Not Romero or Simons: Spurs’ 5/10 performer is emerging as Thomas Frank’s biggest liability
Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-1 home defeat to Liverpool has intensified the pressure on head coach Thomas Frank, with the result leaving Spurs down in 13th place in the Premier League.
Frank’s side were unable to take anything from the clash with Arne Slot’s men, extending their poor run of form. Spurs have now suffered consecutive league defeats, conceding five goals across those matches, further underlining their defensive problems. Supporter frustration is growing, particularly following the difficulties experienced under Ange Postecoglou last season.
The North London club have now lost seven of their opening 17 league fixtures, with two players drawing significant criticism for Saturday’s loss.
Spurs’ struggles against Liverpool
Despite an underwhelming display against Nottingham Forest the previous weekend, Frank retained Xavi Simons in the number ten role. The Dutch midfielder found it difficult to influence the game, completing just one dribble, before making headlines for the wrong reasons.
Simons was initially shown a yellow card for a challenge on Virgil van Dijk, but following a VAR review, the decision was upgraded to a red card — his first dismissal since completing a £52m move to the club in the summer.
Cristian Romero also endured a difficult outing at centre-back alongside Micky van de Ven. The Argentine failed to prevent Hugo Ekitike from outjumping him to score Liverpool’s second goal and did not win a single tackle during the match. Like Simons, Romero was later sent off after being judged to have kicked out at Ibrahima Konate while already on a booking.
A growing concern in midfield
Spurs’ poor run — just one win from their last eight league games — has highlighted deeper issues within the squad. Frank’s side have slipped below Brentford in the table, the club he left to join Tottenham.
One recurring problem has been the lack of consistency in midfield selection. Frank has frequently deployed a two-man midfield behind Simons, with Rodrigo Bentancur regularly included. The Uruguayan has started 13 of Spurs’ 17 league matches this season, including the last four in succession.
Against Liverpool, Bentancur played the full 90 minutes but struggled to impose himself. He lost six duels — more than any other player on the pitch — and surrendered possession 10 times. Although he recorded an 80% pass completion rate, his overall influence was limited.
Bentancur also committed two fouls, was booked, and was dribbled past once. In aerial duels, he was dominated, losing 75% of his contests.
His display earned a 5/10 rating from the Express’ Archie Griggs, reflecting a performance that stood out for the wrong reasons during a difficult evening for Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
