Author: superhotspur

I am an avid Spurs supporter! I have been all my life, I go to many home games and watch all away games on TV I also have a great interest in the academy set up, and shall report on every aspect of this wonderful club. COYS

Spurs youngster Connor Ogilvie joins Gillingham on loan until January:

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Spurs youngster Connor Ogilvie joins Gillingham on loan until January:

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Spurs have announced within the past hour that 21 year old left back Connor Ogilvie has joined league one side Gillingham on a six month loan, this comes after just signing a new contract with Spurs until 2019. Ogilvie has spent large parts of the last two seasons on loan with league two club Stevenage in between playing for our development squad, his consistent performances have clearly caught the eye of clubs further up the footballing pyramid and I have no doubt that he will flourish in the third tier of English football. The academy player who can also operate at centre back, is a player who I have rated highly for some time, he turns 22 next February and is yet to appear for our senior side, but this loan at Gillingham will provide the youngster with an invaluable step in his career. I wish Connor a very successful loan with the Gills , and I look forward to monitoring his progress.

Spurs announce first team friendly with Italian giants Juventus:

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Spurs announce first team friendly with Italian giants Juventus:

“This match will form an important part of our preparations, particularly with the Premier League season starting just a week later. We met Juventus in Australia during pre-season last year and it was a highly competitive game, very useful for us, and we expect a similar game this year at Wembley.” (Mauricio Pochettino)

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Spurs have this afternoon announced a mouth watering pre season friendly against Serie A holders and Champions league finalists Juventus, at Wembley stadium on Saturday the 5th of August. There were rumours with in the Italian media that Spurs would be facing Juventus at Wembley, and the confirmation by the club will come as welcome news to us Spurs fans. The game will be our final pre season friendly before we take on Newcastle United just a week later in our first league game of the season. Spurs fans will welcome such a game against one of the worlds finest sides, with household names such as Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Paulo Dybala and Miralem Pjanić, La Vecchia Signora (The old lady) will provide us with the perfect opportunity to prepare for life at the national stadium. We last met Massimiliano Allegri’s side last pre season in Melbourne, in a game that finished 2-1 to the Italian side, hopefully this time round we can get a positive result against them. Hopefully Spurs fans will also get to see some new signings for the very first time. COYS

Kieran Trippier: The model professional

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Kieran Trippier: The model professional

IMG_2929.JPGWith the announcement of Kieran Trippier’s new five year contract expected to be made imminently, the rumoured departure of Kyle Walker leaves Trippier with the prospect of being first choice right back come the start of next season. Whilst the rumours of Kyle Walker’s expected summer departure to Manchester city continue, ironically it could be the former Man city man Kieran Trippier who made his England debut only last month, who would take over the star mans position. No one can underestimate Kyle Walker’s huge contribution to our side over the past couple of seasons, the Yorkshireman has developed under Pochettino’s guidance, into one of Europe’s finest right backs. With his Physical stature and frighteningly quick pace, Walker has mastered both his defensive and attacking duties in a side where the full backs are such an integral part of Pochettino’s footballing philosophy. The 27 year old who was signed for a combined fee of £9 million along with Kyle Naughton from Sheffield United back in July of 2009, has most recently enjoyed the finest season of his career. The defensive and attacking excellence of the England international along with his consistencey, made him one of Spurs’ best players during their acclaimed 2016/17 campaign. Whilst this is not an article on Kyle Walker, it shows just how precious a player he is for Spurs and if media reports are anything to go by, then his transfer to Manchester City would be a huge loss to the Lillywhites. Whilst it is still perfectly possible that Walker could remain a Spurs player come the start of the season, the man who would take over his duties were he to leave is 26 year old Kieran Trippier.

