“Gone under the radar” – Tottenham have an “exceptional” talent who emulates Modric
Tottenham face one of their least favourite away days on Saturday, with Chelsea standing in the way of a badly needed winning run.
Spurs have not celebrated victory at Stamford Bridge since 2018, making the London derby a sizeable test for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
Monday’s success against Coventry offered some breathing space, but Tottenham remain 16th after collecting six points from their opening seven league games.
De Zerbi has received encouraging news on Pedro Porro, who is available again following his hamstring injury, while Andy Robertson has also been cleared to play.
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Tottenham vs Chelsea head to heads |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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Date |
Home team |
Score |
Away team |
Competition |
|
19 May 2026 |
Chelsea |
2-1 |
Tottenham |
Premier League |
|
1 November 2025 |
Tottenham |
0-1 |
Chelsea |
Premier League |
|
3 April 2025 |
Chelsea |
1-0 |
Tottenham |
Premier League |
|
8 December 2024 |
Tottenham |
3-4 |
Chelsea |
Premier League |
|
2 May 2024 |
Chelsea |
2-0 |
Tottenham |
Premier League |
|
6 November 2023 |
Tottenham |
1-4 |
Chelsea |
Premier League |
|
26 February 2023 |
Tottenham |
2-0 |
Chelsea |
Premier League |
|
14 August 2022 |
Chelsea |
2-2 |
Tottenham |
Premier League |
|
23 January 2022 |
Chelsea |
2-0 |
Tottenham |
Premier League |
|
12 January 2022 |
Tottenham |
0-1 |
Chelsea |
League Cup semi-final, second leg |
James Maddison’s involvement is less certain after he missed training sessions earlier this week alongside Dejan Kulusevski, leaving the manager with more decisions to make over his attacking setup.
Further ahead, Spurs could have another midfield option emerging from their own academy.
Pundit and Lilywhite Rose academy insider John Wenham believes Harry Byrne is heading towards wider recognition, with next season potentially bringing a significant step forward.
Tottenham’s Harry Byrne earns Luka Modrić comparison as breakthrough tipped
His praise includes a comparison with former Tottenham favourite Luka Modrić, specifically around the youngster’s ability to turn possession into an attack.
“He’s not as hyped by many yet, but Harry Byrne is an exceptional footballer. Technically so good,” Wenham told Tottenham Hotspur News.
“So many times, he picks it up deep in possession, nine out of 10 players would pass it back to the right-back, the keeper or concede possession.
“He does little flicks, like a Modric-level pass to set an attack going forward.
“He has gone under the radar, I think his breakthrough will come next season. I think he will get a lot of recognition in the pre-season tour.”
Byrne has already spent much of his footballing life at Tottenham, having joined the club aged seven. The Croydon-born prospect is now 18 and has developed into a midfielder who can also operate at left-back.
His left foot and ability from dead balls offer further qualities, while his experience moving between roles could help as he continues learning the demands of senior football.
He first appeared for Tottenham’s Under-18s against Barnsley in December 2023 and became a full-time academy player the following summer.
A professional contract followed in May 2025, and Byrne was also involved in the side that lifted the Under-17 Premier League Cup in 2024/25, before earning recognition with the Republic of Ireland’s Under-19s.
There has already been some exposure to the senior group, too.
He featured on Tottenham’s tour of New Zealand and Australia in July, giving him experience of travelling and playing with the first-team squad.
For Byrne, the challenge will be showing he can produce those moments regularly as the level around him rises.
Wenham has identified next summer’s preparations as a potential opportunity to make that impression, and Tottenham supporters will be hoping the coming months provide more reasons to follow his progress.
