Tottenham Hotspur will have much optimism for the season ahead under Thomas Frank
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Tottenham Hotspur have begun a new era under Thomas Frank and so far the signs have been positive. Defeat at home to Bournemouth aside, Spurs brushed aside Burnley on the opening day before putting in a strong away performance to win 2-0 at Manchester City.
Their signings this summer have also inspired positivity amongst fans. Particularly the likes of Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus, who arrived from under the noses of Spurs’ London rivals to prove that this is a side heading firmly in the right direction.
The promise of Champions League football has also undoubtedly been a contributing factor, particularly in the loan signing of Randal Kolo Muani, who swapped the European champions PSG for north London after a spell with Italian giants Juventus last term.
We decided to take a look at how Spurs’ strongest XI could shape up under Frank this season. It no doubt makes great viewing for fans.
Established defensive unit for Spurs - but centre-backs must stay fit
Guglielmo Vicario: Spurs’ established first-choice goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario has made 77 appearances for the club since arriving in 2023. Vicario will hope to have a strong season to force his way into the Italy national set-up in a World Cup year.
Pedro Porro: Another player who has owned his spot in the side for a couple of seasons now, Pedro Porro also signed for the Lilywhites in 2023 and registered four goals and nine assists from right-back last season.
Micky van de Ven: One of Spurs’ most important players, Micky van de Ven not only commands at the back, he drives forward on the break and uses his lightning speed to help on the cover. Having spent large chunks of the last two seasons out injured, Spurs cannot afford for the Dutchman to have an extended lay-off again this term.
Cristian Romero: Alongside Van de Ven, Cristian Romero is the leadership and steel to match the Dutchman’s speed and guile. Both players are near enough irreplaceable in this Spurs side. It will have been a huge relief that Romero resisted the chance to join Atletico Madrid this summer, instead opting to sign a new deal at Spurs. Once again, the club must do all they can to ensure he stays fit.
Djed Spence: Though Destiny Udogie has returned from injury and featured off the bench against Bournemouth, Djed Spence has earnt his starting spot in the Italian’s absence and was recently rewarded with his first England call-up. It looks set to be a big year for Spence as he aims to retain his spot at Spurs to have the best chance of going to the World Cup next summer - though, of course, the same can be said for Udogie.
New signings star for Spurs in attacking areas
Palhinha: In holding midfield, Portuguese destroyer Palhinha has been brought in from Bayern Munich and has already made a difference in his new colours. Could prove to be one of the most underrated signings of the season.
Pape Matar Sarr: Playing alongside Palhinha, Pape Matar Sarr has found himself with more freedom to attack in the early stages of this season. Still only 22 years-old, Sarr could reach a new level under Frank.
Brennan Johnson: Though he will face significant competition from Dejan Kulusevski when he returns from injury, the fact that the Sweden international has been excluded from Spurs’ UCL squad indicates that could be a while away yet. Johnson has already scored twice in the Premier League this season and was the man whose goal brought Europa League final glory in May.
Xavi Simons: Arguably Spurs’ marquee signing of the summer, Simons was poached from under the nose of Chelsea and instantly arrives as the highest-value player in the Spurs squad, according to Transfermarkt. Having pushed for a Premier League move this summer, the 22-year-old former La Masia youth product will hope to rise to the occasion in north London.
Mohammed Kudus: In fact signed for a higher fee than Simons for £55m, Mohammed Kudus swapped east London for N17 to the delight of Spurs fans. Already boasting two assists for his new club, Kudus has started on the right thus far but could form part of a fluid, highly-interchangeable trio behind the striker.
Randal Kolo Muani: Arguably the most contentious positional call Frank will have to make, Spurs have three strong options up front in the shape of Kolo Muani, Dominic Solanke and Richarlison. The latter has started the season strongly but was expected to be a back-up this campaign, while Solanke has yet to start after returning from injury. Therefore, we have given deadline day signing Kolo Muani the nod. Playing across multiple competitions, it is likely that all three players get the opportunity to start through the middle.