Thomas Frank is known for his ability to utilise youth players, something that could work wonders at Tottenham, given their academy.
Frank will have watched on as Spurs’ midfield was continuously bypassed last season, and has looked at strengthening the centre of the park as a priority this summer.
The Dane will not have taken kindly to Daniel Levy’s lack of support to sign a traditional number six, and will feel further aggrieved as a move for Morgan Gibbs-White fell through.
With Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma also in the final year of their contracts, Frank will be relieved to finally make some progress.
George Abbott signs new long-term deal with Spurs
George Abbott has impressed in pre-season since returning to Hotspur Way after a successful loan spell with League Two side Notts County, where he helped guide them to the play-offs.
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The midfielder was a late replacement for Bentancur in Tottenham’s friendly against Wycombe (26 July), and was one of the stand-out performers as the Lilywhites drew 2-2.
His progress has been rewarded, as Tottenham announced that Abbott has signed a new long-term deal (27 July) after joining the academy at the age of eight.
Spurs are “delighted” by the development of the 19-year-old, which saw him pick up the EFL Goal of the Season award for a thunderous finish against Accrington Stanley last season.
It was initially expected that Abbott would swiftly leave on loan this summer, but he has been included in the pre-season squad that are travelling to Asia.
Abbott could be answer to Tottenham’s midfield struggles
Although Abbott is still very early in his development, he possesses all the attributes to evolve into a midfielder that Tottenham currently lack.
To start, the academy graduate is very quick and has the fitness to cover a lot of ground to help shield the defence, especially in transition.
He is technically solid and has proven himself to be a goal threat, despite playing the majority of last season at the base of the midfield.
Abbott still has plenty of room for development, especially with his reading of the game, but he could be the long-term solution to Tottenham’s problems.