‘Sensational’ Tottenham star is quietly becoming Thomas Frank’s most important player
Joao Palhinha bossed the midfield, Richarlison ran himself into the ground, and Micky van de Ven stood firm like an immovable wall at the back. Tottenham’s victory over Manchester City was full of standout performances, and each of those players rightly drew praise.
Yet, one man’s brilliance slipped somewhat under the radar – Pape Matar Sarr. The 22-year-old Senegalese midfielder didn’t just have a good game; he was nothing short of sensational.
Sarr the Silent Engine
Against Manchester City, Sarr seemed to cover every blade of grass. His boundless energy, sharp positioning, and relentless pressing were central to the way Thomas Frank’s side controlled large spells of the match. While Palhinha’s composure and Richarlison’s tireless running caught the eye, it was Sarr’s subtle influence that knitted Spurs’ performance together.
Whenever City tried to build momentum, there was Sarr – intercepting, closing space, and forcing errors. With the ball, he played with calmness and purpose, recycling possession intelligently and offering a constant outlet for teammates. Without it, he was a menace, hunting down opponents and breaking up play with a maturity beyond his years.
It’s no wonder that Ally McCoist, on co-commentary duty, couldn’t stop raving about him. The Scottish pundit repeatedly described Sarr as “sensational,” and when the final whistle blew, he named the Senegal international his Man of the Match – no small recognition given the wealth of quality on the pitch.
Proving Doubters Wrong
Statistically, Sarr’s display backed up the eye test. He won tackles, pressed aggressively, and completed his passes at an impressive rate – exactly the sort of all-round contribution Spurs fans have been desperate to see from a midfielder. More importantly, he is quickly rewriting a long-standing narrative surrounding Tottenham: the idea that they desperately need a creative No.10.
For much of the summer, Spurs were heavily linked with attacking midfielders. Morgan Gibbs-White was a target before choosing to stay at Nottingham Forest, while Eberechi Eze’s move to Arsenal left a bitter taste for Tottenham supporters. Many feared those misses would leave a gaping hole in Frank’s squad. But Sarr’s rise has begun to ease those concerns.
When deployed further forward, operating almost as a makeshift playmaker, he has delivered dynamism, energy, and end product. It may not be the traditional creative spark of a James Maddison or Christian Eriksen, but it is highly effective within Frank’s tactical system.
Why Change What’s Working?
Of course, Spurs will likely return to the market at some stage for a creator – squad depth and tactical flexibility demand it. A high-quality addition could allow Frank to shuffle his midfield, perhaps freeing Sarr to take on different roles, whether deeper or wider, depending on the opposition.
But right now? There is no urgent need to tamper with what is working. Sarr, alongside Palhinha and the rest of Tottenham’s midfield unit, is providing the perfect balance of industry, control, and bite. His development is one of the most exciting storylines of Tottenham’s young season, and his influence is only set to grow.
For all the attention on star names, it might just be Pape Matar Sarr who quietly becomes the heartbeat of this new-look Spurs side.