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Thomas Frank highlights Tottenham star’s ‘key strength’; UCL cameo showcases impact
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Brennan Johnson will be hoping to regain his place in the Tottenham Hotspur eleven under Thomas Frank at Tottenham

One of Tottenham’s standout players last season was Brennan Johnson. The Welshman played a pivotal role in helping the Lilywhites end their 17-year wait for a major trophy by winning the Europa League against all odds. He finished as the club’s top scorer across all competitions with 18 goals to his name, including one in the final against Manchester United.

His remarkable individual campaign will forever be remembered by Spurs fans, as he almost single-handedly turned the final around for Ange Postecoglou’s side. Many expected the 24-year-old to play a crucial role this season under Thomas Frank and continue his impressive goal-scoring form. However, things haven’t quite gone according to plan for the prolific attacker this time around.

Johnson began the new season brightly, scoring twice in Tottenham’s opening two matches. But his form has since dipped, and he has lost his place in the starting eleven. Playing on the left flank hasn’t helped his cause either, as he is far more effective operating from the opposite side of the pitch. Despite his current struggles in front of goal, the Welshman remains Thomas Frank’s best option on the left wing, as his pace and directness add a different dynamic to Spurs’ attack.

Brennan Johnson clearly makes an impact in the final third for Tottenham

Most of Brennan Johnson’s goals last season came from clever late runs to the back post, where he showed excellent positioning skills and composure to finish from close range. That is where he truly excels, and credit must go to Ange Postecoglou for helping him refine that aspect of his game. The 24-year-old has continued to display that instinct under Thomas Frank as well, with his goal against Manchester City this season arriving in similar fashion.

Recognising that strength, Thomas Frank has praised Johnson’s knack for arriving in dangerous positions in the final third. Speaking in his pre-match presser (via Beanyman Sports), Frank said,

“I think one of Brennan’s big strengths is the ability to arrive in the right areas. That’s a key strength, and the ability to score goals is quite good. I agree, I think he was positive when he came on the pitch (against Monaco).”

The Spurs boss added,

“I think he had the biggest chance we had. He arrived in some good areas, he also worked hard in the recovery runs which he needs to do. So, yes, that is his key strength.”

Frank believes Brennan Johnson’s strongest attribute is his ability to find the right spaces and convert chances efficiently. The Danish tactician also admitted that Johnson’s performance against AS Monaco was one of the few positives to take from that game, as the 24-year-old worked tirelessly to prove his worth in Monte-Carlo.

Whether the performance in the Champions League was enough for Johnson to regain his place in the starting eleven remains to be seen. But the Welshman must keep his head down and continue working hard, just as he did last season when things were not going his way. The 24-year-old will get his chance to shine again, and when it comes, he needs to be ready to seize the moment and make a statement.

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

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