Signed by Pochettino from Burnley for a reported fee of £3.5 million back in June of 2015, Trippier has played second fiddle to Walker for the entirety of his time at Spurs. Nevertheless the Bury born full back has made a real influence to our side in the two seasons he has been in north London, whilst featuring in the majority of cup games he has also been given a good run in the premier league. He doesn’t posses the same defensive qualities of Walker nor does he have the pace, but he makes up for it in his attacking play. The former Burnley mans greatest attribute is his pin point crossing, in fact his arguably the best crosser of a ball in the league, Trippier registered five assists from just 12 league games last season, producing more assists than any other defender in the league. Trippier’s crossing ability and attacking play make him a fine premier league right back, but the question is can he fill the massive void of Walker leaving? Praised as a model professional for his exemplary work ethic both on and off the field, Trippier’s patience and hard work more then warrants his place in the first team. He may not have a panache about his game like Walker does, but few could have predicted Walker’s extraordinary development under Pochettino and I thoroughly believe that Pochettino can also improve Trippier into one of the leagues finest right backs just like he done with Walker.

Not forgetting about fantastic academy prospect Kyle Walker-Peters, Trippier would have great competition from the 20 year old starlet. Already an England international Trippier has already proved himself at Spurs, whilst I sincerely hope Walker is still a Spurs player come the end of the transfer window, I have no doubts about Trippier seizing his chance just as he did at the end of last season. An interesting few months is ahead. COYS

Spurs’ development squad to compete in next seasons Checkatrade Trophy:

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Spurs’ development squad to compete in next seasons Checkatrade Trophy:

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The EFL announced the list of teams competing in the coming Checkatrade Trophy for the 2017/18 season, and its big news for our academy. Our under 23’s side are one of the invited premier league clubs that will take part in next seasons competition. We refused our chance to compete in the competition during the last campaign, with international fixtures clashing with the competition putting major clubs off, but the EFL have made sure the dates won’t clash this time round. The news comes just a day after Spurs appointed their new under 23’s head coach, former Dagenham and Redbridge manager Wayne Burnett who takes charge of our development squad. Whilst former goalkeeper Perry Suckling returns to our academy set up, as an academy goalkeeping coach from championship side QPR. Head of coaching and player development John McDermott had the following to say on accepting our invitation to the competition: “We took the decision to enter the competition as it is beneficial for the Development Squad’s scheduling this year. We know the EFL Trophy will provide a massive challenge for us and we look forward to testing ourselves.” The competition which starts on the week commencing the 28th of August will be a phenomenal experience for our youngsters, coming up against senior players in a competitive game will provide our development squad with an invaluable opportunity.

 

I for one am absolutely delighted that we have taken the decision to take part in the competition, we will be drawn into a group of four (in the southern section) with the draw scheduled for next month. We could be drawn with anyone from Charlton Athletic to Plymouth Argyle, with all group games being held away from home. This is a precious opportunity for our under 23’s to challenge themselves against tough senior opposition and I’m sure Wayne Burnett’s side will rise to the challenge. I am pleased to announce that I will be reporting from all three group stage games, and I very much look forward to the competition beginning. COYS

 

Five Spurs youngsters that could make their senior debut during the 2017/18 season:

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Five Spurs youngsters that could make their senior debut during the 2017/18 season:

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With pre season fast approaching, there’s no better time then now for me to compile a list of five of our talented academy players, who could make their senior debuts for Spurs during the 2017/18 campaign. The following players included are only those who have not been involved in a competitive game in Pochettino’s side hence, the absence of the highly rated Marcus Edwards who made his debut in last seasons league cup tie against Gillingham. With so many talented youngsters on our books it would be impossible for me to include all of those that could feature next season, so I have listed the five who I believe have the best chance of playing for our senior side during the upcoming campaign.

