Alan Shearer names the two Tottenham players who will be 'integral' this season
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(Credit: Getty, Imago)
Edward Bazeley
Fri 19 September 2025 10:52, UK
Thomas Frank’s successful start to life as Tottenham boss continued when his side defeated Villarreal 1-0 on Tuesday.
Thanks to Luiz Junior’s early own goal, Spurs beat Villarreal on 16 September to get their Champions League campaign underway with a victory.
The North Londoners have now turned their attention to their upcoming Premier League trip to Brighton on Saturday, 20 September.
Meanwhile, football finance expert Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider that Tottenham’s owners could increase Frank’s budget by £100million following the exit of former executive chairman Daniel Levy.
Credit: Imago
Since Frank replaced former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou, the North London outfit have boasted significantly greater defensive solidity.
Spurs have successfully maintained four clean sheets in their last five games, while they bounced back from their defeat at Bournemouth with victories over West Ham and Villarreal.
Meanwhile, speaking about Tottenham’s Champions League triumph on The Rest Is Football [19 September], Shearer said: “The two centre-halves had to work hard, (Micky) van de Ven and (Cristian) Romero again, and I do think if Spurs are to have a good season, then it’s key those two stay fit because they’re such an integral part to what they do.
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“I mean, both of them at times had to put in a couple of great challenges.”
Spurs have started the new season admirably well and deservedly sit just three points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool in the top flight.
Tottenham’s next three fixturesAll competitions 2025/2620/09Brighton (A), Premier League24/09Doncaster (H), EFL Cup27/09Wolves (H), Premier LeagueSpurs face Brighton next
Meanwhile, it was equally important that Frank steered his side to a win in their Champions League opener, after expectations were raised by Postecoglou’s Europa League triumph last term.
However, Tottenham cannot afford to let their good form slip, as both of their next two Premier League games, against Brighton and Wolves, are very winnable for a club of their calibre.
Spurs must also ensure that they avoid an EFL Cup upset when they host Doncaster Rovers on Wednesday, 24 September, as that competition arguably provides Frank’s men with their greatest chance of winning domestic silverware this term.
Furthermore, Tottenham should be capable of earning two wins from as many Champions League fixtures when they travel to Bodo/Glimt on 30 September.
Elsewhere, football commentator Ian Darke has backed Xavi Simons to give Spurs an “X Factor” in a Tottenham News exclusive.