Tottenham new boy Lewis Holtby eyes ‘glory’ ahead of Arsenal clash

Tottenham signed Lewis Holtby for £1.5m last month Photo: DerHans04, via Wikimedia

Lewis Holtby says he wants to be “glorious” with Tottenham Hotspur, starting with a victory over north London rivals Arsenal on Sunday.

The Germany international has been a regular fixture in André Villas-Boas’s side since completing a £1.5m move from Schalke in the January transfer window.

The 21-year-old has started Tottenham’s last two games, which saw Spurs beat Lyon on aggregate and move into the Europa League last 16 before winning at West Ham to strengthen their claim for a top-four finish.

Tottenham can move seven points clear of fifth-place Arsenal with a victory at White Hart Lane, and Holtby is confident Villas-Boas’s men have what it takes to beat their north London rivals.

“I want to be glorious with the club,” Holtby told the Telegraph. “We are like a big ice-cream and he [Bale] is just sweetening it up by putting the topping on.

“I think we have the quality to beat [Arsenal], especially at home, but it’s going to be an intense game. They [derbies] are emotional, they are great games but as a player you have to keep your cool.

“We need to stay in third place and , maybe, have a little sniff at Manchester City [in second].”

Holtby also revealed Villas-Boas’s presence has helped the German youngster ease into life in the English top flight.

“I’ve only been here a month but I can see that the manager has given a lot of confidence to all the players. In my position, in midfield, he gives me a free role and tells me to get involved. He’s doing a real good job.”