How Tottenham could line-up under Thomas Frank next season - opinion
Following Ange Postecoglou’s sacking, we have now put together a hypothetical Thomas Frank XI should he replace the Australian in the Tottenham dugout.
With Ange Postecoglou’s departure now confirmed by Tottenham Hotspur, after the Australian spent two seasons in the Spurs dugout, attention has already turned to the appointment of a new manager.
Thomas Frank is reported to be the frontrunner for the Spurs job, with direct talks between Tottenham and Frank said to have taken place.
It is also understood that Brentford would not stand in the way of Thomas Frank if he decides to move to a bigger club. However, there have also been reports stating Marco Silva is edging closer to a move to Spurs, though nothing has yet been confirmed.
A decision on who replaces Postecoglou is expected in the coming weeks, and we have now put together a predicted line-up if Thomas Frank ends up as the man to take over at Tottenham.
Although he sometimes opts for a back-three system, which will be music to the ears of Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin, Frank usually fields a high-pressing 4-3-3 formation at Brentford, so that is the system we have gone for here.
How Tottenham could line up under Thomas Frank
Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario: The goalkeeping department at Tottenham is one of the few stable parts of the squad, with no significant changes expected, so regardless of who steps in, we expect Vicario to continue to lead the line.
Right-back – Pedro Porro: Thomas Frank’s style of play often sees his full-backs operate more traditionally, staying wide and overlapping the wingers. Porro is a versatile full-back who would surely give Frank the ability to set up how he wants, and should the manager look to invert later, Porro is capable of stepping inside as well.
Centre-back – Koni De Winter: Cristian Romero is one player who could be heading out the door following the sacking of Ange Postecoglou. Should the Argentine leave this summer, Spurs could replace him with Koni De Winter, a centre-back they have been linked with in recent months. As a new signing, he is expected to slot into Frank’s backline.
Centre-back – Micky van de Ven: The Dutch centre-back has been a big part of Postecoglou’s set-up, with his pace often allowing for a high line. While Thomas Frank is not a manager who typically pushes his defence up to the halfway line, van de Ven’s speed is valuable for Tottenham nonetheless.
Left-back – Destiny Udogie: The Italian full-back could benefit if Frank is appointed as Postecoglou’s successor, as his best football is often seen when he overlaps his winger and gets into advanced areas.
Pivot-midfield – Rodrigo Bentancur: Bentancur is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal, and the Spurs board will be hoping that appointing Frank could convince Bentancur to stay, as he is admired by the Tottenham hierarchy. The 27-year-old would almost certainly be one of the two midfield pivots if Frank sticks with the 4-2-3-1 system we have seen at Brentford.
Pivot-midfield – Lucas Bergvall: It should be nothing new for Bergvall if he is tasked with playing deep in midfield, as Postecoglou often deployed him in that role. He would be expected to slot in as the second pivot midfielder in Frank’s set-up.
Central midfield – James Maddison: Thomas Frank would most likely look to play Maddison as his number ten, as Damsgaard has often featured in that role for Brentford. Maddison undoubtedly has the technical quality and vision to thrive as the creative hub in Frank’s system.
Left-midfield – Antoine Semenyo: Tottenham could look to cash in on Son this summer following interest from the Saudi Arabian league, and even if he stays, he could have a slightly reduced role. Tottenham have been linked with a move for Antoine Semenyo after a standout year with Bournemouth. Whatever the case, you would expect the Lilywhites to go big with one addition to their front line this summer.
Striker – Yoane Wissa: Nineteen Premier League goals were Wissa’s return last term following Ivan Toney’s departure. Dominic Solanke grabbed nine goals, which could raise a few eyebrows over whether he is the man to lead the line. Regardless, Spurs would need a backup option should Richarlison leave, and if the Brazilian does depart, Wissa is one player Thomas Frank could bring with him from Brentford.
Right-midfield – Dejan Kulusevski: Bryan Mbeumo would have been another excellent addition to Tottenham alongside Frank, but it has been reported that Mbeumo is nearing a move to Manchester United. Kulusevski is a talented winger who is versatile enough to operate in Frank’s system. It would be interesting to see whether Frank can improve the Swede’s goalscoring output.
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