Spurs Web

Thomas Frank’s arrival at Tottenham has already sparked a visible shift on the pitch, and while the results have been impressive, it is the noticeable improvement of certain players that has truly caught the eye.

Tottenham Hotspur have undergone a managerial change this summer, with Ange Postecoglou replaced by Thomas Frank in the Spurs dugout.

Frank has already overseen a handful of games as Tottenham boss, and there is already a clear shift in approach when compared to last season.

Tottenham currently sit third in the Premier League table, having suffered just one defeat in their opening five matches, while also winning their first Champions League tie under Frank.

Not only have results improved, but individual performances have also gone up a level this season under Frank’s tactical ideas, and several players in particular look to be thriving.

Pape Matar Sarr is enjoying an advanced midfield role

So far under Thomas Frank, we have seen several players used in the number ten position in the absence of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

One of those players has been Pape Matar Sarr, who has been deployed further forward and seems to have relished the responsibility.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The midfielder already has a goal to his name this season, but it is not just his finishing that makes him stand out in this role; it is also his relentless pressing higher up the pitch that has caught attention.

Under Postecoglou, Sarr was often used in a deeper role as an eight, but Frank has made the tactical switch of moving him further forward to cover the absence of his main creators, and it has paid off.

Not only does this give Sarr licence to play in advanced areas, but his versatility also means Frank can drop him deeper if needed, which adds further flexibility to Tottenham’s midfield, a role that is clearly benefiting the midfielder.

Cristian Romero thriving with captaincy at Tottenham

Thomas Frank’s influence on Cristian Romero has been more mental than tactical, as the Argentine has always been a high-level defender when at his best.

It was no surprise that Romero attracted heavy transfer speculation in the summer, with Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid both said to have held an interest. Spurs, however, kept hold of their star centre-back and also handed him the captaincy.

That added responsibility, coupled with Frank’s defensive structure, has elevated Romero’s game. His presence at the back now brings a calm assurance, something he has often been accused of lacking in the past, and Tottenham look all the stronger for it.

Micky van de Ven adds goalscoring threat to Spurs backline

Micky van de Ven has already found the net this season, which is an important boost for Tottenham given their need to spread goals throughout the side.

Last season, Spurs struggled both with defending set-pieces and with scoring from them, but this could change under Frank, with van de Ven already showing signs of improvement in that area.

His goal came in the second phase of a set play rather than directly from it, but it highlighted his threat in the box and his ability to attack loose balls.

Frank has hinted that he wants van de Ven to contribute more goals, which suggests clear work on the training ground.

Having been part of a defence that leaked heavily last season, the fact Spurs have conceded just three in five games under Frank shows both his defensive improvement and the added confidence it gives defenders like van de Ven to step forward and contribute at the other end.

Mohammed Kudus making right wing role his own

Mohammed Kudus may be a new signing, but he is another player who has already benefitted from Thomas Frank’s tactical set-up.

The Ghana international has started every Premier League game so far this season on the right wing, which underlines the manager’s faith in him. In return, Kudus has provided four assists, already surpassing his tally from last term.

Kudus not only offers creativity, but he also provides an outlet for Tottenham when under pressure, allowing the team to break out with his pace and ball-carrying.

Frank’s system appears tailor-made for him, and it will be difficult for any other player to displace him from that right-sided role.

Richarlison thriving in number nine role for Tottenham

Richarlison is another player to have hit form early under Thomas Frank, with the Brazilian scoring three goals from four league starts.

After an injury-hit campaign last season, the centre-forward looks sharp again, with his pressing, hold-up play and finishing improving with each passing week.

With Dominic Solanke currently sidelined and Randal Kolo Muani still not match sharp, Richarlison has had the number nine role all to himself, and he is making the most of it.

Frank’s system plays to his strengths, and Spurs are reaping the rewards of a forward rediscovering his confidence.

Thomas Frank has revealed one Tottenham Hotspur player who will start the Carabao Cup third-round clash against Doncaster Rovers on Wednesday.

Since completing his switch from Brentford to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window, Thomas Frank has not rotated his squad much, particularly in defence, with several players already racking up heavy minutes this season.

Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Pedro Porro and Djed Spence have all featured heavily in the backline, forming the core of Frank’s trusted defence as Spurs continue their solid start to the campaign.

However, with the Carabao Cup set to return this midweek, there is now a strong chance that Frank will look to reshuffle his side, and that could include resting Vicario in goal for the first time this season.

Thomas Frank discusses Antonin Kinsky ahead of Tottenham vs Doncaster

Antonin Kinsky has remained the backup option to Guglielmo Vicario since joining Tottenham, and while the Czech goalkeeper is yet to make an appearance this season, the third-round Carabao Cup tie against Doncaster Rovers could provide him with his first taste of action in a Spurs shirt.

Speaking about Kinsky ahead of the game, Frank admitted that the 22-year-old made a brave decision in leaving his former club to join Tottenham, and suggested that his future at the club is bright.

The Spurs boss told football.london: “Antonin will start tomorrow, so I’m very happy with him as a goalkeeper. I think he’s a very good goalkeeper and I think he’s got very good potential.

MORE SPURS STORIES

“For any player that is not starting, they’re not happy. Some probably understand it a bit more, or outfielder sometimes. If you’re young, you try to get your way into it, but at a certain stage you always want to play.

“The same a bit with the goalkeeper. The easy thing for Antonin was to stay at his former club and now it’s a bigger stage, a bigger challenge. I think he’s got a great future here at Tottenham. I like what I see from him. He just needs to keep training well and doing well.”

Why Antonin Kinsky must stay prepared at Tottenham

While Vicario has been an important part of Tottenham’s progress since his arrival, there is no denying that the Italian has the occasional mistake in him.

Only last weekend against Brighton and Hove Albion, Vicario’s handling error from Ayari’s strike gifted the Seagulls a two-goal lead, marking his first real blunder of the campaign.

It is also worth remembering that at times last season, Vicario went through a spell of poor form where mistakes kept creeping into his game, and that is exactly why Kinsky must remain sharp and focused, because his opportunity could come sooner than expected if the Italian experiences another rough patch.

Tottenham’s Richarlison has taken to social media to poke fun at the Ballon d’Or after the 2025 award winner was announced on Monday.

Paris Saint-Germain and France forward Ousmane Dembele has won the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or, just beating out Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.

There was not a single Tottenham Hotspur player nominated for the award despite their Europa League success, which is not surprising considering how poor the Lilywhites were domestically last season.

However, that did not stop Richarlison from taking to social media to make a joke at the award’s expense.

Tottenham’s Richarlison crowns himself as the Ballon d’Or winner

The Tottenham striker is known for his dry and at times childish humour on social media, and he did not disappoint again on Monday.

After the final award list was announced, Richarlison photoshopped himself holding up the Ballon d’Or and posted the image on social media.

The Tottenham striker’s image included the caption: “This is not fake”

MORE SPURS STORIES

Spurs legend gets disrespected once again in Ballon d’Or list

One man many expected to be high up in the list was Harry Kane, who has been one of the most prolific forwards in Europe over the last two seasons.

The 32-year-old did not get the credit he deserved at Spurs, and many would have thought that the move to Bayern Munich would put him in the spotlight for these kinds of prizes.

One has to go back 16 years for the last time Tottenham Hotspur played Doncaster Rovers, and it was an evening to remember for the Lilywhites, with some fan favourites getting on the scoresheet.

Some Tottenham players have said they are hungry to win more silverware after their Europa League triumph in Bilbao back in May.

The Carabao Cup offers Spurs the best chance of winning trophies in back-to-back seasons, and they kick off their campaign with a clash at Doncaster at home.

Thomas Frank is expected to rotate his squad significantly against Doncaster, and the game provides a great opportunity for some of Spurs’ squad players to impress.

Tottenham’s memorable night at Doncaster in 2009

The last time Tottenham Hotspur played Doncaster was back in 2009, and that was also a League Cup clash, played at the Eco-Power Stadium, which was known as the Keepmoat Stadium at the time.