1. Kyle Walker-Peters: 20 year old full back Kyle Walker-Peters will be a very familiar name amongst the Spurs faithful. The right back who was part of England under 20’s recent World Cup triumph in South Korea, is in my opinion one of England’s best defensive prospects. The Edmonton born right back who’s praises I have sung highly over the past couple of seasons, is a dynamic player who can operate on either flank at wing back. Pacy, determined and incredibly skilful, Walker-Peters has all the raw attributes of a successful Pochettino player. Whilst I was surprised that Walker-Peters didn’t make his debut last season, he has already featured for Spurs in a couple of friendlies. He has also been named on the bench on a couple of occasions during competitive games for Spurs. With Kyle Walker’s immediate future uncertain, I’d be very surprised if next season was not Walker-Peters breakthrough season at he’s boyhood club. After already being promoted to train with the senior squad on a permanent basis last season, the young right back is without a doubt the most likeliest Spurs youngster to debut in the 2017/18 campaign. An article I wrote on Walker-Peters last season: https://superhotspur.com/2016/10/17/2241/

2. Samuel Shashoua: Another familiar name among Spurs fans is 18 year old forward Samuel Shashoua. Shashoua who was named on the bench for spurs’ penultimate league game of last season is an England youth international and was one of the standout performers for the under 18’s during last seasons successful campaign. With 15 goals and 11 assists, the West London born winger shone for John McDermott’s side, and was one of the key players behind their successful FA Youth cup run which saw them reach the semifinals of the prestigious youth competition. A creative force, Shashoua has the ability to change the complexion of a game, with his razor sharp creativity, skill and understanding of the game, he showed throughout the season what a phenomenal talent he is. Whilst next season will be about establishing himself in the under 23’s side for which he has only featured on a handful of occasions, his chances of playing for the first team are by no means far fetched. With an excellent work ethic and attitude, I could see him being involved in one of the early rounds of the domestic cup competitions. You can read my article on Shashoua here: https://superhotspur.com/2017/01/19/samuel-shashoua-a-bright-future/

3. Luke Amos: The box to box midfielder who turns 21 next February spent the second half of last season on loan with league one outfit Southend United. Whilst his appearances for the Seasiders were few and far between, Amos gained vital experience and impressed boss Phil Brown. A tenacious and promising youngster, Amos has previously represented England at youth team level, a mainstay in the development squad over the past couple of seasons I have seen Amos put in some really impressive performances in the midfield. Whilst I wouldn’t be surprised to see him head out on loan again next season, I feel as if Lesniak’s departure will boost the chances of the tidy midfielder making the first team fold. Amos has previously played for Spurs in a handful of friendlies, with the most recent of which coming last May in Hong Kong.

4. Kazaiah Sterling: The powerful 19 year old striker Kazaiah Sterling was a player that impressed over the course of last season. Despite missing an early part of the season through injury, Sterling scored on 12 occasions for the under 18’s and on two occasions for the under 23’s. His fine form saw him earn a place in the post season friendly match in Hong Kong, with the striker making a dream debut after scoring on his debut. A player who Pochettino has spoken highly about in the past, the former Leyton Orient man is one of our best striking prospects. Instinctive and clinical Sterling could do more than challenge for a place on the bench over the coming season.

5. Nick Tsaroulla: The speedy left back had a massive impact on our under 18’s side during the 2016/17 season. A player in the mould of Danny Rose, Tsaroulla had an excellent season last term putting in a string of sensational performances at full back. The Bristol born flying full back fits right into our style of play, rapid over 10 metres Tsaroulla possesses great close ball control and agility. He’s not just impressive going forward, he is also talented defensively and is not afraid of making a lunging challenge. Whilst it is quite unlikely that Tsaroulla will feature over Rose or Davies next season, if an injury crisis were to come about then I’m sure Tsaroulla would find himself in the first team fold.

 

Cambridge United pre season match: Our under 23’s first public game of next season comes next month in Cambridge as we take on Cambridge United in a testimonial match for the league two sides Josh Coulson on July 21st. The friendly game which takes place at the Abbey stadium, will provide our development squad with an important test against an established league 2 side, it could also come in useful if we go on to appear in next seasons Checkatrade trophy, an announcement on that should be made public in the coming weeks by the EFL. I will be reporting on our pre season friendly from the Abbey stadium next month. COYS

 

Spurs publish released and retained players list:

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Spurs publish released and retained players list:

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On Friday Spurs published the list of players that would be leaving the Lillywhites upon the expiration of their contract at the end of the month, as well as those that had been offered new deals. Six of our academy players were included on that list, Filip Lesniak, Tom McDermott, Zenon Stylianides, Charlie Owens, Joe Muscatt and Juan Pablo Gonzalez-Velasco have all been released from the club. All players of which I have watched play on numerous occasions for Spurs over the past few seasons, it is sad to see their time at Spurs come to an end, below is a short piece on each player.

