The Thomas Frank era at Tottenham is officially underway, and it began with a comfortable 2–0 victory over Reading in a pre-season friendly. With a different XI in each half, 22 Spurs players featured — offering fans an early glimpse into the tactics, roles, and form under the new boss. Here’s a full breakdown of every player’s performance from the match.
First Half XI
Antinine Kinsky – 6.5
Sim: 7 | Ben: 6
Didn’t have much to do in terms of shot-stopping but impressed with his distribution. His long-range passes were crisp and confident — even picking out Porro beautifully on one occasion. Slight hesitation from a set piece was his only real blemish.
Pedro Porro – 7.5
Sim: 8 | Ben: 7
A standout performer in the first half. Operating as the deeper full-back in Frank’s system, he dictated play with his superb ball-playing ability. Nearly grabbed an assist with a peach of a left-footed cross to Romero.
Cristian Romero – 6.5
Sim: 7 | Ben: 6
Solid and composed. Passed excellently and was the only defender trying to split Reading’s lines with floated balls over the top. A decent outing without being fully tested.
Kevin Danso – 7
Sim: 8 | Ben: 6
Aggressive, assertive, and tidy in possession. He led the build-up from the left and showed a willingness to drive into midfield. His partnership with Romero looked promising.
Destiny Udogie – 8
Sim & Ben: 8
Arguably the best performer of the first half. Looked sharp and dangerous throughout down the left flank. His link-up play with Mikey Moore showed early signs of chemistry.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 7
Sim & Ben: 7
The more impressive of the midfield pivot. He kept the ball moving, was strong in the tackle, and dictated the tempo when needed. Didn’t reach his full creative stride but looked confident.
Pape Matar Sarr – 6
Sim & Ben: 6
Worked hard but lacked precision. Missed a good chance in front of goal and his passing, particularly in progressive areas, was below par.
Alfie Devine – 6
Sim & Ben: 6
Some bright moments and delivered the cross for one of our best chances in the first half, but struggled to impose himself consistently. Needs to improve decision-making and physicality in tight spaces.
Brennan Johnson – 4.5
Sim: 4 | Ben: 5
Really poor outing. His first touch let him down repeatedly and he slowed attacks down. Gets a half-point sympathy bump for his Bilbao winner last week, but he’ll need to bounce back fast.
Mikey Moore – 6
Sim & Ben: 6
Anonymous early on but came alive in the final 15 minutes of the half. Showcased his dribbling ability and started linking well with Udogie. Encouraging signs, but needs more consistency across 45 minutes.
Dominic Solanke – 6
Sim & Ben: 6
Showed good movement and physical presence. Played on the last line rather than dropping deep as he did under Ange. Still lacking the killer instinct in front of goal — needs to pull the trigger quicker.
Second Half XI
Guglielmo Vicario – 6
Sim & Ben: 6
Made a couple of smart saves but looked uncomfortable with the ball at his feet. Lacked the composure and precision Kinsky showed in build-up play.
Djed Spence – 6.5
Sim: 7 | Ben: 6
Defensively shaky at times and could’ve conceded a penalty. That said, his link-up with Kudus was promising and he made some unselfish attacking runs.
Luka Vušković – 9
Sim & Ben: 9
Sensational debut. A goal, an assist, dominant in the air, composed in possession, and showed a level of maturity way beyond his years. Spurs fans — be very excited.
Micky van de Ven – 6
Sim & Ben: 6
Not his finest showing. Looked rusty and was caught out a few times. Vušković often bailed him out. Should improve with minutes.
Ben Davies – 7
Sim & Ben: 7
Reliable at the back and vocal in organizing the defence. Didn’t offer much going forward, but defensively, he was sharp and dependable.
Lucas Bergvall – 5
Sim & Ben: 5
Rusty and off the pace. Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and lacked his usual confidence. Needs time to regain fitness after his injury.
Yves Bissouma – 6.5
Sim: 7 | Ben: 6
Showed glimpses of quality but also moments of frustrating lapses. Controlled the tempo well at times but needs to sharpen up in key moments.
Mohammed Kudus – 8.5
Sim: 8 | Ben: 9
Electric. Got an assist, beat players with ease, and linked up brilliantly with Spence. Dribbling and decision-making were excellent. A breath of fresh air — already looks like a brilliant fit for Frank’s system.
Jamie Donley – 6.5
Sim: 7 | Ben: 6
More involved than Devine. Quick decision-making and better spatial awareness. Nearly grabbed an assist and had a chance to score. A bright cameo.
Heung-min Son – 4.5
Sim: 4 | Ben: 5
Flat and off the pace. Looked frustrated and disconnected throughout. Something seemed off both physically and mentally — Spurs fans will hope it’s just early pre-season rust.
Will Lankshear – 6
Sim & Ben: 6
Barely involved but took his goal well. Only nine touches in the half but made one of them count with a well-taken header. Struggled to impose himself otherwise.
Final Thoughts
There’s plenty to be optimistic about after Spurs’ first friendly under Thomas Frank. Vušković stole the headlines with a dream debut, Kudus looked a class above, and Udogie reminded us of his growing importance down the left. Not everyone hit top gear — Son, Johnson, and Bergvall in particular struggled — but the signs of Frank’s tactical imprint were there.
Let us know your ratings in the comments. Who impressed you most? Who needs to step it up next game?
COYS.
