Four things we have learned about Tottenham so far this season including a £30m concern”

This season, Tottenham Hotspur has enjoyed a strong start under new manager Thomas Frank, who took over from Ange Postecoglou. While not without its challenges, Frank’s tenure has been encouraging, with the team securing six out of a possible nine points in the Premier League and currently sitting in fourth place. Frank’s side has also performed well against top-tier teams like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level. A win against City and a draw against PSG in the Super Cup final highlight the team’s progress, but also reveal areas that still need improvement.
Four Things We’ve Learned About Tottenham This Season
1. A $30 Million Concern with Mathys Tel
There’s no doubt that competition for a spot in Tottenham’s attack is fierce, with Frank having a wide array of options to choose from. Players like Brennan Johnson, Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert, and Mohammed Kudus can all play on the wings, while Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani offer versatility in the middle and on the flanks. However, a major concern has emerged regarding Mathys Tel. Despite the club spending $30 million to make his move permanent this summer, he was left out of the UEFA Champions League squad, suggesting he’s currently low in the pecking order. At just 20 years old, Tel still has time to turn his fortunes around, but he must seize every opportunity to prove he belongs in the squad.
2. No Way Back for Yves Bissouma
While there’s still hope for Tel, the situation for Yves Bissouma appears to be much different. The Malian international looks set to leave the club after being omitted from both the Super Cup and Champions League squads. The recent loan signing of João Palhinha further solidifies the belief that Frank has made his decision about the 28-year-old midfielder. With the transfer window still open in some parts of the world and reports of interest from clubs like Fenerbahce, Bissouma could well be on his way out in the coming weeks.
3. Pedro Porro’s Defensive Weakness
Tottenham’s defense has been relatively solid under Frank, with two clean sheets in their first three league matches. However, a clear weakness has been identified on the right side with Pedro Porro. The Spaniard has been dribbled past six times this season, more than any other defender in the league. This worrying trend highlights Porro’s defensive vulnerability, a problem Frank will need to address quickly if Tottenham wants to maintain a strong backline.
4. The Missed Opportunity to Sign Savinho
Tottenham’s summer transfer business was largely successful, with six new players arriving to fill key positions. But one missed signing still looms large in the minds of supporters: Savinho. The Brazilian winger was reportedly keen on a move to Tottenham, but Manchester City refused to entertain any offers. His addition would have significantly boosted Tottenham’s attacking threat, adding another unpredictable, one-on-one outlet on the flank alongside Kudus. While fans can only wonder what might have been, there’s still plenty of excitement surrounding the attacking prowess of new signings like Kolo Muani, Xavi Simons, and Kudus.