Thomas Frank could turn to ‘exceptional’ Tottenham star with Mohammed Kudus set for AFCON absence

Tottenham Hotspur are still searching for the kind of consistency that can elevate them into genuine Premier League title contenders.

While their performances have fluctuated, there are clear signs of progress under Thomas Frank. The Danish manager has managed to bring a level of stability to a Spurs side that, last season, was often unpredictable—brilliant one week, disappointing the next. Now, the difference between Tottenham’s best and worst days has narrowed, a testament to Frank’s tactical structure and growing influence on the squad.

The challenge for Frank now is to build on that foundation by stringing together a strong run of results. The busy festive period will provide the perfect test, but it will also come with complications. The upcoming Africa Cup of Nations threatens to disrupt Spurs’ rhythm at a time when consistency is crucial. Several key players are expected to be absent for up to a month, including Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr, and Mohammed Kudus.

Of those, Kudus will arguably be the most difficult to replace. Since his summer move from West Ham United, the Ghanaian winger has quickly become one of Tottenham’s most influential attackers. His dynamism, creativity, and ability to make things happen in the final third have been vital in Frank’s system. Despite scoring just one Premier League goal so far, Kudus has contributed five assists—evidence of his growing impact and potential to become a difference-maker in big games.

Frank, however, refuses to use the AFCON absences as an excuse. Speaking to The Guardian, the Spurs boss acknowledged the challenge but remained pragmatic:

“I think it is what it is,” he said. “Like the Club World Cup in the summer, the Africa Cup of Nations has often been played in December and January. We need to deal with it, and we will. That’s my take on it.”

With Kudus set to be away in Morocco for up to four weeks, Tottenham will need someone to fill the void and maintain their attacking edge. The most likely candidate is Welsh forward Brennan Johnson, who has shown flashes of promise since joining from Nottingham Forest. Johnson has found the net twice in his 11 Premier League appearances this season, though he has started only five of those matches. His pace, directness, and work rate make him a natural fit to step into Kudus’ role during his absence.

Johnson’s potential has not gone unnoticed. Wales manager Craig Bellamy has publicly backed the young forward to thrive at Spurs, while also tempering comparisons to a Welsh legend. Speaking to BBC Sport, Bellamy made it clear that Johnson should focus on carving his own path:

“There’s no next Gareth Bale—he’s one in a lifetime,” Bellamy said. “I’ve not seen a Gareth Bale before him, and we’d be lucky to see another Gareth Bale ever again. Brennan just has to be the best version of himself. He’s a player with real intensity, penetration, and goals.”

Bellamy went on to acknowledge that adapting to a new manager and system can take time, particularly when competition for places is fierce.

“It’s been a change for him with a new manager coming in,” Bellamy continued. “Last season wasn’t great for Spurs, but Brennan excelled in parts—his numbers and goals were impressive. I’ve been there myself, and it’s not easy when you see other players arrive and a new coach with different ideas. But I believe quality always shines through, and I’m sure that will be the case for Brennan.”

With Kudus unavailable and Tottenham seeking attacking stability, this could be Johnson’s best opportunity yet to prove he can be a consistent starter and a decisive player for Frank’s side. The coming weeks will be a major test—not just for Spurs as a team, but for Johnson individually.

If he can deliver during this crucial spell, he could not only cement his place in the starting XI but also earn Frank’s trust as a long-term solution in Tottenham’s frontline. With the race for European qualification heating up, his performances could well shape the direction of Spurs’ season.