Peter Crouch made his first start for the Lilywhites following his move from Portsmouth in the summer, and he opened his account in front of goal for Spurs while fan favourite, Romano Pavlyuchenko, also found the back of the net. Danny Rose even made his Tottenham debut off the bench.

David Bentley, Tom Huddlestone and Jamie O’Hara were Tottenham’s other three goalscorers, while the likes of Kevin-Prince Boateng and Giovani Dos Santos also featured.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Watch the highlights below:

Tottenham’s record against Doncaster

According to Tottenham’s official website, Spurs have played against Doncaster on nine occasions in their history. Their first ever meeting was a Second Division clash in December 1935, with Rovers running out 2-1 winners.

Thomas Frank has opened up on his working relationship with Vinai Venkatesham, giving Tottenham fans an insight into how the new structure at the club is already beginning to take shape.

Tottenham Hotspur have entered a new chapter, one that began with the departure of long-serving chairman Daniel Levy.

Thomas Frank’s side marked the start of this fresh regime with a win over London rivals West Ham United, and they are yet to taste defeat under the new leadership.

Levy’s 24-year reign brought just two trophies, and there is now a clear sense around the club that Tottenham are determined to improve on that record with the changes being made at the boardroom level.

Thomas Frank praises Vinai Venkatesham’s approach at Tottenham

The club’s restructuring has seen Vinai Venkatesham step in as CEO, with responsibility for the day-to-day running of the football side of operations.

Speaking about his early impressions of working alongside Venkatesham, Thomas Frank revealed that he has been struck by the new chief executive’s character and decision-making process, while stressing how valuable his calmness is in the often-heated world of football.

Speaking to Football.London, Frank said, “I really like working together with Vinai. Obviously, I did not know him before I joined Spurs.

MORE SPURS STORIES

“From day one, he comes across like a fantastic person. Really a person that I think understands people and is very approachable.

“As far as I learned or experienced his processes, calm, good processes, listen, and from that he takes good, calm decisions. That is a strength in this sometimes a tiny bit emotional football world.”

Spurs fans have already heard a lot from Venkatesham

Tottenham supporters are not strangers to Venkatesham, who has been present at a number of matches since his arrival.

He has also made regular appearances across the club’s own channels, often taking time to explain structural changes and outline Tottenham’s long-term plans, something that Spurs are looking to improve on in this new era.

Most recently, Venkatesham revealed how the Lewis family have ambitious long-term aims for Tottenham since the departure of Daniel Levy.

The overall ambition of Tottenham to improve on the football pitch is clear, and if it is to be achieved, then it is vital that the manager and the chief executive maintain a strong working relationship, as unity across all levels of the club will be the driving force behind success.

Thomas Frank is set to field a strong Tottenham XI in the Carabao Cup clash against Doncaster Rovers, although the manager has hinted that some youngsters may be given a place on the bench.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Carabao Cup campaign gets underway this Wednesday, with League One side Doncaster Rovers travelling to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It will be a tie Thomas Frank knows his side must approach with the right mentality, as the new Spurs boss looks to lay down a marker in the competition.

With Tottenham aiming to compete on multiple fronts this season, the Carabao Cup presents another opportunity to keep silverware hopes alive, particularly after their Europa League success last term.

Thomas Frank wants a strong Tottenham team against Doncaster Rovers

Frank has yet to claim a major trophy in his managerial career, and he knows full well that going deep into this competition would provide a real chance to finally deliver silverware.

The Tottenham boss has now stressed that Spurs will not be taking Doncaster lightly and admitted there will be some rotation, but the priority remains victory.

Speaking ahead of the tie, Frank told the club’s official channel: “We are really looking forward to it. We will do everything we can to win it. Naturally there will be a little bit of rotation.

MORE SPURS STORIES

‘They have Grant McCann who I know very well. I faced him in the Championship. We need to play at our highest level and get into the next round.”

When asked about Tottenham’s approach to the Carabao Cup this season, Frank was very clear about his intentions: “We need to take one game at a time. It is about winning the next one. There is no reason to speak about what may happen in the future.”

He also reflected on lessons from past cup campaigns, pointing to how unpredictable knockout football can be: “It definitely taught me everything is possible. We went in very focused and very aware of what could happen. Gillingham, we put a very strong team out there.

