Spurs open talks to sign £26m star who Marinakis wants at Forest, Kudus would love him
Thomas Frank’s Tottenham reign couldn’t have started more impressively, with a dominant 3-0 victory over Burnley showcasing both the team’s potential and the immediate impact of their summer signings.
The comprehensive win highlighted how Spurs’ new attacking trident could terrorize Premier League defenses this season, with Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus forming an especially potent partnership.
Richarlison announced himself as Tottenham’s leading striker with two superb goals, including a spectacular overhead kick that will surely contend for goal of the season.
The Brazilian’s performance justified Frank’s decision to start him ahead of Dominic Solanke, demonstrating the clinical edge Spurs often lacked last campaign. His movement and finishing suggest he could thrive as the focal point of Frank’s system.
Richarlison vs Burnley
| Metric | Performance |
|---|---|
| Minutes | 85 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Shots on target | 3 |
| Aerial duels won | 4/6 |
| Pass accuracy | 82% |
While Richarlison grabbed the headlines, £55m signing Mohammed Kudus quietly orchestrated Tottenham’s attack from the right flank. The Ghanaian international was instrumental in both goals, showcasing the creativity and direct running that convinced Spurs to prize him away from West Ham.
His second assist – a deft touch followed by perfect cross with his weaker foot – demonstrated the technical quality that makes him so dangerous.
Mohammed Kudus’ Debut Masterclass
| Stat | vs Burnley | 22/23 PL Average |
|---|---|---|
| Minutes | 85 | 65 |
| Expected Assists | 0.58 | 0.12 |
| Chances created | 5 | 1.0 |
| Assists | 2 | 0.1 |
| Dribbles completed | 2/3 | 1.8 |
| Pass accuracy | 92% | 83% |
The numbers reveal a player reborn under Frank’s guidance. Kudus created more chances against Burnley (5) than in any Premier League game last season, while his two assists matched his total from 27 appearances for West Ham.
This suggests Tottenham’s system may unlock his full potential better than David Moyes’ more pragmatic approach.
Frank now faces the challenge of maintaining this level of creativity throughout the season. One solution could be signing Manchester City’s Rico Lewis, who has emerged as a surprise target.
The 20-year-old full-back would offer a different profile to Pedro Porro, with superior passing statistics that could further enhance Kudus’ effectiveness:
Full-Back Comparison (Last 365 Days per 90)
| Metric | Rico Lewis | Pedro Porro |
|---|---|---|
| Pass accuracy | 91.9% | 73.4% |
| Progressive passes | 6.03 | 5.16 |
| Final third entries | 4.88 | 4.50 |
| Opposition box touches | 2.53 | 1.23 |
| Through balls | 0.24 | 0.19 |
Lewis’ technical security and progressive passing would provide Kudus with better service in dangerous areas. Additionally, his defensive solidity (59% duel success vs Porro’s 53%) could allow the winger to focus more on attacking contributions.
While Nottingham Forest have already seen a £25.8m bid rejected, Tottenham’s superior pulling power and Champions League football could tempt City to sell if they increase their offer.
Lewis would represent both an immediate upgrade and long-term investment, fitting the profile of young, technically-gifted players Frank prefers.
The Burnley victory provided a tantalizing glimpse of Tottenham’s potential under their new manager. Richarlison appears revitalized as the central striker, while Kudus offers the creativity and flair Spurs lacked in wide areas last season.
Adding a player of Lewis’ quality would further strengthen the right flank, creating a potentially devastating partnership with Kudus.
As Frank continues implementing his philosophy, early signs suggest Tottenham could challenge for top four honors again.
The key will be maintaining this level against stronger opposition, but with shrewd additions like Lewis still possible, Spurs fans have every reason for optimism about the season ahead.
Tottenham’s Right Side Potential
| Player | Strengths | Potential Partnership Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Kudus | Dribbling, creativity, finishing | Would receive better service in advanced areas |
| Rico Lewis | Progressive passing, technical security | Could focus more on attacking with defensive cover |
| Combined Effect | More chances created, higher attacking output | Balanced right flank with dual threat |
If Daniel Levy can secure Lewis’ signature, Tottenham may have assembled one of the Premier League’s most exciting right-sided combinations.
For now, Frank will be delighted with his team’s start, but knows tougher tests await as Spurs look to establish themselves as genuine contenders under his leadership.