Opinion: Thomas Frank's best XI at Tottenham when every player is available includes midfield dilemma
It’s been a long time since Tottenham have been able to field the strongest XI possible, but it’s fun to pretend Thomas Frank has that luxury for a moment.
We saw it during Ange Postecoglou’s time at Tottenham Hotspur, and it’s happening again now for Thomas Frank. Injuries have been a constant thorn in the side for Spurs managers of late, and it’s severely hampered the club’s progress.
Admittedly, performances have not been good enough and you’d argue Tottenham have decent strength in depth to deal with these injury crises.
Still, it’s hard to shake the feeling of how frustrating it is for the best players at the club to so rarely play alongside one another. So, let’s pretend injuries don’t exist for a moment and look at the strongest XI available to Frank.
Tottenham’s strongest possible XI under Thomas Frank
Guglielmo Vicario
We know Spurs eventually want to sign a new goalkeeper, most likely in the summer, but Guglielmo Vicario just about edges the battle for the number one shirt now. He’s error-prone, erratic, and struggles to command his area, but the Italian has also produced match-winning saves in key moments, and it’s important to remember he is still a top goalkeeper on his day.
Pedro Porro
Another player who is capable of producing a frustrating display at times, but Pedro Porro’s quality is undeniable. He’s especially effective going forward, with his wicked ball delivery and eye for the spectacular making him a very exciting full-back indeed.
Cristian Romero
One of the easiest inclusions in this hypothetical XI is club captain Cristian Romero. He’s arguably the only world class player at Tottenham right now, and the Argentina international has it all. He’s smart, physical, has great awareness, and loves to carry the ball forward or split the lines with incisive passing. Many claim he has disciplinary issues, but they are few and far between these days.
Micky van de Ven
Alongside Romero, Micky van de Ven is one of the most impressive centre-halves in the world and would no doubt be ranked as one of the best in his position. The flying Dutchman is crazy fast, is so good in the air, and is great with the ball at his feet. Van de Ven is frustrated at Spurs of late, but hopefully they can hang on to him for the long haul.
Destiny Udogie
Djed Spence has done an amazing job filling in at left-back over the last year or so while Destiny Udogie has been struggling with injuries. However, when he’s fully fit and firing, there’s simply no contest. The young Italian is a marauding full-back who gets people off their feet, and there are few players like that at Spurs these days.
Joao Palhinha
If Spurs don’t take up the option to buy Joao Palhinha they will regret it. He may not be the most glamorous player., but the Portuguese midfielder does the dirty work so effectively. He ticks all the boxes you would want in an anchorman, and he has even managed to contribute a couple of goals this season, too.
Conor Gallagher
January signing Conor Gallagher has a lot of competition for places in the Spurs midfield. Youngsters like Lucas Bergvall and Pape Sarr have strong arguments to be in this role, but it’s the experience and that extra bite Gallagher offers that puts him just ahead of his peers.
Mohammed Kudus
When Mohammed Kudus isn’t playing, Tottenham look a far less dangerous proposition. He exploded in the first few weeks after joining Spurs before fading a little bit over the festive period. But, there’s no denying Kudus is the kind of player who makes things happen for the Lilywhites, and he’s sorely missed while he’s out injured.
James Maddison
Speaking of players Tottenham will be desperate to get back, James Maddison’s lengthy absence has coincided with the team becoming disjointed and lacking creativity and incisiveness. Obviously Xavi Simons is a brilliant playmaker, but he just doesn’t quite have that maverick feeling that Maddison brings. The sooner he is back, the better!
Dejan Kulusevski
In an ideal world, you wouldn’t be playing Dejan Kulusevski on the left wing. He’s good enough to play there, and he’s arguably the best option Spurs have got — I rate him more than Mathys Tel or Wilson Odobert, that’s for sure. I feel like we’ve almost forgotten what Kulusevski can do, but when he’s fit and in form, he’s almost unplayable.
Dominic Solanke
Richarlison has had a half-decent season, individually speaking, but Dominic Solanke offers so much more when he’s leading the line. Not only is Solanke a great goalscorer, but his work rate, pressing, and hold-up play is far superior to his colleague. He’s another player Tottenham have dearly missed, and it’s such a relief that he’s back in the team now.
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