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.
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.