In the unforgiving theatre of Premier League football, fortunes can shift as rapidly as a perfectly executed counter-attack. For Tottenham Hotspur, a season that began with promise under Thomas Frank is now marked by an intriguing midfield dynamic, one that suggests a changing of the guard, particularly concerning the coveted number 10 jersey.
Tottenham`s Promising Dawn Under Frank
The early chapters of Thomas Frank`s tenure at Tottenham Hotspur have been largely encouraging. With merely one defeat in his initial nine fixtures, the Danish tactician has instilled a sense of purpose and stability in North London. This resurgence isn`t solely attributable to tactical adjustments; a significant factor has been the immediate impact of new blood.
Mohammed Kudus, a £55m summer acquisition from West Ham United, has wasted no time in embedding himself into the starting eleven. The 25-year-old Ghanaian has quickly proven his worth, contributing four assists across all competitions, two of which notably arrived on his competitive debut in a resounding 3-0 victory over Burnley. This stellar opening performance echoed a record previously set by another Spurs talent, highlighting the fierce competition for creative influence.
James Maddison: A Talent Plagued by Fragility
That record-holder, James Maddison, arrived at the Lilywhites in the summer of 2023 for approximately £40m following Leicester City`s relegation. He, too, announced his arrival with a brace of assists on his Premier League debut, a moment that promised a bright future for the creative midfielder in a Spurs shirt.
Over his two-year spell, Maddison has amassed 75 appearances, registering 16 goals and 19 assists – statistics that underscore his undeniable quality. Yet, these numbers tell only half the story. The 28-year-old has been unfortunately sidelined by a succession of injuries, suffering four distinct setbacks that have seen him miss 25 matches. His latest ailment, a significant ACL injury, is expected to keep him out for the vast majority of Frank`s inaugural campaign. This consistent absence, a cruel twist of fate for a player of such innate talent, has prevented him from establishing a truly consistent presence and influence.
One cannot deny Maddison`s vision and technical prowess. He is, unequivocally, a player who elevates those around him when fit. However, football, as a competitive industry, rarely offers sympathy for unfulfilled potential due to physical fragility. As such, the conversation naturally turns to succession, particularly for the emblematic number 10 shirt he currently holds.
The Quiet Ascent of Pape Matar Sarr
While Kudus has made headlines with his immediate contributions, it is another midfielder, Pape Matar Sarr, who has quietly but decisively carved out an indispensable role. Joining Spurs in 2021 for a modest £14.6m, the Senegalese international was, for many, an unknown quantity. Today, he is widely regarded as one of the club`s most vital performers.
After a period of acclimatization, the 23-year-old has flourished, accumulating over 100 appearances across all competitions. In the early stages of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, Sarr has already showcased his evolving attacking repertoire with a goal and two assists in just five matches, despite often operating from a deeper midfield position. His overall tally since arriving in England stands at 10 goals and eight assists, a testament to his burgeoning offensive capabilities.
Pape Sarr`s Impressive 2025/26 Season Snapshot
| Pape Sarr – Stats (2025/26 Premier League) | |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 5 |
| Goals & Assists | 3 |
| Pass Accuracy | 83% |
| Dribble Success | 50% |
| Fouls Won (per 90) | 1.2 |
| Duels Won (per 90) | 5.1 |
| Recoveries Made (per 90) | 4.8 |
| Touches in Opposition Box (per 90) | 2.3 |
| (Stats via FotMob) | |
Beyond his attacking metrics, Sarr`s defensive contributions are equally compelling. His ability to win 5.1 duels and make 4.8 recoveries per 90 minutes positions him as one of the league`s premier box-to-box midfielders. Jamie O’Hara, a former Spurs player, has fittingly described Sarr as “unbelievable,” acknowledging his comprehensive impact on the pitch.
The Symbolic Weight of the Number 10
The number 10 shirt at Tottenham carries a significant legacy, having been worn by iconic figures such as the club`s all-time record goalscorer, Harry Kane. It is a number synonymous with creativity, leadership, and decisive moments. Maddison inherited this weighty mantle after Kane`s departure to Bayern Munich, but with his persistent injury concerns and Sarr`s consistent, robust performances, the question of who truly embodies that role for the current and future Spurs is becoming increasingly pertinent.
At 23, Sarr possesses an abundance of time to further hone his skills and solidify his status as a foundational player under Thomas Frank. His blend of youthful energy, technical skill, and relentless work rate makes him an appealing candidate for such a prestigious number. Handing him the number 10 would not merely be a gesture of recognition; it would be a clear signal of the club`s evolving identity and confidence in his future importance.
A Manager`s Tough Call
The decision facing the club hierarchy, and particularly Thomas Frank, is a complex one. On one hand, James Maddison is a gifted player who, when healthy, offers a unique creative spark. On the other, Pape Matar Sarr represents consistency, durability, and a dynamic midfield presence crucial for modern football. To divest Maddison of the number 10, especially given his current battle with a severe injury, could be perceived as a harsh move. However, the world of elite football is notoriously unsentimental. Performance, fitness, and future potential are paramount.
It remains to be seen what level Maddison will return to after his ACL recovery. The landscape of the Tottenham midfield, already enriched by Kudus`s arrival, is undeniably shifting. This presents a fascinating challenge for Frank and an exciting prospect for Spurs fans: a midfield brimming with talent, albeit one where iconic numbers must be earned, sustained, and occasionally, passed on.
