'Nothing wrong'- Thomas Frank rubbishes rift rumours; onus on Tottenham star to beat the competition

Thomas Frank opens up on why Pape Matar Sarr is not starting games for Tottenham

One player who has not been starting games of late for Tottenham is Pape Matar Sarr. Due to injuries to creative midfielders James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, Frank has chosen to either use Pape Matar Sarr or Lucas Bergvall as an advanced midfielder ahead of Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha. Surprisingly, the 23-year-old has not disappointed the gaffer and made his mark.

The Senegalese international enjoyed a bright start to the season, quickly establishing himself as a regular fixture in Frank’s XI. Bizarrely, after playing 90 minutes in three of the first four Premier League games, Sarr has since had to settle for a place on the bench. This has left fans wondering whether there has been a fallout between Frank and the midfielder behind the scenes, but journalist Graeme Bailey cleared the air earlier this week.

And now Frank has opened up on the situation. When addressing the media ahead of the Everton game, the 51-year-old was questioned about Sarr’s fitness. The Tottenham gaffer responded (h/t Football London):

“Yes, there’s nothing wrong with him. It’s just competition and other players have done well. In general, I’m happy with Pape, he was one of the players that impressed me most at the start of the season.”

Sarr could start vs Everton

Frank would want his side to be up for the Everton challenge from the first blow of the whistle in Merseyside. Everton have been impressive at their new home, playing with loads of pace, physicality and energy. They have been defensively robust and pose a counter-attacking threat, something Tottenham have to be wary of.

The Lilywhites boss would require players with energy, running power and physicality to combat the Toffees, and Sarr has those in his locker in abundance. Having come off the bench in the last two games, the African should be fresh to start on Sunday. His actions on and off the ball in midfield would be crucial.

Lucas Bergvall has been poor in recent games, so Frank must bench him for Sarr here. If handed a start, the 23-year-old must repay the gaffer’s faith with a strong display against David Moyes’ side.