Thomas Frank on new collision course for Tottenham sack as warning sent to owners
Thomas Frank is doing all he can right now to fend off the sack at Tottenham.
Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in midweek helped lift some of the growing pressure on Frank‘s shoulders.
That came after suggestions last week, following a 2-1 home loss to West Ham, that Frank was on the verge of being sacked by Tottenham.
Frank revealed he had already held talks with Spurs chiefs a few days on from that embarrassing defeat and did not feel he was about to be given the shove.
However, Frank may be stepping out of his boundaries amid his latest comments ahead of Spurs‘ clash away at Burnley on Saturday.
Thomas Frank speaks out on Micky van de Ven transfer latest
Reports emerged on Thursday suggesting that Tottenham value Micky van de Ven in the region of £100million.
While that may be considered a hands-off warning, it will not deter the elite clubs in world football should they wish to move.
It would be a record fee for a defender, but Liverpool showed this summer they are not afraid to go big if there is a player they like.
That means Van de Ven is very much attainable, and Spurs fans will be absolutely livid if that deal is signed off.
Asked about the latest on Van de Ven at his latest press conference on Thursday, Frank appeared to warn the North London club against selling the centre-back at any costs.
Frank talked up Van de Ven’s ability as not just a player, but also an “ambassador” for Spurs.
This was far from a diplomatic answer from the ex-Brentford boss, and Tottenham chiefs may well not like being warned – for want of a better word – against selling any player.
Is Van de Ven a better defender that Virgil van Dijk right now?
Liverpool spent a then-record fee of £75m to sign Virgil van Dijk in January 2017 – since surpassed by Harry Maguire’s £80m move to Manchester United – and he has been a brilliant servant.
There is no doubt that Van Dijk has dropped off this season, but is he still statistically a better defender than Van de Ven?
According to the Sofascore data, Van Dijk has performed better than Netherlands teammate Van de Ven overall this season as they have ratings of 7.30 and 6.78 respectively.
Van de Ven outshines Van Dijk in terms of interceptions (0.9 vs 0.7) and tackles (1.1 vs 0.6) per 90 minutes, but is second best for clearances (4.1 vs 7.4) and being dribbled past (0.2) vs (zero).
While Van Dijk does slightly edge things in more areas overall, Van de Ven notably stands out in an attacking sense as he has scored three times in the Premier League this season.
It is clear to see why Liverpool would consider Van de Ven – a decade younger than his compatriot – as an ideal Van Dijk replacement.
And it is also clear why Frank is so against the sale, even if for a record sum, even if it means putting himself on a collision course with his bosses.
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