5 players who improved after leaving Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur have built quite the reputation for being a club for players to thrive. More often than not, they have taken players who may not be recognised elsewhere, and turned them into world-beaters.

However, this can sometimes work to their detriment. After all, achieving stardom at Tottenham and becoming one of the best players at the club puts players into the spotlight. Therefore, they can be targetted by other clubs.

While it's never nice to lose your best players, Tottenham fans can sometimes appreciate the good work of their former players at new clubs. Other times, it is not so easy to cheer on former players but alas, this is part of the game.

Here are 5 players who improved after leaving Tottenham Hotspur.

5 players who improved after leaving Tottenham Hotspur

1. Dimitar Berbatov

I would like to start off by saying that there is no bad blood between Tottenham and Dimitar Berbatov. Despite playing for Man United, Berbatov is not known for being a "judas" or anything of the like. In fact, Tottenham even invited the Bulgarian back to play in a Legends game.

However, it is impossible to ignore the fact that he played better and achieved more success for other clubs than he did with Tottenham Hotspur.

Most notably, Berbatov won two Premier League titles with Man United. This cannot be overlooked.

However, Tottenham fans took some joy in watching Dimitar Berbatov score a Champions League goal at the Emirates Stadium while playing for Monaco, even in the latter stages of his career.

2. Luka Modrić

Like Berbatov, Luka Modrić is a club legend. The Croatia international broke through at Tottenham Hotspur and remains one of the best midfielders Tottenham has ever seen.

However, it is at Real Madrid where Luka Modrić achieved the most success. Signed by Los Blancos in 2012, Modrić went on to make history with Real Madrid.

Luka Modrić has won countless major honours during his time with Real Madrid. Modrić has won six Champions Leagues, four Liga titles, two Copa del Reys and the Ballon d'Or during his time with Real Madrid. In fact, he is the most decorated player in Real Madrid history.

Quite remarkable.

3. Kyle Walker

Kyle Walker spent some great years at Tottenham Hotspur, particularly during the André Villas-Boas era of the club. However, under Mauricio Pochettino, the Englishman was deemed surplus to requirements.

This is probably a decision which Pochettino and indeed Tottenham regret. Indeed, Tottenham's loss was ultimately their league rivals Man City's gain.

Since leaving Tottenham in 2017, Kyle Walker has become a mainstay for Manchester City. He's won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League.

Still, there is no bad blood between Tottenham and Kyle Walker. However, he will be better remembered at Man City than Tottenham when he eventually hangs up his boots.

4. Robbie Keane

Bit of an underrated shout here but it was great to see Robbie Keane tear it up in MLS. The USA-based league has quite a harsh repuation in Europe for being a "retirement" league but the Tottenham legend achieved great success in Los Angeles.

Playing for LA Galaxy, Robbie Keane established himself as a club legend towards the end of his playing career. Keane bagged 83 league goals but more importantly, won three MLS Cups.

Needless to say, he wasn't bad at Tottenham either.

5. Kieran Trippier

As the player who slowly fizzled Kyle Walker out of the equation, it would be unfair not to include Kieran Trippier in this list.

Despite being a great player at Tottenham Hotspur under Mauricio Pochettino, Trippier is now mostly recognised for his improvements after leaving Tottenham.

The England international left Spurs to join Atlético Madrid in 2019. With the Spanish club, he became a La Liga champion and emerged into a real fan favourite. Then, he was swiped up by Newcastle United and helped the Magpies to qualify for the Champions League.

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