Filip Lesniak: Having only made his Spurs senior debut back at the end of last season, the 21 year old midfield anchor mans inclusion on the released list comes of much surprise to many Spurs fans. The Slovakian youth international joined Spurs’ youth academy from Kosice in 2012. A talented player, just the other month I wrote an article on him and I was really hoping that he’d get another season with us. I would expect Lesniak to have another club lined up following his departure from Spurs, and there’ll be no shortage of admirers. A recent article I wrote on Lesniak: https://superhotspur.com/2017/05/19/a-piece-on-spurs-debutant-filip-lesniak/

Tom McDermott: The 19 year old goalkeeper who was signed from Warrenpoint (in Northern Ireland) back in 2014, didn’t make a single competitive appearance for our under 23’s during the 2016/17 season and his release doesn’t come as much of a surprise to me. Although a talented goalkeeper, McDermott’s was unlucky in his time at Spurs, in the fact that there were so many other talented goalkeepers vying for places in the youth sides.

Zenon Stylianides: Another played who i have always liked, the central midfielder was one of six players to be released by Spurs on Friday. Stylianides had been at Spurs for many years, and was always a player I rated highly since first seeing him as an under 18. Stylianides featured 14 times for our under 23 side during last season.

Charlie Owens: Owens joined championship side QPR last month so his release was already expected, the Northern Ireland youth international who primarily operates as a midfielder joins a group of ex Spurs youngsters currently with the west London club. https://superhotspur.com/2017/05/27/former-spurs-youngster-charlie-owens-signs-for-qpr/

Joe Muscatt: Another player to leave Spurs following the expiration of his contract, Muscatt is a two footed full back who can operate on either side, he featured 16 times for our development squad last season.

Juan Pablo Gonzalez-Velasco: The only under 18 player to be released, Velasco only joined our academy set up last summer from Brentford following the closure of their academy. The winger who has represented Colombia at youth level, only played on 8 occasions for our under 18’s during the season. I wish all of our released players the very best of luck for the future.

 

Retained players list: https://www.premierleague.com/news/408901

Spurs youngster Christian Maghoma called up to DR Congo squad for first time:

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Spurs youngster Christian Maghoma called up to DR Congo squad for first time:

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19 year old centre half Christian Maghoma who plays for Spurs’ under 23 side has been called up for the first time to the DR Congo senior squad for their upcoming games in the African cup of nations qualifiers and World Cup qualifiers. Maghoma who has been been a key player in our under 23’s squad during last season, is a player who I’ve always rated highly. A tenacious and commanding centre half, Maghoma joins his brother and ex Spurs academy graduate Jacques Maghoma in a talented DR Congo squad. Although born in DR Congo, Maghoma had represented England at youth level in the past and was a member of the under 16 side that won the 2012 victory shield. The tall centre half who is brilliant in the air, is fully deserving of his call up and I wish him the very best of luck ahead of the forthcoming games.
I done a short interview with Christian last year: https://superhotspur.com/2016/01/27/5-questions-with-christian-maghoma/

Former Spurs youngster Charlie Owens signs for QPR:

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Former Spurs youngster Charlie Owens signs for QPR:

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Championship side QPR confirmed via their Twitter feed on Friday afternoon that 19 year old Spurs academy midfielder had signed for the West London club. The 19 year old defensive midfielder had been at Spurs for 10 years and had featured many times for Spurs’ under 18’s and 23’s over the past couple of seasons. Owens had been on trial with the hoops for the last three months and he joins a number of ex Spurs academy graduates at the club, most recently of which was Aramide Oteh. I wish Charlie the very best of luck at his new club.

