Thomas Frank has lavished praise on two Tottenham young guns after their performance in the Champions League clash at Parc de Princes on Wednesday.
For several months now, Tottenham fans have been calling on Frank to break up the Joao Palhinha-Rodrigo Bentancur partnership, due to their shortcomings in possession.
The Dane decided to do just that against PSG, leaving Palhinha out of his starting eleven and handing starts to both Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.
Sarr also found a place in Frank’s starting line-up, with the Lilywhites setting up in a 4-2-2-2 formation, with Randal Kolo Muani partnering Richarlison upfront.
Thomas Frank reveals what stood out about Tottenham duo Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall
Gray and Bergvall did not look fazed against the reigning European champions, showing bravery in possession and bursting forward whenever they got the opportunity to do so.
Frank admitted that he has always believed in the talent of the two teenagers, but confessed that their mentality and character stood out against PSG.
When he was asked about the fearlessness of Gray and Bergvall, the Tottenham boss told Football.London: “Very impressive. Two young players, said from the beginning, that I believe a lot in. Archie was there ready before Monaco and then unfortunately picked up the calf injury. So we’ve been waiting for him to be ready again.
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“Today, he showed a lot. The way the two of them set up the first goal was also joyful to watch, but the mobility, technical, ball handling, mentality, character, I liked it.”
Frank reveals reason for his midfield selections against PSG
Wednesday’s clash in Paris was just the second time that Sarr, Bergvall and Gray have started together this season.
Frank explained that he decided to play the trio since he wanted Tottenham to press PSG man-to-man and have running power in the middle of the park.
When asked about playing the three Spurs youngsters in midfield, Frank responded: “I think the main bit was a little bit the game plan that we wanted for running midfielders. Not a winger, just because of the dynamic to follow their man-man pressure.
“That was one thing. And then because I knew when we wanted them in these open spaces, they’re such willing runners, that definitely helped in the spaces they created from there.”