Credit: Imago

Matthew Chadder

Mon 14 April 2025 16:40, UK

Robert Vilahamn has no choice but to recall Olga Ahtinen after the Tottenham Women midfielder’s form during the international break.

Vilahamn has had a tough few months at Spurs.

Tottenham are without a win since January, losing six and drawing one of their seven matches in that time. As a result, the North London club are ninth in the Barclays Women’s Super League with just four matches left to play.

Vilahamn would have known that matches against Manchester United Women, Arsenal Women and Manchester City Women would be tough. Therefore, the Swede and his players would have been relishing the chance to play the teams around them after losing all three.

However, things didn’t get any better. Tottenham were beaten 1-0 by Brighton Women at Brisbane Road on 16 March, before losing 2-0 to West Ham Women at the Chigwell Construction Stadium on 23 March.

Vilahamn’s side finally ended a run of five straight matches without a win but still failed to claim victory as they drew 1-1 with Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Sunday, 30 March, ahead of the international break.

Ahtinen was on the bench in the East Midlands. However, after her form for Finland Women, Vilahamn is surely set to recall the midfielder.

Ahtinen impresses for Finland Women

Vilahamn has a lot to think about after his players’ performances for their nations, with Charlotte Grant also impressing.

However, what is certain is that he cannot afford to continue leaving Ahtinen out of the starting lineup.

The 27-year-old started alongside Spurs teammate Eveliina Summanen in midfield for Finland as they drew 0-0 with Belarus Women in Group G of the UEFA Women’s Nations League at Stadio Silvio Piola on Friday (4 April).

On that occasion, Ahtinen played two key passes, won 100 per cent of her aerial duels and succeeded with 100 per cent of her attempted dribbles [Sofascore].

In Finland’s second game, Ahtinen kept her place in the starting lineup and provided an assist for her nation in a 3-0 win over Hungary Women at Tammelan Stadion on Tuesday (8 April), once again in the UEFA Nations Women’s League.

In addition, the Spurs ace played three key passes and was accurate with 80 per cent of her long balls.

Vilahamn must recall Ahtinen at Tottenham

It hasn’t been a positive season in North London.

However, Vilahamn and his players will still be keen to finish the season on a high. Therefore, Ahtinen should be given a chance to bring her international form back to the WSL when Tottenham host Aston Villa Women at Brisbane Road on Sunday (20 April).