The dawn of a new era at Tottenham Hotspur arrived with Thomas Frank taking the managerial reins. Inheriting a squad that had limped to a 17th-place finish in the Premier League, Frank faced a monumental challenge. His mission: not merely to steady the ship, but to inject the tactical vibrancy and goal-scoring threat reminiscent of his successful tenure at Brentford. A significant part of that success was epitomized by the prolific Bryan Mbeumo, a player whose absence at Spurs created a formidable void that Frank was keen to fill.
The Ghost of Goal-Scoring Past: Mbeumo`s Legacy
At Brentford, Mbeumo was more than just an attacker; he was the linchpin of Frank’s offensive strategy. The Cameroonian international thrived under the Dane’s guidance, culminating in a spectacular 2024/25 Premier League season where he netted an impressive 20 goals. This remarkable tally wasn`t just a personal best; it cemented his status as one of the league`s elite forwards. His ability to consistently “produce the goods in the final third” was a testament to their potent partnership. Frank’s efforts to bring Mbeumo with him to North London, a pursuit that saw the forward eventually join Manchester United for a staggering £71m, underscore just how integral he was to the manager`s tactical blueprint.
Mohammed Kudus: The Creative Spark, But Is He the Full Package?
Missing out on Mbeumo was undoubtedly a blow, but Frank quickly turned to the transfer market. Tottenham secured the services of Ghanaian winger Mohammed Kudus from London rivals West Ham United for approximately £55m. The transfer itself raised eyebrows, yet Kudus wasted no time in endearing himself to the Spurs faithful. Though his goal tally remains at zero in the early stages of his Spurs career, his impact has been undeniable. With four assists in nine appearances across all competitions, Kudus has proven to be a constant creative threat, terrorizing opposition defenses with his electrifying dribbling. His recent cameo against Bodo Glimt saw him complete five successful dribbles in just half an hour, a statistic that surpassed any other player on the pitch. His flair and ability to conjure chances are clear, marking him as a significant asset to the Lilywhites` attack.
However, the question lingers: is creativity alone enough to fill the Mbeumo-shaped hole? Frank`s vision often demands a winger who can not only create but also consistently finish, providing that crucial cutting edge.
Brennan Johnson: Frank`s Long-Admired Ace in the Hole
While Kudus brings a vibrant new dimension, Frank’s gaze might be lingering on another talent already within the squad: Brennan Johnson. The Welsh international, signed from Nottingham Forest for £47.5m in the summer of 2023, has a history with Frank that runs deeper than many realize. The Spurs manager had repeatedly attempted to sign Johnson during his time at Brentford, lodging multiple bids in a persistent effort to secure his services. This sustained admiration speaks volumes about what Frank sees in the young winger.
Johnson, often described as “phenomenal” by analysts, showcased his goal-scoring prowess emphatically last season. He registered a remarkable 18 goals in all competitions, making him the squad`s leading scorer, and even netted the decisive winner in the Europa League final. This season, his clinical edge has continued to shine in the Premier League:
Spurs` Top Scorers in the Premier League (2024/25)
| Player | Tally |
|---|---|
| 1. Brennan Johnson | 11 |
| 2. James Maddison | 9 |
| = Dominic Solanke | 9 |
| 3. Dejan Kulusevski | 7 |
| = Heung-min Son | 7 |
| 4. Richarlison | 4 |
| 5. Pape Sarr | 3 |
| Stats via FotMob | |
This table distinctly illustrates Johnson`s crucial role in Tottenham`s attacking output, positioning him as the club`s primary goal threat in the league. His knack for decisive goals, even when he might seem less involved in overall play, mirrors Mbeumo`s ability to appear ineffective before popping up with crucial strikes, as evidenced by Johnson`s match-winning performance against Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup.
The Manager`s Dilemma: Nurturing Potential Amidst Competition
Both Johnson and Mbeumo share a versatility, capable of operating effectively from the right flank or even through central attacking channels. This tactical flexibility is a hallmark of players Frank values. However, the arrival of Kudus, a player of similar profile and position, has naturally led to reduced game time for Johnson. This creates a fascinating managerial challenge for Frank: how to integrate two highly talented wingers and ensure both reach their peak potential without stifling one another. The task is to harness Kudus`s dazzling creativity while simultaneously nurturing Johnson`s proven, Mbeumo-esque goal-scoring instinct.
“Johnson is a player who hugely relies on confidence to thrive, with the manager desperately needing to put his arm around him and back him if he is to match the heights of Mbeumo in the years ahead.”
Frank’s unwavering faith in Johnson, evidenced by his past pursuits, suggests he views the Welshman not just as a talented winger, but as a player capable of becoming that consistent, high-output attacker he had in Mbeumo. While Kudus offers an exciting, immediate creative injection, it is Johnson, with his goal-scoring record and Frank’s long-standing admiration, who truly embodies the “next Mbeumo” archetype for Tottenham Hotspur. The challenge, and indeed the opportunity, for Frank lies in unleashing this potential amidst the vibrant competition, ensuring Johnson continues to be the decisive force Spurs need.
