Brennan Johnson is not already ‘hero to villain’ amid ongoing Tottenham concerns
Brennan Johnson has seemingly fallen out of favour at Tottenham in recent weeks.
The Wales international netted the winner for the Lilywhites in their famous Europa League triumph back in May, but has found himself largely on the periphery in recent weeks.
Johnson had his best season for Tottenham since his move from Nottingham Forest last time out, as his 11 Premier League goals made him his team’s top scorer in league action.
However, he has been used sparingly by Thomas Frank in recent weeks, and that could create concerns if it continues moving forward.
This article includes exclusive comment from former Tottenham scout Bryan King.
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Brennan Johnson still a key part of Thomas Frank’s plans
Johnson was poor for Tottenham in their defeat to Bournemouth before the international break, and he is potentially still paying the price for that display.
The winger has played a total of just 41 minutes across his team’s last three games in all competitions, with late substitute appearances becoming the norm for him of late.
That is a stark contrast from last season, when only Pedro Porro, Guglielmo Vicario and Dejan Kulusevski started more league games for the North Londoners.
However, ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that Johnson’s recent lack of football is nothing to be concerned about, and feels that he is still a key part of the manager’s plans.
“There’s going to be enough games coming up and I’m sure he (Johnson) is going to be used,” King said.
“You don’t go from being hero to villain in the space of one summer.
“I think Johnson will certainly be used more without any shadow of a doubt.
“He’s built his career up at Tottenham. He’s done well and he’s taken his chances. It’s just a question of finding out when Frank can slot each player in.”
Dejan Kulusevski return to increase Tottenham competition
Dejan Kulusevski is nearing a return for Tottenham, and when he finally comes back into the fold, the competition for places will only grow even more fierce.
Johnson has been a victim of Spurs’ vastly improved depth in the wide areas in recent weeks, with the likes of Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert also struggling to earn regular starting berths.
Frank has plenty of top-quality options at his disposal in the final third, and that can only be a good thing for him when it comes to selecting his team each week.
However, only time will tell whether he will be able to keep all of his stars happy as the season progresses.