With just over a month since the winter transfer window closed, Tottenham Hotspur’s new signings have had time to make their mark. At first glance, the club’s business appeared to be shrewd, bringing in players who seemed to address key areas of concern. However, as time has passed, it’s fair to say that none of the three arrivals—Antonín Kinský, Mathys Tel, and Kevin Danso—have yet fully justified their signings.
Kinský’s Rollercoaster Start
Antonín Kinský initially looked like a revelation, delivering a stellar debut performance against Liverpool that won him widespread acclaim from both fans and pundits. However, as the weeks progressed, errors started creeping into his game. His decision-making became inconsistent, leading to costly mistakes that eroded the early confidence in him. By the time Guglielmo Vicario returned to full fitness, there was little doubt about who should be the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, with Kinský finding himself back on the bench.
Tel’s Slow Integration
Mathys Tel’s arrival generated significant excitement, with many expecting the young French forward to provide an additional attacking spark. However, his impact has been underwhelming so far. In his first six appearances, Tel has managed just one consolation goal and has struggled to force his way into the starting lineup. His lack of output raises concerns about whether he can adapt quickly enough to the Premier League’s intensity and physicality.
Danso’s Inconsistent Performances
Of the three signings, Kevin Danso arguably had the clearest path to regular game time, given Spurs’ ongoing defensive injury crisis. His early performances were solid, suggesting he could be a reliable addition to the backline. However, as the season has progressed, criticism has begun to mount over his inconsistency. The Austrian defender has shown glimpses of quality, but recent displays have highlighted areas where he needs to improve, particularly in positioning and composure under pressure.

Danso’s Spurs Journey: A Work in Progress

To be fair to Danso, he is still in the early stages of his Spurs career. With over two months left in the season, he has time to establish himself as an integral part of Ange Postecoglou’s squad. However, at this point, it would be difficult to argue that he has been anything more than a serviceable addition.
He impressed in some of his early outings, particularly against Liverpool and Manchester United, earning respectable match ratings of 7/10 and 8/10, respectively, from Evening Standard journalist Dan Kilpatrick. Yet, his recent performances have been far less convincing. In the midweek defeat, he looked vulnerable and erratic at the back, warranting a 5/10 rating. The following weekend, he was caught out for Bournemouth’s opening goal, misjudging his movement and timing his jump poorly. Additionally, he lost possession eight times and conceded two fouls, further highlighting his struggles.
While it’s far too early to label Danso a failed signing, he will need to show significant improvement if he wants to cement his place in the squad moving forward. With Spurs already eyeing a potential replacement for next season, his time to prove himself is running out.

The Rising Star Who Could Replace Danso

Tottenham have been proactive in securing young talent for the future, and while several exciting prospects like Mikey Moore and Lucas Bergvall are making waves in attacking and midfield roles, the club may already have a defensive gem waiting in the wings.
Luka Vušković, a Croatian center-back signed by Spurs in September 2023, is widely regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe. Due to post-Brexit regulations preventing under-18 foreign players from registering immediately, Vušković was unable to join Spurs right away. Instead, he remained on loan in Croatia before moving to Belgian side KVC Westerlo at the start of the current season, where he has been nothing short of outstanding.
Despite playing exclusively as a center-back, Vušković has showcased his attacking threat, scoring seven goals and providing two assists. That translates to a goal involvement every three games—a remarkable return for a defender.
Defensively, he is equally impressive. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, he is dominant in aerial duels and robust in challenges. According to FOTmob, Vušković wins 76.2% of his tackles, 66% of his duels, and 72.2% of his aerial battles, while also averaging 5.74 recoveries per 90 minutes.
For context, Arsenal’s William Saliba—one of the Premier League’s top center-backs—wins 60.4% of his tackles, 63.2% of his duels, and 60% of his aerial duels, while making 4.51 recoveries per 90 minutes. Vušković’s numbers suggest he has the potential to develop into a dominant defender at the highest level.

A Crucial Period for Danso

Ultimately, Kevin Danso remains a player with potential, but he has yet to establish himself as a guaranteed starter for Spurs. His performances in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining his future at the club. If he fails to step up, Vušković’s impending arrival could put his place in serious jeopardy.
For now, Spurs fans will be hoping that Danso can rise to the challenge and prove he deserves a long-term role in Ange Postecoglou’s plans. But with a highly talented young defender waiting in the wings, the Austrian center-back has little margin for error.