Spurs 4-1 Kitchee SC: (match report)

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Spurs 4-1 Kitchee SC: (match report)

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“The most important thing was to share this time with all our fans and to try to enjoy the game – to be honest, the result wasn’t important. Of course, we’re professional and we always show respect to the opponent, that’s important. But then the most important thing is the image we translate to our fans because that is something they can keep forever.” (Mauricio Pochettino)

Spurs rounded off their season with a 4-1 victory over Hong Kong Premier league champions Kitchee SC, in a post season exhibition match on Friday afternoon. It was a game in which Pochettino had the luxury of experimenting with his side hence the many substitutions that were made during the game, which also saw four youngsters feature. The huge gulf in class was evident from the offing as Spurs dominated possession as they passed the ball across the park. Pochettino’s side broke the deadlock on 17 minutes courtesy of a sweet strike from Son Heung-Min. Son’s effort from 20 yards out left Wang Zhenpeng with no chance, as the ball curled in to the back of the net. We doubled our advantage a couple of minutes later when Vincent Janssen calmly tapped the ball home from close range, after receiving a low cross from Ben Davies on the left wing, 2-0 to Spurs! Pochettino’s side continued to dominate possession of the game for the remainder of the half, Spurs were in total control as they played with complete freedom throughout the game. Spurs resumed the second half in fine fashion, Janssen was narrowly denied an excellent solo effort on 54 minutes. After the Dutchman curled a delightful effort from 20 yards out which was tipped on to the cross bar by Wang, a fine save from the goalkeeper. The hosts had their best chance of the game nine minutes later when Michel Vorm made an excellent reaction save to deny Akande after he went through on goal following Vertonghens misplaced pass from the back. 18 year old Spurs youngster Kazaiah Sterling almost made an instant impact after coming on for his debut, when the strikers powerful header was thwarted by Wang shortly afterwards.

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We finally netted our third of the game on the 84th minute from none other than Harry Kane. Kane latched on to Trippier’s well measured cross from the right, as he comfortably tapped the ball home from inside the box, to put Spurs three goals ahead. Kitchee netted a consolation goal five minutes later through Lucas Silva when he prodded home from close range after the ball had looped over Vorm. We rounded off our victory with a fourth goal in stoppage time, and what a moment it was for young Kazaiah Sterling. Sterling got on the end of Alli’s through ball inside the box, and the youngster was as composed as Harry Kane as he calmly slotted the ball past Wang to cap off a brilliant season for the Lillywhites. The final score Spurs 4-1 Kitchee SC, a great experience for Pochettino’s side as they complete the season in style, the team will now enjoy a much deserved holiday over the summer, before returning to pre season in July. COYS

Additional notes: There were many fine performances on display during Fridays game, notably from first team players such as Son who put in a terrific display, and Janssen who put in a really good shift up front. However, the players I was most impressed with were our young academy players that featured throughout the game. Filip Lesniak who made his debut against Leicester only the other week, was impressive in the defensive midfield role. Although he was barely tested, I made a point of watching Lesniak throughout the game and I was thoroughly impressed with the Slovakians off the ball movement. Whilst he was quite but efficient, Lesniak proved his consistency to Pochettino. 20 year old forward Will Miller enjoyed a really good game at the unfamiliar position of left wing back, Miller showed great feet and anticipation as he surged down the left wing. Millers one of the most skilful youngsters in our academy, and his performance will have impressed Pochettino. 18 year old striker Kazaiah Sterling made a dream debut capping of an impressive performance with a goal late on in stoppage time, whilst tenacious midfielder Luke Amos made an impression in the centre of the park during his 25 minute cameo. The season may be officially over but I’ll still be publishing Spurs related content throughout the summer, mainly on player articles, transfer news and some historical pieces on Spurs. COYS

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My man of the match: Vincent Janssen, Janssen had a good game in Hong Kong, as he scored only his third goal from open play for Spurs. His off the ball movement and hold up play were of the highest quality, Janssen fully deserved to lift the trophy at the end!

