Opinion: Tottenham player ratings vs Burnley, Mohammed Kudus 5/10 as star man proves underwhelming
The Thomas Frank revolution at Tottenham Hotspur gathered momentum with a commanding 3-0 victory over newly-promoted Burnley, showcasing both the squad’s existing quality and the new manager’s tactical imprint.
While Richarlison’s spectacular overhead kick will dominate highlight reels, this was a performance built on collective strength, with several players demonstrating they’ve already bought into the Danish coach’s philosophy.
Goalkeeping & Defense
Guglielmo Vicario (7/10) answered his Super Cup penalty shootout critics with an assured display, making four crucial saves to preserve Tottenham’s clean sheet. The Italian’s command of his area provided stability throughout.
In defense, Pedro Porro (7/10) continues his remarkable evolution into a complete full-back. The Spaniard’s 87 touches and 42 completed passes underlined his growing influence in Frank’s system, while his defensive solidity snuffed out multiple Burnley attacks.
The center-back pairing presented contrasting performances – Cristian Romero (7/10) delivered his trademark combative display with three interceptions and two blocked shots, while Micky van de Ven (6/10) had a quieter afternoon but used his blistering pace effectively when required.
Midfield Mastery
The engine room belonged to Pape Matar Sarr (8/10), whose all-action display showcased why he’s becoming indispensable. The Senegalese international covered 10.9km, won 10 duels, and provided the assist for Brennan Johnson’s opener.
His partnership with Lucas Bergvall (7/10), who earned a standing ovation for his relentless work rate, gives Spurs a dynamic midfield foundation.
Youngster Archie Gray (6/10) showed glimpses of his potential but highlighted why Joao Palhinha’s arrival remains crucial for Tottenham’s depth in this area.
Attacking Prowess
While Brennan Johnson (5/10) scored, his overall performance raised questions. The winger failed to complete a single dribble against Burnley’s defense, underlining why Tottenham remain in the market for additional wide options.
The real fireworks came from Richarlison (9/10) and Mohammed Kudus (9/10). The Brazilian’s brace – particularly his breathtaking scissor-kick – announced his return to form, while Kudus orchestrated play with two sublime assists and constant creative threat. Their understanding suggests Tottenham may have found their new attacking axis.
Standout Performances
| Player | Rating | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Richarlison | 9 | 2 goals, including Puskás contender |
| Mohammed Kudus | 9 | 2 assists, 3 key passes |
| Pape Sarr | 8 | 1 assist, 10 duels won |
| Pedro Porro | 7 | 87 touches, defensive solidity |
| Brennan Johnson | 5 | Goal but limited impact |
Areas for Improvement
Despite the comprehensive scoreline, Frank will note several aspects needing refinement:
- Johnson’s inconsistent wing play
- Gray’s positional awareness in deep midfield
- Converting more of their 18 shots on goal
The victory provides the perfect platform as Tottenham prepare for tougher tests ahead. With Kudus and Richarlison hitting form early, and Sarr emerging as a midfield lynchpin, Frank’s blueprint is already taking shape.
This performance suggests Spurs could be dark horses in this season’s top-four race, provided they address the few remaining gaps in the squad before the transfer window closes.
The atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium crackled with renewed optimism – a stark contrast to last season’s struggles.
While it’s early days, Frank’s impact is undeniable, and if this display becomes the standard rather than the exception, Spurs fans have every reason to believe this could be a special campaign.