“Football, anything can happen. It is a low-scoring game. Doncaster are doing well in League One. We need to be on it.”

Spurs boss Thomas Frank hints at bench places for youngsters

Frank also recognises that squad depth will play a crucial role across the season, and while he insists his starting line-ups will always be strong, he admitted there may be room for young players to feature from the bench.

Explaining his approach to cup competitions, Frank said: “It is a balance. I would like us to compete in all four tournaments across the year. If you are going to do that, you need to pick the right team all the time.

“I think every time we put a team out there it is super strong. We need to hit that perfect number of players that rotate and a strong team. It will be a strong team tomorrow.”

He also revealed that opportunities could arise for academy talents who have impressed in youth football: “I think it will be a great opportunity to have some of the young ones on the bench.

“It is a privilege to be able to give someone a debut. Obviously, they have to show it in U18s, U21s, national team and with us to get the opportunity.”

Tottenham could face one of their own when Doncaster Rovers visit N17 in the Carabao Cup, with an unusual twist set to take centre stage under the lights.

The Carabao Cup returns this midweek, and Tottenham Hotspur will be hoping to give a strong account of themselves in the competition, having managed to reach the semi-final last time out.

Awaiting them in round three is League One outfit Doncaster Rovers, who will be making the trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with hopes of pulling off a shock result.

This competition also offers Thomas Frank the chance to claim a first piece of silverware as Tottenham boss, which would equally mark the first major trophy of his managerial career, so there is every reason to expect that Frank will treat the Carabao Cup tie with the seriousness it deserves.

Tottenham allow Damola Ajayi to feature for Doncaster

Tottenham are also set to welcome back a familiar face to N17 on Wednesday night, as Damola Ajayi prepares to line up against his parent club.

The 19-year-old forward joined Doncaster on loan in the summer, having shown glimpses of his talent in pre-season when he scored four goals for the League One side.

It is an unusual situation given Tottenham’s option to block the appearance of their own player, but in this case, the club have decided otherwise.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Speaking to the club’s official channel on the decision to allow Ajayi to play, Frank explained that the move was ultimately about development.

He said, “We decided to loan him out because it is good for his development. We were not that lucky to face one of our own players. It is a great opportunity for him.”

Ajayi’s challenge at Doncaster

Ajayi is remembered by Spurs fans for opening his account with the club in last season’s Europa League victory against Elfsborg, a moment that showcased his potential as a natural goal scorer.

However, life at Doncaster has been slower to catch fire, as he has only managed 131 minutes of football so far this season.

The youngster is yet to score a competitive goal and has not started back-to-back matches, which underlines how much he still needs to prove in League One before pushing for a place back at Tottenham.

This Carabao Cup clash offers him a chance to make an impression, but it also leaves Tottenham supporters with mixed emotions, knowing one of their own could be the player to cause them problems in a competition they would want to win.

Thomas Frank has provided an update on Dejan Kulusevski’s recovery, and it is good news for Tottenham Hotspur fans.

Tottenham Hotspur have begun the season without Dejan Kulusevski, with the Swedish international sidelined after undergoing surgery on his patella, an injury carried over from last season.

Frank’s side have coped reasonably well in his absence, picking up three wins from their opening five league fixtures and currently sitting in third place, which is a solid return given the quality of opposition faced.

Kulusevski is continuing his recovery process, with reports split over his likely return date, some suggesting October while others believe it could come as early as next year.

Speaking to Football London, Thomas Frank was asked about Dejan Kulusevski’s recovery and when fans might expect to see him back on the pitch.

The manager chose not to put a firm timeline on the return, instead stressing his desire to have him available as soon as possible.

He said: “Kulusevski is a top player. I always liked him when I saw him from afar. Key player for us, key player for me. I’m not putting a month on it but I want him back as soon as possible and he’s working hard to do that as are the staff. He will be back before the end of this year.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Spurs midfielders step up in Kulusevski’s absence

Thomas Frank has been creative in handling the absence of Dejan Kulusevski, often turning to Pape Matar Sarr and Lucas Bergvall in advanced midfield roles.

