AS Roma star and World Cup winner says Tottenham are one of his ‘favourite’ teams in the world
Tottenham Hotspur face another challenging test on Thursday night as they host AS Roma in a crucial Europa League fixture. Despite their impressive victory over Manchester City last weekend, manager Ange Postecoglou has had a tough week.
Starting goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has been sidelined for several months due to ankle surgery, leaving Tottenham with a significant gap to fill in their defensive lineup. This injury setback follows their first defeat in the competition earlier this season against Galatasaray, making Thursday’s match even more vital for their campaign.
Tottenham’s Europa League journey this season has been largely positive. With nine points from four matches, the team sits in seventh position, maintaining their status as one of the favorites to progress deep into the tournament. Their group stage statistics reflect their strong start: three wins, one loss, eight goals scored, and four conceded.
| Europa League 2024/25 | Total |
|---|---|
| Games played | 4 |
| Games won | 3 |
| Games drawn | 0 |
| Games lost | 1 |
| Goals scored | 8 |
| Goals conceded | 4 |
However, the injury list continues to grow, with key players like Cristian Romero and Mikey Moore also unavailable. This adds extra pressure on the team as they look to bounce back and secure their place among the top eight teams that automatically advance to the Round of 16.
Roma, on the other hand, have struggled both domestically and in the Europa League this season. Currently 12th in Serie A and sitting 20th in their European campaign standings, they have not lived up to expectations.
Despite these struggles, Roma remains a formidable opponent with experienced players who can pose a threat. One such player is World Cup-winning defender Mats Hummels, who spoke highly of Tottenham ahead of the clash.
Hummels, who joined Roma as a free agent during the summer after leaving Borussia Dortmund, expressed admiration for Tottenham in a recent press conference. He mentioned having a soft spot for the North London club, citing their attacking prowess and the quality of players like Heung-min Son.
Hummels acknowledged that Spurs would put Roma under pressure and involve the home crowd, making the atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium a challenging factor for the visitors.
The upcoming match provides Tottenham with an opportunity to settle their nerves following Vicario’s absence and recent injuries. Despite the challenges, Postecoglou’s side remains focused on maintaining their strong start in the competition.
A win on Thursday would solidify their position in the top eight and boost their confidence heading into the next stage of the tournament.
As the Lilywhites prepare for the match, the team will rely on their attacking depth and tactical adaptability to overcome Roma’s defense. The fixture represents more than just another group-stage game—it’s a chance to reaffirm their status as serious contenders in the Europa League.
For Postecoglou and his squad, the focus will be on delivering a performance that matches their ambition and keeps their European dreams alive.
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