Thomas Frank will be under immense pressure to deliver immediate results in his debut campaign at Tottenham Hotspur.
Daniel Levy displayed his ruthless streak when he sacked Ange Postecoglou, despite the club’s Europa League trophy win following an abysmal 17th-placed Premier League finish.
Although Frank’s arrival in North London sparked plenty of excitement among the supporters, the squad that suffered throughout the entirety of last season has remained virtually intact.
Mohammed Kudus arrived from West Ham after Mathys Tel made his loan move from Bayern Munich permanent, but Spurs’ loan signing of Joao Palhinha ends the additions at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
And now Gabriel Agbonlahor has singled out one Spurs star who is “just not good enough” to represent the club ahead of their return to the Champions League this season.
Richarlison is holding back Tottenham and Dominic Solanke
Richarlison has failed to live up to the high expectations set when he completed a £60 million move from Everton in 2022.
Everton and Leeds United have been linked with Richarlison throughout the summer as his future in North London remains a subject of debate.
However, Agbonlahor believes Richarlison is not good enough for Tottenham, adding the Brazilian is actually holding back Dominic Solanke when speaking on talkSPORT.
“They need a lot, because you need a striker in there who can push Solanke – even take his place – and help him get better. Because it’s not Richarlison, is it?
“Richarlison might as well come and work with us, mate. For me, he’s just not good enough – and that’s being truthful. Spurs fans will agree.
“Yeah, he might run around, shoulder barge someone, pop up with the odd goal… but he wasn’t at the level Spurs needed last season. And he’s definitely not at the level this squad wants to get to now.
“So Richarlison’s got to be left. He’s not good enough. You need a top striker. Someone who can challenge Solanke. You’re playing Champions League football now.
“I do like Brennan Johnson – I think he’ll get better with more games off that right-hand side. Off the left, Tel didn’t look outstanding during his loan last season, but if he can improve, maybe.
“But you’re going into the big boy league now – the Champions League, man.”
Richarlison expected to start the season at Tottenham
In an ideal world, Tottenham would capitalise on their participation in the Champions League this season and acquire another attacker to challenge Solanke for a starting berth.
However, the England international has been nursing an injury throughout pre-season, leaving Frank with little choice but to select Richarlison to lead the line.
The Brazilian has failed to find the back of the net in any of his outings and looked like a fish out of water during the 4-0 loss against Bayern Munich on Thursday.
This does not bode well for Frank, who will soon face European champions PSG in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, and as things stand, Solanke remains out of contention for the clash.
Fortunately, Spurs will host newly promoted Burnley in the Premier League curtain raiser, but questions must be seriously asked of Richarlison, particularly if a market opportunity arises to upgrade in the position before the end of the transfer window.