Both youngsters have impressed, showing maturity beyond their years and proving capable of carrying out the tactical instructions required in that position.

The duo have offered energy and composure when asked to play in that creative role, ensuring Tottenham have not been left short of ideas in the final third despite losing a key player.

Thomas Frank has delivered an update on the Tottenham squad ahead of their Carabao Cup third-round clash, as Spurs look to balance injuries with the need to progress in another competition.

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to embark on their journey in a third competition this season, with the Carabao Cup now set to get underway in midweek.

Frank’s men will host League One side Doncaster Rovers at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a tie that on paper looks favourable, yet it still demands a professional performance to avoid any early exit.

A win in this fixture would only strengthen the momentum Spurs are carrying into the season, particularly with the club eager to compete deep into every competition, following their Europa League success last campaign.

Spurs reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals last season, and Thomas Frank will be eager to go one better this time, as he looks to guide the club to their first triumph in the competition since 2008.

With Doncaster Rovers standing in their way, attention turns firmly to this midweek tie, and Frank will need to rotate and manage his squad carefully, given the injury situation.

James Maddison, Radu Dragusin and Dejan Kulusevski all remain sidelined, while there is some optimism surrounding Kota Takai and Dominic Solanke, who have both resumed training, although their availability is still uncertain.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Randal Kolo Muani, who had been struggling with a dead leg, could return to the squad after Frank confirmed his recovery is progressing well, while Yves Bissouma is another player who will miss out.

Speaking to the club’s official channels about the current state of his squad, Frank explained: “It looks… good. Everyone available last time is available again.”

On Dominic Solanke and Kota Takai, he said: “They are progressing. They both trained with the team today.” However, Frank ruled both Randal Kolo Muani and Ben Davies out of the match completely.

Tottenham fans are making it clear that Thomas Frank must hand a start to a former academy star once hailed as ‘phenomenal’ by Jose Mourinho, as they look ahead to this week’s Carabao Cup tie.

Tottenham Hotspur will take a short breather from Premier League and Champions League duty in midweek, as attention shifts towards the Carabao Cup.

The competition is no stranger to Spurs, with the club going deep into it last season and reaching the semi-finals before bowing out.

It remains one of the few pieces of silverware Tottenham have lifted in the last two decades, with their last triumph in the competition coming back in 2008, while they also came close in 2021, losing to Manchester City in the final.

Tottenham fans want Dane Scarlett to start against Doncaster Rovers

Thomas Frank is unlikely to overlook the Carabao Cup, and with Doncaster Rovers set to visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, there is every expectation Spurs will line up with victory in mind.

Squad rotation will play a major role, with Frank expected to hand opportunities to players who have not featured regularly in the first team so far this season.

Amongst the talk, Tottenham fans have been insistent that Dane Scarlett, a player Mourinho once described as ‘phenomenal’, deserves a place in the starting eleven.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Supporters have voiced their opinion across social media, with one saying: “100% yes,” when asked about Scarlett starting on Wednesday.

Another added: “Yes, otherwise what is the point having him in the squad? If he cannot get minutes against Doncaster at this stage of his development, it might be time to move him on.”

A third fan commented: “He needs to start. I do not know why he does not get more time for us, he is a decent enough player. A good Championship loan with guaranteed minutes would do him the world of good.”

Others echoed the call, one writing: “Scarlett should start the game, it is going to be a long season and we need to give youth good chances,” while another summed it up simply: “Yes, I would.”

The final comment reflected the wider mood: “Yes, I want to see a few youngsters under Frank given an opportunity. Perfect game for it, and a good little insight to mix it up under a solid, structured manager.”

Dane Scarlett’s future under Thomas Frank

Scarlett, 21, is a player who still carries significant potential, but he has yet to truly showcase it in a Tottenham shirt.

Competition in the forward line is strong, with the likes of Mathys Tel, Randal Kolo Muani and Brennan Johnson all pushing for more minutes, which makes it even harder for the youngster to break through.

He has yet to feature in a competitive game under Frank, and while a start may be unlikely, a cameo appearance off the bench could well be a realistic chance for him to impress.