on the ball. Some strong battles with Beto, from crosses and set pieces he had a magnet head. He did well.”
Danso was brought in at the start of the year to help Spurs during their defensive injury crisis under ex-boss Ange Postecoglou, and he’s hardly set a foot wrong.
Signed on an initial loan with which became permanent for £21 million in the summer, Danso is proving to be worth every penny, but reports suggest he could face stiff competition for minutes pretty soon.
Tottenham are believed to be in the market for another defender in January, despite Danso’s presence and Radu Dragusin coming back from injury, so it will be interesting to see how often he’ll feature for Frank if a new centre-back comes through the door.
