Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has spoken highly of a player who has recently impressed in training despite being used sparingly in matches.
The manager’s praise comes at a time when Spurs have been struggling creatively, with several recent performances highlighting a lack of spark in attack.
Frank’s team has found it difficult to break down opponents, and this issue has been evident in games such as the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, the narrow win at Leeds, and the frustrating draws against Wolves and Bodo/Glimt.
Tottenham’s attacking rhythm has faltered, and Frank is keen to find fresh inspiration within his squad.
The numbers underline Tottenham’s mixed start under Frank’s management:
| Stats | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points | Points per Game |
|————|————-|———-|————|————-|————————|
| Record | 12 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 18 | 1.75 |
Despite moments of resilience, such as late comebacks against Wolves and Bodo/Glimt, Spurs have too often relied on luck and deflections to secure results.
Against Villa, Rodrigo Bentancur’s early goal offered hope, but the team lost control as the game progressed, allowing two stunning strikes from Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Buendia to seal their first defeat since the Bournemouth loss.
One player feeling the weight of expectation is Xavi Simons, who joined from RB Leipzig during the summer with high hopes.
The young Dutchman has shown glimpses of his talent but is still adapting to the pace and physicality of Premier League football. Frank, however, continues to defend his progress.
Speaking before the Monaco clash, the manager highlighted Simons’ growing maturity and willingness to learn, emphasizing that while he may not yet have delivered standout moments, his overall development is moving in the right direction.
Frank also took the opportunity to praise Brennan Johnson, Tottenham’s top scorer from last season, who has recently found himself on the bench.
The Welsh forward netted 18 goals and provided seven assists last campaign, including the unforgettable winning strike in the Europa League final against Manchester United.
Yet, competition for places has been fierce, particularly with Mohammed Kudus emerging as one of Spurs’ brightest stars this season.
Frank revealed that Johnson has been in top form during training, scoring freely and showing the hunger that made him a fan favorite last year. “Brennan is a very important player,” Frank said.
“He was the top scorer last season and scored crucial goals for us. He’s trained very well recently and continues to show his quality by scoring goals in training.
That kind of attitude pushes everyone to do better. He knows competition is tough, but his time will come.”
The manager also explained that squad balance has limited Johnson’s game time, noting that Kudus has excelled on the right, while Wilson has been solid on the left. Still, Frank made it clear that Johnson’s versatility and hard work will keep him in contention for future starts.
Johnson’s pace and composure in front of goal give Tottenham a dynamic edge when he plays. His ability to stretch defenses and create space for teammates could prove invaluable in tight matches where creativity has been lacking.
If he maintains his training form and makes the most of his chances, Johnson has every opportunity to reclaim a starting role and remind fans why he was so influential last season.
As Tottenham wait for key players like James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski to return from long-term injuries, Frank will rely on the depth of his squad to navigate this challenging period.
With Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke also finding rhythm, the competition for attacking spots will only grow fiercer.
The mood around the club remains optimistic. Despite recent struggles, Frank’s measured approach and faith in his players suggest that Tottenham’s creativity problem may be temporary.
Once the injured stars return and players like Johnson rediscover their rhythm, Spurs could quickly become one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attacking teams again.
Frank’s emphasis on competition, character, and steady improvement is setting the foundation for long-term success.
For now, Tottenham fans can take comfort in knowing that their manager is fostering an environment where even those outside the starting lineup remain motivated and ready to step up when called upon.
The path forward will demand patience and trust, but with players like Brennan Johnson regaining their sharpness and the likes of Simons learning quickly, Tottenham’s attacking revival might be just around the corner.
