‘Possessed’ Tottenham Hotspur ace expected to thrive as Thomas Frank’s number 10

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Aug 15, 2025 8:42 AM ET

Journalist praises Pape Matar Sarr’s display in Tottenham Hotspur’s UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain

Tottenham Hotspur were defeated by Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup on penalties in Udine on Wednesday night.

The Lilywhites relinquished a two-goal lead after surprisingly being the superior side for almost three quarters of the game. Substitutes Lee Kang-in and Goncalo Ramos cancelled out goals from Micky Van de Ven and Cristian Romero to force penalty shootout, where Thomas Frank’s side eventually succumbed to the European champions.

New boss Thomas Frank would have won his coaching career’s first trophy in Udine and instantly become a hero for the Spurs fans by bringing more European silverware to White Hart Lane, but for now, this is not the case. However, there were plenty of positives to take for the Danish tactician, and one of them was the performance of Pape Matar Sarr.

Pape Matar Sarr has already stepped up for Frank at Spurs

Pape Matar Sarr has had a new lease of life under Frank. The midfielder made the most appearances (55) under former Ange Postecoglou last season, and he is expected to build on that this term. The Senegal international was probably Tottenham’s best player in the pre-season tour, often operating in an advanced role in the injury absences of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

Frank used a 3-4-2-1 system vs PSG, handing Sarr the No.10 role ahead of the double pivot of Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur. The 22-year-old was excellent with his pressing and off the ball work rate, pretty much single-handedly shutting down PSG’s build-up in both halves. He also provided a constant threat going forward with his running and dynamism, causing problems around the edge of the Parisians’ box.

Football London journalist Lee Wilmot was impressed with the midfielder’s display, terming him a “man possessed” particularly in the second half of the Super Cup.

“Saar just… He looked like a man possessed, particularly in the second half. Was just all over the place in the best possible way,” Lee Wilmot said on the Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham podcast.

“Winning the ball back, getting Spurs higher up the pitch, just getting us on the front foot. Looks like he can play in that number ten role um for as long as we need him to until we sign someone. I think um but yeah just incredible performance, I’ve always been a fan of his.”

The Senegalese midfielder is going to be an extremely important player for Tottenham

Sarr has shown he can play in the No.10 role, even though the sample size of games is very less. Frank has trusted him with a free role and the African has repaid the faith, giving the head coach an alternative option in Maddison’s injury absence.

The combative midfielder has started well under the Dane and can become a key asset for Tottenham in the upcoming season. It is clear Sarr can be used in multiple positions across the midfield, but if wishes to make a name for himself in the No.10 role, the Senegalese should improve his technical ability and passing quality.

All in all, fans can actually sense a big season for Sarr.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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