Tottenham should be wincing as stunning Luka Vuskovic stats emerge

Every strong Luka Vuskovic display will be a painful one for Tottenham Hotspur this season, with Saturday giving them plenty of reason to wince.

The 19-year-old scored and was excellent for Brighton as they drew 1-1 with Leeds United, while the Lilywhites went a third consecutive Premier League game without scoring as they drew 0-0 with Nottingham Forest.

It has been a difficult start to the season for Roberto De Zerbi's team and Saturday's result would not have massively lifted spirits, although the draw finally saw an end to their huge defensive issues.

Tottenham reluctantly sold Vuskovic for £50million to Brighton in July, after he had made it clear that he did not want to remain at the club this summer.

The Lilywhites added Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi to their team, and the opportunities looked limited for the Croatia international.

Vuskovic had cost Tottenham £12m when they signed him from Hajduk Split in 2023, but he would never make a competitive appearance for the club.

Luka Vuskovic enjoys landmark moment vs Leeds

Vuskovic was dominant in the Bundesliga with Hamburg last season, scoring a remarkable six goals.

The defender was staggeringly good in the air, and superb with the ball at his feet.

There was concern, however, about his readiness for the Premier League. De Zerbi appeared not to be convinced, with the new arrivals at the back clearly spelling out the situation for the teenager.

Vuskovic's start to the Premier League season with Brighton has answered many of those doubts emphatically, with Saturday marking his first goal.

The Croatia international rose highest at the back post to head in Maxim De Cuyper's corner, in a scene that may be seen on plenty more occasions in the coming months.

But there was far more to Vuskovic's display. The 19-year-old also completed a successful dribble, five long balls and won two free-kicks.

He also made two tackles, a block, six clearances, an interception, four recoveries and won six duels on the day.

Jan Paul van Hecke in tough Tottenham start

In the weeks before Vuskovic made the move to Tottenham, Van Hecke went the other way in a £52m deal.

The Netherlands international had just one year remaining on his contract and was coming off a superb season for Brighton.

But the 26-year-old is still struggling to adapt to his new home, while Vuskovic thrives in his position.

The question will be asked if Tottenham have made a mistake, yet it remains to be seen whether Van Hecke can find his feet.