Tottenham Hotspur entered a new era last summer, having thrown an old narrative into the wastebin when defying the odds and beating Manchester United in Bilbao to lift the Europa League trophy.
But Thomas Frank has much to do if he is to succeed at the helm, with the general mood one of disgruntlement after reaching the midpoint of his first campaign in the hot seat down N17.
Those of a Spurs persuasion undoubtedly feel they are cut from the same cloth as those at the top of the Premier League pyramid, but there is a gulf in tangible success that needs to be bridged.
These things take time, but even Frank would admit that his side’s attacking play hasn’t been good enough this year.
Spurs lining up new forward
Tottenham have already waved goodbye to Brennan Johnson, who was sold to Crystal Palace in a £35m deal last week. It was Johnson, 24, who scored the winner in the Europa League final, but he has been well below standards this season, lacking energy and impetus and conviction in his play.
Now, with Mohammed Kudus having trudged off with a hamstring issue during the recent league draw to Sunderland, the need for wide quality has been accentuated. In the creative department, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are still out.
As per transfer insider Ben Jacobs, Tottenham are ready to battle a host of continental superpowers for RB Leipzig prodigy Yan Diomande, having learned that they will have to stump up a bid worth €100m (converting to about £87m) for his signature this month.
However, clubs feel a deal could be struck for a figure closer to €60m (£51m) during the summer transfer window.
Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas has since reiterated Spurs’ interest, stressing that those close to the Ivory Coast international believe he has surpassed the level of many current Premier League up-and-comers.
Why Yan Diomande would thrive for Frank
Frank left Brentford along with Bryan Mbeumo during the summer, though the Cameroonian forward wound up at Old Trafford after a prolific campaign in the Premier League.
The right winger has been one of the brighter sparks of Manchester United’s campaign, but he’s missing Frank’s system, so well-woven at the Gtech. Diomande could become the Danish coach’s new Mbeumo at Tottenham.
He may only be 19, but Diomande has been brilliant in the Bundesliga this term, arriving from Leganes in La Liga last year.
Not just clinical in front of goal, Diomande also ranks among the top 3% of positional peers across Europe for progressive carries, the top 12% for tackles won and the top 1% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref.
A ball recovery is defined by the number of loose balls recovered by a player.
He’s still so young, but already there are similarities to be drawn between the teenager and Mbeumo, who scored 20 goals in the English top flight but provided Brentford with so much more.
Mbeumo (24/25) vs Diomande (25/26)
Stats (* per game)
Matches (starts)
38 (38)
14 (10)
Goals
20
6
Assists
7
2
Shots (on target)*
2.2 (1.1)
1.6 (0.9)
Big chances missed
9
2
Pass completion
74%
(83%)
Big chances created
17
2
Key passes*
1.8
1.0
Dribbles*
1.4
3.0
Ball recoveries*
4.1
4.1
Tackles + interceptions*
1.7
1.4
Duels won*
4.7
4.8
Data via Sofascore
Mbeumo has been a decent asset for Man United, but he hasn’t yet rekindled his level under Frank’s wing. At Brentford, he was a deadly finisher, but also a strong and unflinching team player down the right channel.
Diomande shares attributes with him in this regard, capable of bringing the full package to his side. It is this mastery of completeness that he has been hailed as a “generational talent” by journalist Bence Bocsak.
Diomande is still so young. And yet, there is something special about this goalscoring, fleet-footed winger, who might just realise his potential in the Premier League if lifting Frank’s Tottenham set-up, becoming a talisman with a likeness to Mbeumo.
Currently plying his way through AFCON with Les Éléphants, and he has been immense, electrifying as he zips up and down the left wing.
Tottenham won the Europa League last season, but Frank needs to ensure that that victory, under Ange Postecoglou, does not become a millstone around his neck.
Diomande would be the kind of ambitious move to secure Tottenham’s future at the top of the tree, growing into a superstar and not only rivalling Mbeumo as Frank’s biggest star as a manager but surpassing him.
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