Thomas Frank praises two Tottenham stars who are getting ‘better and better’
Thomas Frank has offered a detailed assessment of two of his in-form performers as Tottenham Hotspur continue to battle through a difficult run of results and injuries.
Results have not entirely gone to plan for Tottenham Hotspur on the pitch, especially in the Premier League, where they sit 14th in the league table and have managed just two wins from their last 15 games.
Thomas Frank has received criticism for the poor form, but it is not entirely down to the Dane, who is currently navigating an injury crisis that has left him without several of his Tottenham stars.
However, despite this setback, a few of his players have stepped up, finding themselves in good form in recent games, and the Spurs boss has been full of praise for them.
Xavi Simons is one such star, with the midfielder outstanding for Tottenham in both clashes against Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
He also put in a show in the Premier League against Manchester City, grabbing an assist after running the game from the number ten role.
Thomas Frank praises Xavi Simons’ recent performances
Discussing Simons’ development and growing influence, Frank highlighted the attacker’s increasing consistency and adaptation to English football when speaking to the official Tottenham channels.
He said: “Yeah, but I think he took plenty of risk also when he started. I just think now, of course, naturally, he’s more consistent. He’s knowing his team-mates better, the team-mates know him better.
“We’ve become a little bit more consistent. He’s adapting more and more to the Premier League and also to play Premier League and Champions League is just different.
“And I agree that his last performances have been very good and the way he is, how can I say, creating for the team in different ways, I like that. If it’s a touch, ball behind, if it’s driving the ball, slide pass, outside the foot, cross. I think he’s getting better and better.”
Joao Palhinha versatility proving key for Spurs
Joao Palhinha has equally been as good and has proven to be a top utility player, doing a job both in midfield and in defence for Tottenham when called upon.
Reflecting on the Portugal international’s importance and versatility, Frank underlined his tactical value and influence on the team’s recent performances.
He added: “Joao has been very important for us in many ways and to have a versatile player like him that can play the six, that outside centre-back also played the one of the two (centre-back roles) which he did in second half. It’s very impressive and he’s part of driving the team.
“I agree with him. I think there’s been, I’ve said it for a while, I think the performances are more competitive, consistent.
“Are they perfect? No, but we are getting closer and closer and I think especially the last four performances, that we have a little bit of an unbeaten run and can we instead not only having some top second half performances, can we also add more in the first half. So I think we are in a place where we can look forward.”
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