Five Tottenham players who could thrive under Thomas Frank next season
Tottenham Hotspur have officially ushered in a new managerial era with the appointment of Thomas Frank as the club’s next head coach. The Danish tactician replaces Ange Postecoglou and is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Spurs’ tactical setup. Frank, who signed his contract alongside four trusted members of his coaching staff, is no stranger to the Premier League or Tottenham’s squad, having previously expressed his admiration for several players within the team.
Back in February, while still managing Brentford, Frank heaped praise on a trio of Tottenham players, referring to them as “very, very good.” That admiration wasn’t fleeting. According to insiders, Frank has long entertained the idea of managing Tottenham, even joking with his staff about someday taking the reins in North London. Now that dream has become reality, and fans are eager to see how the new boss will reshape the team.
With Frank’s appointment now official, attention naturally turns to which players are most likely to flourish under his tactical philosophy. Here’s a deeper look at five Spurs stars who could be set for standout seasons under Frank’s guidance.
1. Pedro Porro – Set to Thrive in a Traditional Full-Back Role
Pedro Porro was frequently utilized in an inverted full-back role under Ange Postecoglou, drifting into midfield during the build-up to help overload the central areas. While that approach allowed Porro to show his playmaking abilities with incisive passes and deep crosses—especially in the Europa League—it didn’t always play to his strengths as a natural wide defender.
Under Thomas Frank, Porro could return to a more conventional full-back position, where his natural instincts to overlap and stretch the field will be embraced. Rather than tucking into central areas, Porro may be tasked with pushing up the right flank, combining with the winger ahead of him, and delivering dangerous crosses from the byline—something he’s known to do with accuracy and consistency.
This shift in approach could boost Porro’s assist tally and goal involvement, as he will have more freedom to operate in attacking areas without the burden of hybrid midfield responsibilities. A full season under Frank’s system might just unlock the full potential of the Spanish full-back.
2. Destiny Udogie – A Return to Overlapping Could Unleash His True Strengths
Like Porro, Destiny Udogie was also tasked with operating as an inverted full-back under Postecoglou’s system. While he adapted well in stretches, Udogie’s most effective performances came when he was allowed to use his blistering pace to stretch the field and attack the flanks with overlapping runs.
Frank’s preference for traditional full-backs could see Udogie revert to the role he’s most comfortable in—bombing down the left wing, creating overloads, and tracking back swiftly to defend in transition. His athleticism and stamina make him ideally suited for the kind of dual-role responsibilities that a touchline-hugging full-back demands.
A system that emphasizes natural width and quick recovery—hallmarks of Frank’s setups at Brentford—could help Udogie take the next step in his development, particularly in a league where elite wide play is essential to breaking down deep defensive blocks.
3. Brennan Johnson – Ideal for a High-Pressing, Poacher Role
Fresh off a breakout campaign that saw him net 18 goals in all competitions, Brennan Johnson is one of the most exciting attacking prospects in the Spurs squad. His ability to find space in the final third, especially at the back post, made him a consistent goal threat throughout the season.
Under Frank, Johnson could be deployed in a role similar to that of Bryan Mbeumo at Brentford. The Cameroon international thrived in a high-pressing, dual-striker system that emphasized clever movement and sharp finishing. Johnson, who excels at pressing defenders and making well-timed runs in behind, would be a perfect fit in such a tactical setup.
If Frank opts for a 4-3-3 or a variation of a 3-5-2, Johnson could play either as a wide forward tasked with cutting inside or as a secondary striker supporting a central number nine. Either way, his attacking instincts and work rate make him one to watch next season.
4. Dejan Kulusevski – Could Shine in a Free Roaming Number Ten Role
Though currently recovering from surgery following an injury sustained against Crystal Palace, Dejan Kulusevski is expected to return to action around September. When he does, he could find himself with a more central creative role under Thomas Frank’s guidance.
Frank’s 4-2-3-1 formation, often used at Brentford, heavily relies on a dynamic number ten to link midfield and attack. Kulusevski has the vision, ball control, and tactical intelligence to excel in this position, where he would have the freedom to drift into wide areas, drive through central channels, and connect with forwards.
The comparison with Mikkel Damsgaard, who notched 10 assists in a similar role last season, is particularly telling. With Frank pulling the strings, Kulusevski could easily match or surpass those numbers, becoming Spurs’ main creative outlet behind the striker.
5. Radu Dragusin – A Tactical Shift Could Finally Unlock His Potential
Romanian defender Radu Dragusin struggled to fully adapt to Ange Postecoglou’s high defensive line, often getting exposed in one-on-one situations and left vulnerable by the lack of cover behind him. These difficulties led to some costly errors and uncertainty about his long-term role at the club.
However, Frank’s willingness to utilize a back three—especially when he first took over at Brentford—could provide Dragusin with a more suitable tactical environment. In a three-man defense, the pressure on individual defenders to sweep up behind the midfield line is reduced, and Dragusin’s strengths—such as aerial dominance and physicality—could be better utilized in a compact, disciplined setup.
This formation would also provide more balance to the defense, allowing full-backs like Porro and Udogie to push higher up the pitch while Dragusin anchors the backline with support from two fellow centre-backs.
Final Thoughts: A New Era with Opportunity
Thomas Frank’s arrival marks a new chapter for Tottenham Hotspur, one filled with both optimism and strategic potential. His proven ability to maximize player strengths, his tactical flexibility, and his emphasis on structure and discipline could help several Spurs players elevate their games to new heights.
For Porro, Udogie, Johnson, Kulusevski, and Dragusin, this could be the season that defines their Tottenham careers. Under Frank’s leadership, each has the tools to thrive—and Spurs fans will be hoping that this new managerial era finally brings consistency, cohesion, and perhaps even silverware to North London.