Thomas Frank makes huge Ballon d’Or claim after Tottenham defeat vs PSG
Thomas Frank didn’t shy away from the fact that Tottenham were beaten by the better side on Wednesday.
Away form has been an issue all season, and that continued on Wednesday night when Tottenham were beaten 5-3 by PSG in the Champions League.
Spurs took the lead through Richarlison before PSG loanee Randal Kolo Muani scored to regain the lead against his parent club.
However, the Ligue 1 giants’ quality prevailed on this occasion, and Frank was in awe of one particular player.
PSG star backed to win Ballon d’Or by Thomas Frank
Ousmane Dembele was a surprise omission from the PSG starting 11, with 18-year-old Quentin Ndjantou tasked with leading their line on the night.
He registered an assist, but the entire game revolved around Vitinha, who scored a hat-trick from midfield for the French outfit.
It was his goal that gave PSG a route back into the game, and it was his third that made sure of all three points, with Frank backing the Portugal international to win the Ballon d’Or.
Via TNT Sports, he said: “Vitinha, best midfielder in the world. He’ll be the next Ballon d’Or winner for me.”
Based on his performance against Spurs, he may have a point, though Arsenal fans will be fuming to see another midfielder named as the best in the world as opposed to their beloved Declan Rice.
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Vitinha’s numbers show why Tottenham didn’t stand a chance vs PSG
Not only did Vitinha score three, but he did so from just 1.04 xG, according to FotMob.
His first goal in particular was sensational, with the midfielder finding the back of the net from a shot outside of the area with an xG of just 0.03.
However, it wasn’t his goals that made it hard for Spurs, but rather his ability on the ball.
The 25-year-old completed 93 per cent of his 94 attempted passes, with a 100 per cent accuracy when it came to long ball attempts.
With seven defensive recoveries and three duels won, Vitinha made it nearly impossible for Tottenham to win anything in the middle of the pitch.
Tottenham simply need a player of that ilk in their midfield if they are to achieve success in the near future.
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