Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has spoken glowingly about one of his lesser-used players this season, Randal Kolo Muani, praising the forward’s impressive progress in training as Spurs prepare to face Aston Villa this weekend.
Frank’s comments come at a time when Tottenham are beginning to show real consistency under his leadership, with the team unbeaten since their 1-0 home loss to Bournemouth earlier in the campaign.
Spurs have displayed a new level of resilience, battling through difficult moments and finding ways to get results. Their recent performances have shown character and grit, with late goals and hard-fought draws becoming a recurring theme under Frank.
In their last three outings, Tottenham managed to rescue a dramatic 1-1 draw against Wolves thanks to a last-minute equaliser from Joao Palhinha, followed by another draw against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League.
Then, against Leeds at Elland Road, Spurs turned potential disappointment into triumph when Mohammed Kudus inspired a 2-1 win that ended the Yorkshire side’s long unbeaten home run in the league.
The victory not only solidified Tottenham’s strong run but also highlighted the calm and tactical discipline Frank has instilled in his squad. The new manager has guided the team through 11 matches so far, winning five, drawing three, and losing just two, earning a solid average of nearly two points per game.
His approach has injected balance and structure, particularly on the defensive end, an area that was inconsistent under previous boss Ange Postecoglou despite the Australian’s Europa League success last season.
Their next test, however, will not be an easy one. Aston Villa come into the clash rejuvenated after a poor start to the season. Unai Emery’s side struggled early, going five Premier League matches without scoring a goal, but a spectacular strike from Matty Cash against Sunderland seemed to turn their fortunes around.
Since then, Villa have won four consecutive games across all competitions, finding rhythm and confidence just in time for their trip to London.
For Tottenham, Frank faces a few key selection dilemmas. One of the main talking points is whether Mathys Tel will retain his spot up front or if Richarlison will return to the starting lineup.
Dominic Solanke, meanwhile, is recovering well from surgery but might not yet be ready for a full 90 minutes. “Dom is progressing well after surgery,” Frank told reporters. “He’s been back on the pitch this week, and things are moving in the right direction.”
The bigger boost for Tottenham, however, comes with the return of Randal Kolo Muani. The French forward has been sidelined with a dead leg since joining Spurs on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, but after two weeks of full training, he is finally close to being match-fit.
Frank was full of praise for the 26-year-old, describing how much he has improved in recent sessions. “Kolo Muani has trained for two weeks with the team, that’s good,” said Frank. “He looks better and better and is in contention for the squad on Sunday, so that’s a positive.”
Although Kolo Muani has played just 13 minutes for Tottenham so far, his recovery could not come at a better time. His return adds valuable depth and creativity to the forward line as the club heads into a busy run of fixtures.
The French international, known for his versatility and explosive pace, made his name with an outstanding spell at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he scored 23 goals and provided 17 assists during the 2022–2023 campaign.
He later enjoyed a successful loan stint at Juventus, showcasing flashes of the same brilliance that once made him one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.
For Spurs, securing Kolo Muani on loan was seen as a major coup. The deal was one of Daniel Levy’s final moves before stepping down as chairman, and it has already been hailed as a potentially shrewd piece of business.
Many believe Kolo Muani could evolve into one of Tottenham’s most influential attacking players, capable of playing through the middle or on the left wing.
His combination of athleticism, intelligence, and technical ability fits perfectly with Frank’s dynamic attacking philosophy.
Pundits have also echoed this sentiment. “There’s an argument that he will become our best striker as well,” analyst John Wenham said earlier this season.
“The fact that he can play on the left wing too is a huge bonus. PSG spent around £77 million on him only a couple of years ago, so for Tottenham to get him on loan is really impressive.”
The growing partnership between Tottenham and PSG has already produced several deals in recent seasons, and Kolo Muani’s arrival further strengthens that relationship.
His presence gives Frank more attacking options and the flexibility to rotate players without compromising quality. With the likes of Kudus, Maddison, and Tel already providing attacking flair, the addition of Kolo Muani’s power and directness could elevate Spurs to another level.
As Tottenham prepare for their Premier League return against Aston Villa, Kolo Muani’s potential inclusion in the matchday squad offers renewed excitement for supporters.
Frank’s praise for his development in training is a promising sign, suggesting that the Frenchman is not far from making his mark on the pitch.
If his past performances in Germany and Italy are anything to go by, Spurs could be about to witness another star rise under Thomas Frank’s careful guidance.
The road ahead is long, but Tottenham’s progress under Frank has been steady and composed. With players like Kolo Muani returning and others stepping up in crucial moments, there’s a growing sense that this Spurs side is building something sustainable a team capable not just of competing, but of truly believing again.
