The story is over for emerging England hero, Djed Spence, but there will be one Tottenham Hotspur representative to lift the World Cup this summer, as Cristian Romero’s Argentina face off against Pedro Porro’s Spain on Sunday.
By all accounts, Romero won’t be a Spurs player for much longer amid rampant talk regarding an exit, the skipper not exactly endearing himself following a string of on-field and off-field antics last season.
In Porro’s case, the 26-year-old looks here to stay after penning a fresh new deal earlier this summer, the former Sporting CP star enjoying a fine tournament so far with La Roja.
It was a miserable 2025/26 all told, but the lack of consistency on the right flank was a real issue for a succession of managers. Indeed, Porro could do with a Lamine Yamal-esque figure ahead of him back at N17.
What Porro has said about his connection with Yamal
Porro, like almost everyone back in north London, was largely wretched last term, found wanting both in an attacking sense and defensively, after scoring and assisting just three goals from right-back, while making five errors leading to a shot.
At his best, the attack-minded defender remains such a threat, however, something he has shown amid a string of fine displays for his country, almost looking like the complete right-back in this tournament.
He’s started five games so far, keeping three clean sheets, making no errors and notching two goals, the last of which came in the comprehensive win over France in the last four.
The control and calm of this Spain team perhaps helps matters, but so to does Porro’s blossoming relationship with Yamal down the right flank, having spoken about how the pair have struck up a relationship in recent weeks.
“Everything is a little more difficult, but it’s also about understanding what he needs in each match. In the last match against Belgium, we were more focused on defence because [Jeremy] Doku was playing.
“In the first half, we were able to create that combination that led to our first goal. It’s more about how the match unfolds, what he needs, and what the team needs.”
With the likes of Randal Kolo Muani simply not cutting it at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last term, Porro needs a more consistent right-winger to work in tandem with next season.
Hopefully, Roberto De Zerbi and co are doing something about that.
Why Spurs could be ready to sign their answer to Yamal
Let’s face it, players of Yamal’s ilk simply don’t grow on trees, with this having been a World Cup in which attacking talents have come to the fore, be it Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele or Jude Bellingham.
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Considering only Richarlison reached double figures for goals and assists in the Premier League last term, Spurs just don’t have anywhere close to that kind of quality, or rather, no one has been able to stay fit consistently enough to showcase it.
Well, that might be why – according to one respected Spurs insider – ENIC are now set to ramp up a move for Manchester City’s Savinho, the club looking to ‘accelerate’ their interest.
The 22-year-old – who could cost in the region of £60m – is believed to be the ‘chosen target’, even despite enduring a difficult season at the Etihad.
Having fallen behind the likes of Rayan Cherki, Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo, the Brazilian was a forgotten man under Pep Guardiola, scoring and assisting just two league goals.
And yet, there was plenty to be encouraged by regarding Savinho’s first season in England, as he scored one and chalked up eight assists, while also creating 11 ‘big chances’.
The young left-footer also ranked eighth in the division in terms of total successful dribbles completed, backing up why pundit Paul Merson believes that he’s got “a little bit of Yamal” to his game.
“Savinho, oh my, what a star, he’s gonna be a superstar. He runs with the ball, but his decision-making is unbelievable.
“He reminds me a little bit of Yamal, they can dribble but their decision making… they can run with it but they get their head up and make that right pass at the right time.”
The year prior, Savinho had dazzled in LaLiga during Yamal’s own breakout year, having led the way in the division for successful dribbles, ahead of the teenage Spaniard in fifth, while also chalking up 19 goals and assists in a youthful Girona side.
|
LaLiga 23/24 – Most Successful Dribbles |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
Dribbles |
|
Savinho |
104 |
|
Nico Williams |
86 |
|
Isco |
76 |
|
Greenwood |
72 |
|
Yamal |
70 |
|
Vini Jr |
65 |
|
Rodrygo |
60 |
|
Cancelo |
60 |
|
Moleiro |
57 |
|
Akhomach |
57 |
Interestingly too, as per Scout Lab, the most statistically and stylistically similar player to the South American in that 2023/24 season was actually Yamal, again showcasing that likeness.
Of course, Savinho hasn’t quite kicked on as expected amid the wealth of competition in Manchester, but a fresh start in north London could see him explode under De Zerbi’s watch.
Indeed, it wouldn’t just be Porro who might benefit from ENIC striking a deal this summer.
