Just days after observing Son Heung-Min depart Tottenham for Los Angeles FC, manager Thomas Frank now faces another significant challenge. Midfielder James Maddison is set to undergo ACL surgery due to an injury sustained during a match against Newcastle United on Sunday. This 28-year-old is anticipated to miss the bulk of the upcoming season, after already grappling with injuries last campaign. Despite this, Maddison remains one of the most creative midfielders in the league, having delivered 16 Premier League assists in just 59 matches for the club.
This injury comes at a time when the club was already eyeing Nottingham Forest’s midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White to fill the void, but due to a potential legal dispute over his release clause, that deal fell through as he signed a new contract with the Tricky Trees.
With Mohamed Kudus and Mathys Tel set to take over the scoring responsibilities left by Son, the issue remains that neither can replicate his creative contributions. Only four players at Tottenham had more than four expected assists last season, namely, Dejan Kulusevski, Pedro Porro, Maddison, and Son. As it stands, one of those players has departed, while another will miss most of the season, raising concerns about how Frank will ensure the goals flow effectively.
Kulusevski is Critical
Although Kulusevski’s four assists last season were modest, he nonetheless boasted the second-highest expected assists (xA) on the team, totaling 6.2. His playing style did not suit Ange Postecoglou’s game plan, but a shift under Frank may benefit his contributions. Frank is known to tailor his system to his players, which could unlock Kulusevski’s potential, albeit he cannot shoulder the creative load alone. A central role with better defensive support could allow him to become more involved in the attacking phase.
Strategic Build-Up will be Crucial
Frank’s system heavily relies on wing backs and fortunately, Tottenham boasts one of the Premier League’s finest in Pedro Porro. Last season, he tallied four goals and nine assists across all competitions and will need to enhance his output this season. Set pieces are vital in Frank’s tactics, and Porro will be instrumental in this regard, alongside his ability to deliver dangerous crosses for attackers like Dominic Solanke.
New Additions Essential
Following Maddison’s injury, there have been reports linking Tottenham with talented Como youngster Nico Paz, highlighting the organization’s urgent need for new talent. Before Maddison’s injury, it was clear the squad was lacking in depth at the attacking midfielder position. Now, some reinforcements are necessary to handle the rigors of Champions League and Premier League commitments. Even with improved performances from younger players, additional signings are essential to keep progressing. Despite finishing in a disappointing 17th place in the Premier League last year, high expectations are set for the squad this time around, and the management must act decisively to meet those expectations.
