Thomas Frank has enjoyed a bright start at Tottenham. The ex-Brentford manager has brought a welcome mix of consistency and tactical flexibility - qualities that were missing under Ange Postecoglou last season.
A record of six wins, four draws, and a single loss from their first 11 matches reflects a strong start, highlighted by an impressive 2–0 triumph at Manchester City in August. Yet after a promising early streak, Spurs' momentum has slowed, with three draws in their last five fixtures.
Clean sheets have become rare. After conceding only once in their opening four Premier League games, Frank's side have let in four goals in their last three outings and six across their last five matches in all competitions.
Overall, Tottenham's outlook remains positive, though a demanding sequence of fixtures is looming. They face home games against Chelsea and Manchester United, as well as challenging away trips to Monaco, Everton, and Newcastle.
Frank will need to have every detail finely tuned to navigate this period successfully. With that in mind, here are four major priorities for the Dane as he prepares for the rest of the season.
Get Xavi Simons firing
Tottenham's capture of Xavi Simons from under the noses of Chelsea this summer felt like a coup. Yet while the Dutchman's arrival generated significant excitement, his North London debut has been steady rather than spectacular. He hasn't performed poorly, but he also hasn't justified his £52million price tag.
Part of the challenge is that Frank has yet to determine Simons' best position. The 22-year-old, who has contributed just one goal involvement (an assist against West Ham) in seven appearances, has been deployed in multiple positions - No. 10, left wing, and No. 8 - but has struggled to find proper rhythm in any of them.
Simons is not a like-for-like replacement for James Maddison, the creative heartbeat he has stepped in for following Maddison's ACL injury. Where Maddison thrives with invention and flair, Simons is more of a passing midfielder - someone who keeps the game flowing and links attacks rather than producing solo moments of magic. This isn't a weakness, but he requires the right system and support to shine.
For Frank, the priority is clear: pinpoint Simons' best position and structure the team around him to unlock his potential. Once he settles into a defined role and builds confidence, Tottenham could finally witness the talent that dazzled at Barcelona and PSG academies and impressed in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig last season.
Find a reliable No. 9
For Spurs to progress under Frank, they require a reliable, clinical centre-forward - a true No. 9 capable of converting half-chances. Currently, that profile is absent from the squad.
Dominic Solanke has shown glimpses of quality, but injuries have hindered his consistency. Richarlison works hard but remains unpredictable in front of goal, while Mathys Tel, though talented, is still a long-term prospect rather than a reliable weekly scorer.
Randal Kolo Muani, on loan from PSG, remains largely untested. Once hailed as a rising star after his breakthrough at Eintracht Frankfurt, his stint in Paris didn't pan out, and although a loan spell at Juventus was an improvement, it wasn't remarkable. He's currently injured, limiting his impact on Spurs.
Among these four, there is talent and potential, but not the ruthless finishing needed to compete for top-four positions. Tottenham need a striker capable of scoring 20+ goals per season - someone who can turn tight games into wins and lift the team when form dips.
That is the kind of edge Harry Kane once provided, and it's what Spurs have missed since his exit. Kane is often linked with a return but has poured cold water on the idea of a Premier League comeback any time soon, meaning alternatives must be sought.
Frank's task is twofold: either get one of the current forwards performing consistently or recruit a striker who can deliver elite output.
Samu Omorodion is one possibility. Since joining Porto in 2024, he has scored 24 goals in 37 league games. The Spain international, previously linked with Chelsea and compared to Didier Drogba and Victor Osimhen, has an £84m release clause.
Though costly, his current form suggests he could be worth it. Similar fees were paid this summer for Hugo Ekitike and Nick Woltemade, who both turned out to be smart investments.
A January move may be unlikely, but Tottenham could start planning for a summer transfer now. Meanwhile, Frank must aim to get at least one striker firing immediately. Without that, Spurs' potential ceiling remains frustratingly limited.
Work out the midfield
Despite a promising start, one major question persists: what is Tottenham's best midfield? Rotation is necessary, but establishing a consistent central trio is vital for rhythm and cohesion.
So far, Frank has experimented with various combinations involving Joao Palhinha, Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, Xavi Simons, and Archie Gray in different trios. Sometimes he deploys a flat three, other times two sitting behind a No. 10. That adaptability is part of Frank's appeal. But excessive flexibility can breed uncertainty.
Palhinha and Bentancur provide a disciplined base but may lack the creative spark to unlock tight games. Sarr offers energy, while Bergvall and Gray bring composure, but none have firmly established themselves. Maddison's eventual return raises further questions: does he slot in as a pure No. 10, or will he be better suited deeper?
These decisions are crucial. The midfield is the engine of any successful side, and while depth is valuable, stability fosters understanding. To evolve from a promising team into a cohesive unit, Frank must identify his preferred trio and give them time to gel.
Get going in the Champions League
Tottenham could benefit greatly from making a strong European statement this season. A deep Champions League run would enhance their reputation and reassert their status among the continent's elite, a position they have not fully occupied the Mauricio Pochettino era.
The campaign began modestly. A narrow 1–0 win over Villarreal was followed by a lacklustre 2–2 draw with Bodo/Glimt, leaving Spurs with work to do in the group stage. Momentum is essential - a sequence of wins could push them toward the knockout rounds and restore belief at this level.
They have already shown they can compete with Europe's finest, nearly beating PSG in the Super Cup before conceding two late goals and losing on penalties. Such performances prove Tottenham have the quality; now they need consistency.
For a young squad, a strong European campaign could boost confidence and build a winning mentality. While Spurs have shown flashes domestically, transferring that form to Europe would mark real progress.
With Champions League qualification for next season not yet guaranteed, there is every reason to push for it. A confident approach could not only elevate Tottenham's season but also reaffirm that they remain capable of mixing it with the best.