Tottenham have a short turnaround before their Champions League game against Villarreal, and Thomas Frank could look to one of those who didn’t start against West Ham to play a key role.
Spurs come into the first group stage match in fine form, off the back of a dominant 3-0 win against West Ham, where a number of individuals put themselves in contention to start on Tuesday.
Frank was impressed by Xavi Simons after he made his debut, while Lucas Bergvall made his case to remain in the starting side with an excellent personal display.
The only position on the pitch where there was rotation was up front. Mathys Tel was handed the start, seeing a number of other attackers drop to the bench.
Thomas Frank’s secret weapon for Tottenham vs Villarreal
One of those was Brennan Johnson, who had started the first three Premier League games of the campaign, scoring in two of them.
Frank will obviously be looking to pick a side who can get a result in Europe, and will likely look at Ange Postecoglou’s Europa League campaign to see who is best equipped to get the job done.
Johnson enjoyed an excellent campaign in Europe last season, scoring five goals including the all-important strike against Manchester United in the final.
There will be pressure on Spurs to make an immediate impact in an eight-game group stage, and the Wales international’s constant ability to find the net in European games should see him recalled to the starting side.
Who Thomas Frank should drop for Tottenham vs Villarreal
It is difficult to see who should be dropped from the last Spurs side who lined up against West Ham, however there may be an argument for one of the players to change positions from that game.
Spurs fans want to see Simons play in a central role after making his debut off the left wing, and this could allow Frank to get even more out of his big-name signing.
This could allow Johnson to return to the wing, likely joined in the frontline by Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus.
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