Brennan Johnson needs replacing, Sarr role has to change – Three things learned vs Bayern
Tottenham were thrashed 4-0 by Bayern Munich in a pre-season friendly, and there was plenty to learn from the game.
Thomas Frank’s side produced a strong performance to beat Arsenal in their last outing, but this was a far cry from that display.
Tottenham were miles off the pace and were punished by the hosts, with Harry Kane opening the scoring before three outstanding curled efforts beat Guglielmo Vicario.
Frank named a strong side, but it is clear that this needs reinforcing ahead of the new season, and Tottenham News has now listed three key takeaways from the game.
Pape Matar Sarr not a number 10
Pape Matar Sarr has been one of Tottenham’s most impressive performers in pre-season so far, but Frank tried him in a different role against Bayern.
James Maddison’s long-term injury means that Spurs need a creative midfielder, but Sarr was tested as a number 10 in front of a double pivot.
| Competitions | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
| Premier League | 36 | 3 | 2 | 1,914′ |
| Europa League | 13 | 2 | 1 | 642′ |
| Domestic Cups | 6 | 1 | – | 369′ |
Tottenham had very little coming from the midfield as a result, before Lucas Bergvall came on at half time, with it clear that Sarr is better off in a deeper role or alongside a creator in a three.
Brennan Johnson needs replacing on the wing
Tottenham started with a front-three of Richarlison, Mohammed Kudus and Brennan Johnson, but only the Brazilian threatened the Bayern goal.
Kudus started on the right, with Johnson on the left, but the Europa League final hero looked lost and failed to contribute in attack.
- Johnson scored the winner in the Europa League final.
- The Welshman has typically played on the right, but has been used on the left in pre-season.
With Son Heung-Min departing, Spurs need a new left-winger, and it is clear that Johnson is not suited to this role as a potential internal solution.
Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur cannot play together
Joao Palhinha struggled on his debut against his parent club, having joined Spurs on loan from Bayern in recent days.
The 30-year-old gave away a penalty, while failing to impose himself on the ball or defensively, before being replaced at half-time.
Rodrigo Bentancur started alongside him in a pivot which was destined to fail. Neither midfielder is renowned for their ability to progress the ball, but together, they failed to offer anything creatively, while they almost got in each other’s way.
It is clear now that one will have to be dropped, with Sarr dropping in alongside the other, and a new number 10 signed as a matter of urgency.
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