Ledley King believes Tottenham ready to step up on ‘massive occasion’ and says there is no fear factor against Man Utd in Europa League final

Tottenham legend Ledley King is backing his side to finally end their trophy drought and lift the Europa League on Wednesday.

Spurs face Manchester United in Bilbao for the honour, having both breezed through their semi-final matchups.

For so many years the North London club have come close, notably finishing runners up in the Champions League final in 2019 as well as falling at the final step in other competitions.

But there is a renewed sense of belief in the camp for what could be Ange Postecoglou’s last game in charge.

The Australian boss said earlier in the season that he always wins in his second term, and he has the chance to prove his doubters wrong in Spain despite a dismal Premier League campaign.

And King believes it is a huge game for the club, in more than one context.

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Speaking to BetMGM, he said: “Playing in a major final is a massive occasion and it’s a huge game for Spurs – not just in the context of this season but moving forward too.

“It has been quite a few years since we lifted a trophy, so to do that here would reinforce the belief moving forward in the group that they are good enough to win major trophies.

“I think we have played well against good teams, in basic terms. Away games are so important in European competition so to be so solid on the road has been a huge advantage.

“The manager has been able to field a strong lineup throughout the competition and securing the top-eight spot in the league phase was a big boost to ensure the best chance of progression.

“Belief has definitely risen in the group as the tournament has progressed. It was a new format at the start of the season and people were curious to see how it panned out.

“It will be close. Obviously, though, Spurs already have three wins over United this season and that could be huge.

“When you know you can beat an opponent it is a big advantage. I remember the first time we beat Arsenal and Chelsea… it removes the fear factor.

“It’s always in the back of your mind when you have lost to that team. The first goal will be massive, especially if Spurs get it. It will be interesting to see how Manchester United respond to the pressure.”

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Heir to the throne

Spurs have played much of their campaign without their preferred centre-back pairing of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero due to injury.

But the duo are finally back and fully fit at a crucial time for the club, and their presence at the back could be the key to keeping out a United side who have struggled to create chances.

King had nothing but praise for the Dutchman in particular, who he identified as a top talent as soon as he arrived at Spurs.

He added: “Micky van de Ven is top class. A lot of players, when they come to the Premier League, it takes them a while to settle and show what they are capable of. With him, though, it was clear straight away how good he was.

“He is such a valuable player and still so young, too. Having him back in the side brings confidence to other players and, hopefully, he is at that stage now after his injuries where he can trust his body to play at full throttle again.

“His pace is astonishing and is a huge advantage but his ability on the ball is so impressive as well.

“In him and [Cristian] Romero, we have two defenders comfortable on the ball, something that’s so important these days.

“Romero can pick the pass between the lines and Van De Ven can stride out with the ball. It’s so impressive – his piece of play in the 3-0 win at United was one of the best bits of football I’ve seen all season.

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