Cristian Romero isn’t travelling with the Spurs squad to face Bodo/Glimt, meaning Thomas Frank has a decision to make.
Spurs are looking for a second win in the Champions League as they travel to take on the Norwegian champions in what is sure to be an exciting game under the lights.
In the buildup, Thomas Frank revealed that captain Cristian Romero wouldn’t be involved, resting as a precautionary measure.
That means the Dane will need to pick a partner for Micky van de Ven, and he has a few options.
Ben Davies and Kevin Danso are available for Bodo/Glimt
If Frank wishes to do a straightforward swap, one of Ben Davies or Kevin Danso seems like the obvious shout.
After a spell on the sidelines, Davies has been cleared to return to action. As one of the more experienced players in the squad, he can cover for the captain in what might be a tricky away tie.
Another centre-back who could step in is Danso. The Austrian defender was signed permanently for £21 million this summer after impressing during his loan spell.
He only has 100 minutes under his belt this season, but he did manage the full 90 against Doncaster, so he’s another option.
There’s little to split the two, but simply because of van de Ven’s likely presence, picking a left-footer like Davies may not be the move for Frank. He does have another option, though.
Frank could give Archie Gray the minutes
Archie Gray has been the biggest casualty of the influx of new players this summer. The 19-year-old has struggled for minutes this season, with Frank still trying to work out his best midfield combination.
Fans have called for change in midfield, but Gray’s name rarely pops up.
Last season, he was a jack-of-all-trades, covering wherever Ange Postecoglou needed. Often, that was at centre-back, and Frank’s comments suggest he would consider the youngster for that role as well.
As Football London reported, Frank sees Gray as a versatile option, saying: “I see him more as a midfielder, as an eight or a centre-back, I think he can play both, and sometimes you need that little run of games like Lucas gets now and you take the next steps.”
Frank has been impressed by Gray already, and it seems inevitable that he will get more minutes. This midweek tie could be the right moment.
If it is between Danso and Gray, it might be more beneficial in the long run to give the teen a chance, as the ceiling of what he can bring to Spurs this season is that bit higher.
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