Tottenham have been a mixed bag under new manager Thomas Frank recently, but Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has been left impressed by what he’s spotted Kevin Danso doing on the pitch.
Spurs were eliminated from the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening, suffering a 2-0 defeat away to Newcastle at St James’ Park.
Fielding a weakened side that reflected the pressures of a congested fixture list, Spurs looked second best throughout the contest as Newcastle capitalized on their opportunities and advanced to the next round at Tottenham’s expense.
Frank made several changes from his regular Premier League lineup, resting key players and giving fringe squad members a chance to impress.
Tottenham struggled to assert themselves, with Newcastle dominating midfield exchanges and denying Spurs any consistent possession. The visitors’ inability to get their attacking players involved was evident, as they created few genuine chances.
Tottenham absentee list
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
Kota Takai
Ankle/Foot
08/11/2025
Yves Bissouma
Ankle/Foot
08/11/2025
Wilson Odobert
Abdominal
01/11/2025
Cristian Romero
Groin
01/11/2025
Destiny Udogie
Knee
08/11/2025
Dominic Solanke
Ankle
08/11/2025
Archie Gray
Calf/Shin/Heel
06/11/2025
via Premier Injuries
Stand-in keeper Antonin Kinsky was also blasted for his error which led to Nick Woltemade’s first and Newcastle’s second goal of the game, with defender Fabian Schar previously opening the scoring in what was a routine win for the Magpies.
Guglielmo Vicario was absent for Spurs’ trip to the North East with a minor injury, it has been suggested at least, though Frank has confirmed that the keeper will be ready for their looming London derby clash against Chelsea this weekend.
“He had a smaller thing that had to be done” Frank said.
“He’ll be ready for Chelsea.”
It is currently unclear whether Cristian Romero will return from his groin injury in time to feature at home to Chelsea on Saturday, meaning Danso is more than likely set to partner Micky van de Ven once again.
Jamie Redknapp shares what he’s spotted Kevin Danso doing at Tottenham
The pair were excellent at Everton last weekend, particularly van de Ven, who scored two goals from set plays as Tottenham became the first ever away side to win at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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
However, Frank was quick to note Danso’s contribution too, with the Austrian “not as highlighted” but equally deserving of praise.
“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 after their victory over David Moyes’ side.
“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.”
Just before Tottenham’s loss to Newcastle, when on punditry duty for Sky Sports, Redknapp also had good things to say about the January signing who made his move permanent for £21 million in the summer.
Redknapp, speaking to the Sky studio, said that Danso has been “very impressive” in Romero’s absence, with the pundit claiming he’s spotted him becoming more of a “vocal” presence on the field.
As well as this, Redknapp was quick to point out that he could be emerging as a “leader” at Spurs in light of this.
The 27-year-old was believed to be on the verge of a move to Wolves last January before Tottenham hijacked the deal in last-minute fashion.
Now, with Spurs competing in the Champions League after ending their 17-year wait for silverware, and Wolves rooted to the foot of the table, Danso will be delighted as he also impresses whenever called upon.
It was an astute signing by ex-chairman Daniel Levy, and one which provides new boss Frank with vital, capable cover at centre-back.
