Thomas Frank: A calculated risk, a complete rebuild
Tottenham’s chaotic cycle of managerial churn finally meets long-term thinking with the appointment of Thomas Frank. The coach who brings structure, pragmatism, and a proven Premier League blueprint. Hired just 16 days after Ange Postecoglou was sacked despite winning the Europa League, Frank walks into a club desperate to translate moments of glory into 'real' success. He inherits a squad that finished a dismal 17th in the Premier League last season, but the early signs of his influence are already visible. The signings of Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel, and Kevin Danso reflect a clear shift in strategy — towards balance and purpose even more so. Kudus adds dynamism and 1v1 threat, Tel brings youthful explosiveness and versatility, while Danso offers defensive stability and physical presence. Together, they mark the beginning of Frank’s system-first rebuild, a process that aims to align Tottenham’s ambition with consistency — not just in results, but in squad identity.
Mohammed Kudus: Dribbles, dynamism and a fresh start
Tottenham’s attacking reshuffle under Thomas Frank begins with the signing of Mohammed Kudus — a direct, explosive winger who brings flair and unpredictability to North London. After a frustrating season at West Ham, where tactical misfits under Graham Potter saw him shifted across roles, Kudus now finds himself in a system that suits his strengths. Despite the dip in output — just five goals and three assists in 32 games — Kudus still completed 3.2 dribbles per 90 and ranked among the league's most prolific ball carriers. Compared to Kulusevski and Johnson, he leads in dribbles (6.8 per 90), shot volume (2.6), and carries (15.1), underlining his ability to beat players and drive at defences. His pressing output may have declined last season, but in Frank’s high-structure 4-3-3 and 3-5-2 systems, Kudus has the platform to rediscover the form that once made him a sought-after talent across Europe. Spurs haven’t made a move like this in years. A high-ceiling winger touching his prime, signed to suit the manager’s vision.
Mathys Tel: From loanee to long-term
Tottenham's new era under Thomas Frank has its first foundation stone in Mathys Tel, who is a versatile French forward who turned his six-month loan from Bayern Munich into a permanent stay. Tel, still only 20, signed a deal until 2031 after impressing Spurs with his pace, directness, and movement off the ball. Daniel Levy secured the deal on improved terms, making Tel technically Frank’s first signing as Spurs boss. Last season, he made 20 appearances, mostly covering for Son Heung-min on the left, and chipped in with three goals — but it’s his underlying metrics that signal a higher ceiling. In his final full Bayern season, Tel ranked in the 97.5 percentile for non-penalty goals and 96.0 for assists, while also offering strong numbers in progressive carries (79.0) and dribbles completed (73.5). Though he was an unused substitute in the Europa League final win over Manchester United, his blend of penetration and positional flexibility (whether out wide or more central), gives Frank the kind of attacking fluidity his system thrives on. With a full pre-season and a manager who values adaptability, Tel looks primed to go from impact sub to guaranteed starter.
Kevin Danso: Defensive steel
Tottenham’s backline reinforcements under Thomas Frank has a key pillar in Kevin Danso — the Austrian centre-back who joined permanently from Lens after a short but impactful loan spell. The 26-year-old arrived in February and featured 10 times in the Premier League, capping his season with a late cameo in the Europa League final win over Manchester United. But his real value lies in the numbers. In Ligue 1 last season, Danso ranked in the 96.6 percentile for possession won and 79.7 for aerial duels — stats that underline his defensive instinct and dominance in the air. He also made 115 clearances, 23 interceptions, and kept 12 clean sheets in 30 appearances, while completing 74.5 percent of his progressive carries. A sign of his ability to step out with the ball. Though less adventurous in his passing (only 28.2% of his passes were forward), Danso brings security, experience, and structure to a Spurs defence that has often lacked consistency. With over 125 appearances for Lens and a track record of reliability across Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and the Premier League, Danso offers Frank a calm, physical presence in the heart of defence. Moreover, his profile fits the system-first identity Spurs are aiming to build.
Kota Takai - All the way from Japan
Kota Takai may be just 20, but he arrives at Spurs with serious pedigree. He's already a regular for Kawasaki Frontale, a Champions League finalist, and already capped at senior level for Japan. His blend of composure, physicality, and ball-carrying fits neatly into what Thomas Frank demands from his centre-backs. Standing at 6'3", he boasts a 63.6% aerial duel success rate and has made more passes (1,268) than any player at Kawasaki this season, with an 88.7% completion rate. He’s also progressive on the ball, averaging 6.0 progressive carries and nearly 49 metres per 90 — traits Frank will value in a high line. With question marks over Dragusin’s fitness and the likelihood of loan exits for young defenders, Takai offers smart depth and long-term upside in a position where Spurs were constantly troubled last season.
Luka Vuskovic: A new young CB pair?
Luka Vuskovic couldn’t have scripted a better debut. The 18-year-old Croatian centre-back, signed from Hajduk Split for €11 million, scored one and assisted another in Spurs’ 2-0 win over Reading, which was Thomas Frank’s first game in charge. Calm on the ball and confident going forward, Vuskovic impressed with his awareness and composure. Despite the rumours, a loan move away now looks unlikely. Spurs fans might be seeing more of him this season than expected.
Thomas Frank's Spurs
Thomas Frank’s Spurs project is still in its infancy, but the early moves point to a club finally committing to coherence, be it in style, squad-building, and ambition. Kudus, Tel, and Danso represent more than just reinforcements; they’re calculated pieces in a long-term puzzle. Takai and Vuskovic are investments for the future, and their CV checks out too. Kudus offers a spark Spurs have lacked in 1v1 situations. Tel is a modern attacker built for fluid, high-tempo systems. Danso provides the defensive control and presence required to stabilise a fragile backline. With Frank at the helm, Tottenham aren’t just chasing results — they’re building for years to come. A team that’s progressive, competitive, and designed to last.