Thomas Frank already has Tottenham plan after ‘massive’ James Maddison blow
Thomas Frank seems to have decided on his heir to James Maddison’s throne at Tottenham.
Tottenham were handed a huge blow when Maddison was carried off the pitch on a stretcher after sustaining an ACL injury against Newcastle (3 August).
The Englishman had just returned to the fold after recovering from an injury, and as fate would have it, injured the same knee during the pre-season friendly. This has left Spurs scrambling in search of a replacement option.
But it seems like Frank’s found his answer in the most unlikely of places.
This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.
Brennan Johnson could become the new 10 at Tottenham
Until now, Brennan Johnson’s place at Tottenham has been questioned. This has not been helped by the recent news that Savinho could be joining the Lilywhites.
With Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel proving ripe competition on the wings as well, and Mohammed Kudus’ position as a starter secure, it did not seem like there was a place for Johnson.
- Tottenham have several right-wing options after the addition of Kudus
- Frank has tested Johnson on the left wing during pre-season. The experiment has produced mixed reactions
- Johnson could be offered a new role at Spurs in the coming days
However, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes the Welshman could be an option to replace Maddison in the midfield.
“It could also be that Johnson gets moved,” Wenham said.
“Tottenham are without a number 10 at the moment, with Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski injured. It was a massive blow to lose Maddison for as long as we have.
“However, someone else could move into that number 10 role, whether that’s Wilson Odobert, Mathys Tel or Johnson.”
Johnson would struggle in the midfield
One of the biggest criticisms of Johnson is that he lacks the vision and technicality to shine on the wings.
His best asset is crashing into the box to leap onto the end of a good chance. The Welshman is not the profile of player who will beat his man one-on-one at any given moment or consistently create for his teammates. But he gets you goals, and goals win games.
As such, it would be difficult to see him step into the Maddison role for Spurs. While his work rate is high, he lacks the passing range and creativity of an attacking midfielder, not to mention that he would rather score the chances than create them.
Tottenham need an attacking midfielder before the summer ends. However, Johnson isn’t the answer.
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