Kitchee SC: Wang (Guo 81), Recio (Sham 81), Cancela, Goncalves, Azevedo (Lucas 81), Ferreira (Akande 46), Lo (K Lam), Lum (Tong 67), Huang (Segovia Del Burgo 73), M Lam (Wan 73), Vadocz.

Spurs: Lloris (c, Pau Lopez 30 (Vorm, 62)), Walker (Trippier 46), Alderweireld (Dier 46), Wimmer, Davies (Miller 46), Lesniak (Amos 69), Sissoko (Wanyama 46), Nkoudou (Dele 46), Eriksen (Vertonghen 46), Son (Kane 75), Janssen (Sterling 69).

Goals: Kitchee – Lucas 89. Spurs – Son 17, Janssen 21, Kane 84, Sterling 90+1.

Referee: Liu Kwok Man.

Attendance: 27,568.

Spurs versus Kitchee SC: (match preview)

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Spurs versus Kitchee SC: (match preview)

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“We are aware of our growing popularity across Asia. This latest visit represents a great chance for us to engage with our loyal fans in the region and thank them for their fantastic support and the commitment they make to watching us at any hour of the day or night. It promises to be a fantastic experience for all the staff and players, some whom will be visiting Hong Kong for the first time, and a great way to conclude what has been an exciting season for the Club.” (Mauricio Pochettino)

Tottenham Hotspur’s glorious domestic season may have come to an end but there’s still one more game for fans to look forward to, as Mauricio Pochettino’s side travel to Hong Kong for an end of season friendly against the Hong Kong premier league champions, Kitchee SC. Mauricio Pochettino’s side is made up of predominantly senior players as well as a couple of youth players for the post season game. It’s a fantastic way for Spurs to round off a brilliant campaign, there’s no pressure or expectation on their shoulders for Fridays game, which will be a great experience for the players. Mauricio Pochettino said: We are delighted to accept the invitation to return to Hong Kong to play against one of their top clubs Kitchee SC and play our part in the anniversary celebrations. Kitchee SC are on paper the best team in Hong Kong and it will be interesting to see the outcome of Fridays game which kicks off at 1pm GMT. In fact Kitchee recorded a 2-2 draw against Arsenal back in 2012 in a pre season game. The result of the game doesn’t matter, the players are here to showcase their talents and enjoy their football, it will also provide an invaluable opportunity to some youth players, with Filip Lesniak, Kazaiah Sterling, Luke Amos and Will Miller all in contention to play. Unfortunately the game is not being broadcast live in the UK, so the best option for following the game will be via the Spurs website or official Twitter feed. I’m confident that the Lillywhites will dominant the game and give the fans a great game of football, but the home side can’t be underestimated, either way it’s a game to enjoy. COYS

Our under 19’s were involved in the Volksbank cup tournament in Stemwede, Germany on Thursday. John McDermott’s side drew both their games against Werder Bremen and FC Copenhagen 1-1, with Shayon Harrison scoring on both occasions. Spurs are in action again on Friday against both Red Bull Brazil and Mühlenkreis as they look to make it to the finals stage.

Absentees: Erik Lamela, Mousa Dembele, Danny Rose, Harry Winks, Josh Onomah, Kyle Walker-Peters, Cameron Carter-Vickers.

My team prediction: ( 3-4-2-1) López, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Wimmer, Walker, Wanyama, Lesniak, Nkoudou, Alli, Miller, Kane.

My predicted scoreline: 5-0 to Spurs courtesy of goals from Moussa Sissoko, Kane x3 and Sterling.

One to watch: Versatile full back and one time team mate of Son (at Hamburg) Zhi-Gin Lam.

Spurs squad: Toby Alderweireld
Dele Alli
Luke Amos
Ben Davies
Eric Dier
Christian Eriksen
Vincent Janssen
Harry Kane
Filip Lesniak
Hugo Lloris
Pau López
Will Miller
Georges-Kevin Nkoudou
Moussa Sissoko
Heung-Min Son
Kazaiah Sterling
Kieran Trippier
Jan Vertonghen
Michel Vorm
Kyle Walker
Victor Wanyama
Kevin Wimmer