With the arrival of Thomas Frank at Tottenham Hotspur, a new era is beginning to take shape. The Danish tactician, known for his tactical adaptability and ability to elevate individuals, has already started reshaping Spurs both structurally and stylistically. But beyond formation shifts and staff appointments, it’s the players who will define his success.
Here, we take a deep dive into five Tottenham players who could be transformed under Frank’s leadership — a mix of seasoned names, rising stars, and promising signings who are set to flourish next season.
1️⃣ Heung-Min Son – The Revival of a Club Icon
Whispers of Son Heung-min’s decline have been premature. Critics claimed the 31-year-old was past his best, but those close to the club believe he was simply misused under Ange Postecoglou — burdened with excessive defensive duties and too often isolated on the wing.
Thomas Frank’s arrival offers a chance to recalibrate. Like Arne Slot’s reshaped role for Mo Salah at Liverpool, Frank is expected to give Son more freedom, less running, and more time in his “danger zone” — closer to goal, operating inside channels, and playing off a striker in a two-man forward line.
There are even murmurs of Son reprising his lethal partnership role like he did next to Harry Kane under Antonio Conte. If Frank taps into that, expect a refreshed, revitalised Son capable of double-digit goals and assists once again.
2️⃣ Mathys Tel – From Frustration to Fulfilment
The second name is Mathys Tel, a player who divided opinion during his first season. At times electric, at others anonymous, Tel was often deployed as a traditional winger — a role that didn’t fully suit his profile.
Under Frank, expect Tel to be transformed into a wide forward, much like Yoane Wissa at Brentford. Frank has a proven track record of refining direct, sharp attackers and playing to their strengths. Tel’s shooting technique — notably his ability to curl shots into the far post from the inside-left channel — is one of his hidden weapons, and Frank will aim to unlock that potential.
If given the right service and positioning, Tel has the tools to hit 15+ goal contributions next season. At just 19, that would more than justify his transfer fee — and finally make him a consistent attacking threat.
3️⃣ Dominic Solanke – The Aerial Threat Unleashed
Solanke’s debut Spurs season had its moments, but too often he was starved of service. His biggest strength — aerial dominance — was criminally underused, with Ange’s system favouring low cutbacks rather than early or high crosses.
That won’t be the case under Thomas Frank. Brentford were one of the top Premier League sides for early deliveries into the box. Expect Spurs to play to Solanke’s strengths next season: crossing early, targeting him in the air, and positioning him deeper in the box.
Beyond goals, Frank will also look to use his hold-up play, allowing others like Brennan Johnson and Son to feed off his knockdowns. If Spurs can finally supply Solanke consistently, there’s every reason to believe he can exceed his goal tally from last year.
4️⃣ Archie Gray – From Raw to Refined
It’s fair to say Archie Gray’s Spurs introduction came with high expectations, and perhaps arrived too soon. Signed for £40m, the former Leeds prodigy found himself overwhelmed in midfield — particularly in the closing stages of the 2024/25 season.
But Frank, who wanted to sign Gray for Brentford before Spurs swooped, has a clear plan. Gray isn’t a monster defensive midfielder; instead, he’s a ball player with bite. In Frank’s adaptable 4-3-3 or 3-5-2, Gray could flourish as a number six with close support around him, allowing him to distribute without being overrun.
Expect less isolation, more structure, and more confidence. Gray’s ball-carrying — which disappeared late last season — could return with Frank’s guidance. The belief within the club is that this season could mark the start of his real breakout at Premier League level.
5️⃣ Brennan Johnson – Time to Evolve
18 goals last season. A Europa League winner. Yet for all that, Brennan Johnson still splits opinion. Why? Because when he’s not scoring, he often doesn’t impact games enough.
That’s what Frank must — and likely will — change. At Brentford, he excelled at developing wingers with similar profiles: rapid, direct, but needing polish. Johnson could play wide right, but also centrally in a two-man attack, similar to how Bryan Mbeumo operated.
Frank will demand more variation in his dribbling, more intelligent movement, and likely push him into making inside runs rather than hugging the touchline. His final product is growing — now it’s about making him a complete forward. If Frank succeeds, Johnson could become one of Spurs’ most dangerous outlets, not just a moments player.
Final Word: Frank’s Tottenham Taking Shape
Son, Tel, Solanke, Gray, and Johnson — five players at different stages of their careers, but all poised to benefit immensely from Thomas Frank’s system and style.
Where Postecoglou was unwavering in philosophy, Frank is more adaptable, more detailed in opposition planning, and more focused on playing to his players’ strengths.
If this quintet flourishes, Spurs could exceed expectations next season — not just in goals scored, but in how efficiently and smartly they attack under Frank.
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