Thomas Frank makes ‘massive’ statement after ‘outstanding’ Tottenham transfer
Thomas Frank has already indicated exactly what he wants to see at Tottenham next season.
Frank has become someone at Tottenham who has been able to wield authority on and off the pitch within a short period.
The Dane’s preferences in the transfer window have also started to come to light. Mohammed Kudus’s signing has been a particular success in recent weeks.
And the Spurs manager is not expected to stop there now that another change has taken place at Hotspur Way.
This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.
Joao Palhinha to become first-choice Frank option at Tottenham
Joao Palhinha started for Tottenham during their heavy 4-0 defeat against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena (7 August).
It can’t have been the debut that Palhinha would have imagined, particularly against the side he’s currently on loan from.
- The Portuguese midfielder was incredible at Fulham
- His interception and tackle rate made it easy for his side to stamp out attacks.
- With a Premier League-proven player in his ranks who has shown elite class within the top flight, it seems difficult for this match to go wrong.
However, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes the decision to start him demonstrated the role Frank envisions for him at Spurs next season.
“I was delighted with the signing,” Wenham said.
“It was a massive show of intent from Frank to start him against Bayen. It tells me that he will be the first choice for us this season, which I’m pleased with.
“And I think once he gets up to speed, we’ll see what an outstanding player he is and is going to be for us. So I’m pleased with the signing of Palhinha, and I think it was a big statement for him to start against Bayern.”
- Read more: The latest trio to be formed at Tottenham
Palhinha could start against PSG
The defensive midfielder will likely start alongside Rodrigo Bentancur when Tottenham take on PSG in the UEFA Super Cup final on Wednesday (13 August).
While Frank has already made his intent on making him a first-choice option clear, he could also give the midfielder a nod for tactical reasons.
PSG are a team that can string together meaningful attacks from anywhere on the pitch. Luis Enrique likes to focus on wing play and often drives the ball up through the channels. But his side is also capable of seamlessly creating from the midfield.
| Goals scored | 5 |
| Ball possession | 59 per cent |
| Total shots | 23 |
| Shots on target | 8 |
| Big chances | 8 |
| Big chances missed | 4 |
This is where Palhinha comes in. His tendency to nip the ball and anticipate opposition plays will come in handy when PSG are on the counter or in possession.
Frank seems to think so as well and appears intent on making Palhinha a valuable member of his squad this upcoming period. Therefore, it may be a preference as much as a tactical reason that the Portuguese midfielder starts on Wednesday.
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