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Tottenham Hotspur star pushing for World Cup spot after recent revival
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Joao Palhinha’s recent resurgence at Tottenham Hotspur has reopened the debate about whether he should start in midfield for Portugal at the 2026 World Cup.
Palhinha’s late strike at Wolverhampton Wanderers recently earned Tottenham their first Premier League win since December.
He followed up with a fine performance at Aston Villa on Sunday, providing the team with a platform to secure another hugely important victory.
With that in mind, read on as we assess whether the 30-year-old should start at the base of Portugal’s midfield in North America this summer.
De Zerbi recognises the value of experience 
New Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has gone for a pragmatic approach in the middle of the park and the move has paid dividends.
De Zerbi picked Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall alongside Conor Gallagher in the 1-0 defeat at Sunderland, but his decision backfired.
Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka ran the show and his performance, coupled with an unfortunate injury for Archie Gray, probably persuaded De Derbi to head down a different path.
Palhinha played alongside Rodrigo Bentancurm at Villa Park, while Gallagher was deployed ahead of them. It was the first time they have started together this season.
They outworked Ross Barkley, Lamare Bogarde and Youri Tielemans, which gave Spurs the platform they needed to secure a vital victory. It was a similar story back in January where Palhina’s dominant performance wasn’t enough to secure FA Cup progress against Villa.
Tottenham now have a template they can use for the rest of the season and one which could ultimately preserve their Premier League status.
De Zerbi’s recognition of Palhinha’s qualities may boost his chances of playing for Portugal this summer, although that is far from guaranteed.
Photo: IMAGO
Martinez may need to rethink his stance on Palhinha
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez is renowned for preferring technical midfielders. It is an ethos he has stuck to since his first managerial role at Swansea City.
Pallhinha does not fit that description. He is a ball-winner – a destroyer in the truest sense of the word. He thrives on being physical in the middle of the park.
Martinez prefers his number six to be more cultured, which hands Ruben Neves a significant advantage over his more limited compatriot.
However, a strong case can be made for suggesting that Palhinha should be tasked with anchoring Portugal’s midfield this summer.
If Martinez starts Cristiano Ronaldo, he will already have a player in his line-up who will not contribute to the team’s defensive efforts.
While Neves is not quite as a static as Ronaldo, his presence in the middle of the park will further weaken the spine of Portugal’s team.
Martinez may get away with that approach against so-called weaker sides, but he cannot afford to take any chances when Portugal play top-class opposition.
Martinez’s stubborn nature could scupper Portugal’s chances
Although Neves is a decent player, it is worth noting that he is plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League (SPL) rather than one of the top leagues in Europe.
By contrast, Palhinha is operating effectively in the English Premier League – the most competitive domestic competition on the planet.
Martinez’s preference for technicians over workers has been prevalent throughout his managerial career and has repeatedly proven to be his Achilles heel.
The Portugal manager may feel that selecting Palhinha goes against his principles, but pragmatism undoubtedly has its place in professional football.
De Zerbi’s ability to recognise this factor and adapt accordingly could save Tottenham from dropping into the Championship at the end of the season.
If Martinez chooses to be stubborn, Portugal’s long wait to win the World Cup could go on for at least another four years.



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Tottenham Hotspur star set to leave with replacements already lined up
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Credit must go to TeamTalk for the original reporting on a developing Tottenham Hotspur story that could shape Roberto De Zerbi’s first major summer rebuild. Their report states that “Inter Milan have won the race to sign Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario”, with Spurs now actively planning for life without the Italy international.
Vicario’s expected exit is not being framed as a sudden development. TeamTalk report that “Spurs made a decision back in January to allow Vicario to leave this summer”, only two years after his arrival from Empoli in 2023. That timing is important. It suggests Tottenham have not drifted into this situation, but have been preparing for a change in goal.
Inter Milan Move Accelerates
Inter’s pursuit appears advanced, with TeamTalk stating that the Serie A club have “successfully agreed terms with the player”. Juventus were also interested, but Vicario’s preference is said to be Inter, giving the Champions League level Italian side a clear advantage.
For Vicario, the move makes sense. At 29, he is entering a peak phase for a goalkeeper and returning to Serie A with Inter offers status, security and European pedigree. For Tottenham, however, this would still represent a significant reset. Vicario arrived as a modern, proactive goalkeeper, comfortable in possession and capable of sharp reaction saves, even if his command under pressure has divided opinion.
Photo IMAGO
His possible final appearance, the 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, would be an unfortunate closing image if that proves to be the case. TeamTalk note he has not featured since then after undergoing a hernia operation.
Tottenham Replacement Plans Take Shape
Spurs are already looking at successors, but the report makes clear that context will dictate strategy. TeamTalk claim that “relegation would likely see Spurs place their faith in current number two Antonin Kinsky as their first-choice goalkeeper.”
That is a striking detail. It points to a club preparing for multiple financial and sporting scenarios. If Spurs retain Premier League status, the approach changes, with a more ambitious target expected.
Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen and Manchester City’s James Trafford are both named as leading options. Verbruggen would fit De Zerbi’s style, given his comfort in build-up play and his education in a possession-heavy system. Yet TeamTalk suggest Spurs may face frustration there, as the 23-year-old is “poised to extend his stay on the south coast.”
Trafford Interest Could Complicate Spurs Chase
James Trafford is another intriguing name. His City background, England pathway and high ceiling make him attractive, but competition is building. TeamTalk report that Liverpool have emerged as “a major suitor for the England stopper.”
That matters. Spurs cannot afford another drawn-out recruitment process in such a crucial position. De Zerbi’s football demands bravery from the goalkeeper, not just saves. The next Tottenham number one must play through pressure, accept risk and organise a defensive structure that has often looked fragile.
Pivotal Summer Looms for Spurs
Vicario’s exit, if completed, would not simply be another transfer. It would be an early test of how Tottenham intend to back De Zerbi. Replacing a senior goalkeeper is never routine, but doing so during a period of uncertainty makes the decision even more delicate.
TeamTalk’s line that this marks “a significant shift in the club’s summer planning” feels accurate. Spurs are not only replacing a player, they are choosing the profile of their next phase. Kinsky would represent trust and internal development. Verbruggen or Trafford would signal investment, ambition and tactical clarity.
For Tottenham, that clarity must arrive quickly.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Tottenham supporter’s perspective, this report will land with mixed emotions. Vicario has had good moments in a Spurs shirt, and there were spells where he looked like a goalkeeper capable of anchoring a more progressive era. His shot-stopping could be excellent, his attitude never seemed in doubt, and his passion was obvious.
Yet there is also an acceptance that Roberto De Zerbi may want something different. Under De Zerbi, the goalkeeper is not a passenger. He is part of the first attacking line, asked to attract pressure, find angles and play with conviction. If the manager does not see Vicario as the ideal fit, then Spurs have to act decisively.
The worrying part is the uncertainty around the replacement. Antonin Kinsky may have potential, but relying on him as first choice would feel like a major gamble unless forced by circumstances. Verbruggen feels the most natural stylistic fit, but Brighton will not make that easy. Trafford is exciting, though Liverpool’s interest could change the market quickly.
The key point is simple, Spurs cannot stumble into another half-plan. If Vicario goes, the replacement must be ready for De Zerbi’s system from day one. Supporters will accept change, but only if it looks like part of a serious football strategy.



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