Thomas Frank era has begun
Ange Postecoglou gave us Tottenham fans a season we would never forget, the season our trophy drought ended. Finishing the Premier League season with our most defeats, our lowest points tally, but most importantly, Tottenham winning the Europa League trophy. At last, the show must go on. When Ange was sacked, his successor would be an important decision for the board, and Thomas Frank, I think, is the perfect manager to succeed the Australian. It was confirmed on June 12th, Thomas Frank, most recently the coach of Brentford FC for the last 7 years, has been known to produce tactical masterclasses against the top 6 sides (although Tottenham did the double over them last season), his coaching style allows for in-game adaptation no matter the situation which is something Spurs fans called so much for Ange to do, one benefit, another thing his coaching style brings is his ability to get the most out of his players. Something I think a lot of our players could benefit from. Let’s get into who I think will benefit the most from Thomas Franks’ appointment.
Yves Bissouma
I feel this is a bit of a rogue shout because a lot of Tottenham fans actually think/want Yves to be sold, but I think Thomas Frank can bring Biss back to his Brighton days. Yves Bissouma became a name the league feared during his time at Brighton, but he hasn’t had the same consistency at Tottenham since his move. I think he needs a midfield partner who can complement his flaws so his strengths can flourish for the better, which is what we saw in the Europa League last season. When he’s utilised as a lone holding midfielder, no one is there to bail him out if he loses the ball; however, if he has midfield partners to help him we’re able to see his strengths more clearly and I hope that is something Thomas can use because the big problem with Biss is that on his day he’s world-class but is too inconsistent and can at times lose the ball in comprising positions.
Pedro Porro
I really believe Pedro went up a level last season; his defensive qualities got better, and his attacking output was just as good. Unfortunately, because this Tottenham team underwhelmed, a lot of our players’ performances went under the radar. I’ll go as far as saying Pedro Porro is now the best attacking right back in the league (now that Trent is gone); his delivery on crosses, his long-ball passes, and his attacking ability are some of the best among defenders in the league. Now that Thomas is at the wheel, I feel Pedro’s game can go to that world-class level. Thomas Frank likes his full-backs to stay wide and operate in those half-spaces in the final third, and that is where Pedro flourishes the most. When he’s able to pick out crosses, that’s when he’s at his best. Coming from Sporting CP as a wing-back, he naturally drifts into attacking positions, and that’s where I feel Thomas will want him.
Archie Gray
This is an interesting one because Archie Gray has been ever so present in Tottenham’s starting eleven but hasn’t quite shown the quality we saw at his time in Leeds. Gray came to N17 as a promising 18-year-old holding midfielder for £40m; however, he played most of his games at RB and CB. Last season, Tottenham hijacked his move to Brentford by securing his signature, so you just know Thomas is eager to utilise his skills next season, as he was a player he wanted in his Brentford team. It’s a well-known fact that Lucas Bergvall stole the headlines for the youngsters last season, but I think Archie has a lot to give this Tottenham team, especially in a position where we need the most help, which is CDM.
The Ange era is over, the Frank era has just begun. We need to capitalise on last season’s successes and failures. Improving the league form is a must, but competing for multiple trophies is an expectation. We’re competing in the Champions League next season, and we need to show that we belong amongst the elite. We obviously have a long way to go, but this rebuild is showing us we’re on the right path, and we have to continue moving forward. We are Tottenham and we’re only just getting started. COYS.
