The arrival of Thomas Frank as Tottenham Hotspur`s new manager ushered in an era of renewed excitement. Fresh off a Europa League triumph, the Lilywhites faithful were eager to see how the Dane, renowned for his astute tactical mind and player development at Brentford, would build upon recent European success. A central question on many minds: who would be Frank`s next Bryan Mbeumo?
Mbeumo, the Cameroonian winger, flourished under Frank`s tutelage at Brentford, transforming into one of the Premier League`s most potent attackers. His 20 top-flight goals last season ultimately paved the way for a hefty £71 million transfer to Manchester United. This move left a void, not just for Brentford, but also in the imaginative blueprint Frank brought to North London – the search for that dynamic, high-impact attacking presence.
The Initial Candidates: Kudus and Johnson
Spurs wasted little time in the transfer market, splashing £55 million on Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United. The Ghanaian international has indeed hit the ground running, contributing a goal and four assists in his first ten outings. His debut goal against Leeds United proved crucial, showcasing a knack for decisive moments. Kudus is undeniably a talent, a player capable of influencing games and delivering when it matters most.
Then there`s Brennan Johnson, already a fan favourite for his Europa League final winner. Johnson, a Welsh international, possesses pace and a keen eye for goal, evidenced by his three strikes across all competitions. However, since late August, he has found himself increasingly sidelined in league fixtures, a subtle consequence, perhaps, of Kudus`s immediate impact. Both Kudus and Johnson are valuable assets, but the quest for a player who embodies the unique Mbeumo-esque development arc under Frank – a talent nurtured from relative obscurity to a Premier League sensation – continued.
Enter Wilson Odobert: The Unassuming Heir Apparent
Amidst the high-profile arrivals and established stars, a quieter, yet potentially more significant, acquisition was made in the summer of 2024: Wilson Odobert. The Frenchman, signed from Burnley for £25 million following their relegation, wasn`t a headline grabber in the same vein as Kudus. Yet, it is Odobert, the 20-year-old winger, who presents the most compelling case as Frank`s true successor to Mbeumo`s mantle.
In just 30 appearances, Odobert has already provided glimpses of his immense potential, netting three goals, two of which came during Spurs` Europa League-winning campaign in 2024/25. His ability to perform on big European nights, even at such a young age, suggests a composure and drive that belies his years. Analysts have lauded him as “phenomenal,” a testament to the raw talent waiting to be fully unleashed.
The Mbeumo Parallel: A Career Trajectory Revisited
The similarities between Odobert`s burgeoning career and Mbeumo`s journey are striking. Both players made the jump to English football from French clubs – Mbeumo from Troyes to Brentford in 2019, and Odobert`s path via Burnley, but originating from a similar developmental environment. Crucially, both arrived needing time, patience, and the right guidance to adapt and excel in the physically demanding English game.
Mbeumo`s initial seasons in the top-flight were not defined by explosive goal tallies. It took time for him to consistently hit double figures. Brentford`s steadfast belief and Frank`s meticulous coaching allowed him to mature, refine his game, and ultimately justify a massive transfer fee. Odobert`s current statistics, while modest in direct goal contributions, paint a picture of an active and versatile attacker:
| Statistic (per 90) | Tally |
|---|---|
| Games played | 16 |
| Goals & assists | 1 |
| Pass accuracy | 85% |
| Successful dribbles | 1.3 |
| Chances created | 0.9 |
| Shots taken | 1.4 |
| Touches in opposition box | 4.1 |
| Recoveries made | 3.6 |
| Stats via FotMob (as referenced in original article) | |
These numbers, especially his active involvement in offensive phases (touches in the opposition box, shots, dribbles, and chances created), indicate a player who is already contributing meaningfully, despite his youth. The defensive work rate (recoveries) is also a classic Frank characteristic, aligning perfectly with the manager`s demands for industrious wide players.
The Virtue of Patience: Nurturing a Future Star
The parallels are too strong to ignore. Just as Mbeumo needed time, support, and the unwavering faith of his manager, Odobert stands at a similar crossroads. At only 20, he possesses an abundance of untapped potential. The challenge, and indeed the opportunity, for Thomas Frank and Tottenham Hotspur, is to provide the environment where this raw talent can blossom. It requires patience from the club, understanding from the fanbase, and the continuation of Frank`s proven player development magic.
Should Odobert reach anywhere near the levels achieved by Mbeumo – a player who went from a promising French League 2 talent to a £71 million Premier League asset – it would represent an astonishing piece of business for Spurs. More importantly, it would furnish Thomas Frank with precisely the kind of dynamic, high-output attacker crucial for sustaining Tottenham`s European aspirations and challenging for domestic honours in the years to come. The search for Frank`s next Mbeumo might just be over, and the answer was waiting in a slightly less heralded, but equally promising, young Frenchman.
