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With Thomas Frank taking charge at Spurs, the club is actively exploring attacking reinforcements. Two names linked with a move are Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford) and Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)—both dynamic forwards with Premier League experience. But which player would be the better fit for Tottenham’s system? Let’s break it down.


1️⃣ Attacking Output & Goal Contributions


Player

Goals (2024/25)

Assists (2024/25)

Expected Goals (xG)

Expected Assists (xA)

Bryan Mbeumo

20

7

16.8

9.26

Antoine Semenyo

13

7

11.5

6.8


🔹 Mbeumo edges Semenyo in goal-scoring, netting 20 goals last season—only three players scored more in the league.


🔹 His expected assists (xA) of 9.26 suggests he should have registered more assists, highlighting his chance creation ability.


🔹 Semenyo, while effective, has a lower xG and xA, indicating he’s less involved in direct goal contributions.



2️⃣ Playing Style & Tactical Fit


Attribute

Bryan Mbeumo

Antoine Semenyo

Preferred Position

RW / CF

RW / LW / CF

Dribbling Ability

Strong

Explosive

Pace

36.63 km/h (4th fastest in PL)

35.9 km/h

Pressing & Work Rate

High

High

Physicality

Agile

Powerful


🔹 Mbeumo thrives in structured attacking systems, excelling in wide areas and central roles. His ability to cut inside and create makes him a versatile attacking threat.


🔹 Semenyo is more direct, using his explosive pace and physicality to drive at defenders. He’s better suited to counter-attacking football.


🔹 Both players press aggressively, but Mbeumo’s work rate and tactical discipline make him a better fit for Frank’s system.



3️⃣ Defensive Contribution & Pressing


Player

Pressing Actions (per 90)

Tackles Won

Ball Recoveries

Bryan Mbeumo

19.2

1.8

5.6

Antoine Semenyo

15.7

1.4

4.9


🔹 Mbeumo ranks among the hardest-working attackers, covering more distance and attempting more sprints than most players.


🔹 His pressing intensity (19.2 actions per 90) makes him a perfect fit for Frank’s high-energy system.


🔹 Semenyo is less active defensively, meaning Spurs would need to adjust their pressing structure if he were signed.



4️⃣ Market Value & Transfer Feasibility



Player

Estimated Value

Contract Length

Interest from Other Clubs

Bryan Mbeumo

£60m+

2 years left

Man Utd, Spurs

Antoine Semenyo

£65m

3 years left

Man Utd, Liverpool, Spurs


🔹 Mbeumo’s price tag is slightly lower, but Brentford won’t sell cheaply given his importance.


🔹 Semenyo’s valuation is high, and Bournemouth may demand a premium due to his contract length.


🔹 Both players are attracting interest, meaning Spurs must act fast if they want to secure either signing.



Final Verdict: Who Should Spurs Sign?



Bryan Mbeumo is the better tactical fit for Thomas Frank’s system. His goal contributions, pressing intensity, and versatility make him an ideal signing.


Antoine Semenyo offers raw pace and physicality, but his direct style suits counter-attacking teams more than Spurs’ structured approach.


Mbeumo’s familiarity with Frank’s methods gives him an advantage—he could slot into the system seamlessly.


If Spurs want a high-energy, creative forward who can press, score, and assist, Mbeumo is the standout choice. But if they need a powerful, direct attacker, Semenyo could be an alternative.













The winds of change have swept through North London once again, and this time, it’s Thomas Frank who steps into the hot seat at Tottenham Hotspur. After the bittersweet departure of Ange Postecoglou, who gave us the unforgettable Europa League triumph, Spurs now turn to the Danish tactician to restore consistency and ambition to the club.


From Denmark to the Premier League: Frank’s Journey


Born in Kolding, Denmark in 1973, Thomas Frank’s footballing journey began as a midfielder, playing for local clubs like Kolding FC and Ikast. While his playing career never reached the heights of superstardom, his deep understanding of the game led him to coaching.


Frank’s managerial career started in Denmark, where he worked with Hvidovre IF before stepping up as an assistant at Brøndby IF, one of Denmark’s biggest clubs. His tactical acumen and ability to develop young players caught the attention of Brentford, where he initially joined as an assistant before taking over as head coach in 2018.


Brentford’s Rise Under Frank


Frank’s tenure at Brentford was nothing short of remarkable. He led the club to Premier League promotion in 2021, defying expectations with a squad built on smart recruitment and tactical flexibility. His ability to maximise resources and adapt strategies made Brentford a formidable force, securing wins against top clubs like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea.


His philosophy? High-energy pressing, tactical adaptability, and a strong emphasis on team unity.


Frank once said, “Football is about relationships. If you build trust and belief, you can achieve great things.” His ability to foster cohesion within squads has been a hallmark of his success.

The High Performance Podcast

How Frank Fits Into Levy’s Vision


Daniel Levy’s managerial appointments have often been a mixed bag, but Frank’s data-driven approach and tactical flexibility align well with Tottenham’s ambitions. Unlike Postecoglou’s high-intensity attacking style, Frank is more pragmatic, adjusting his tactics based on opposition strengths and weaknesses.


One concern is his lack of European experience, but his ability to compete with top clubs despite financial constraints suggests he can thrive at Spurs. His previous work with Johan Lange, Tottenham’s technical director, could also help smooth the transition.


Reflecting on Ange Postecoglou’s Tenure


There’s no denying that Ange Postecoglou brought excitement to Spurs. His early days were promising, with attacking football that had fans dreaming of a new era. But league form and consistency became an issue, and the injury crisis raised questions—was it just bad luck, or did the intensity of training contribute?


Despite the struggles, Ange will always be remembered for delivering the Europa League trophy—our first major silverware in 17 years. For that, we’ll be forever grateful.


Hopes for the Future


As a lifelong Spurs fan, I truly hope Frank can bring stability, tactical intelligence, and a winning mentality to the club. His ability to develop young players could be crucial, and if he can balance pragmatism with attacking intent, we might finally see Spurs competing at the highest level.

Here’s to a new chapter—let’s hope it’s one filled with success.


Steve Halls is an FA qualified coach, focusing on grassroots football but also a HUGE Tottenham fan, always dreaming of glory days returning to North London.














In an exciting turn of events, Tottenham Hotspur has successfully outmaneuvered Barcelona to secure the signing of Swedish wonderkid Lucas Bergvall, marking a significant transfer coup for the North London club.


The 18-year-old midfielder, who is already making waves as a first-team regular at Djurgarden in the Swedish top-flight, was expected at Hotspur Way on his 18th birthday to finalise a medical and ink a five-year deal. While he will continue to shine for Djurgarden until the summer, Bergvall will officially join Spurs on July 1, with the agreed package valuing the transfer at approximately £8.5 million plus add-ons.


As a huge Spurs fan I am thrilled about this acquisition and see Lucas Bergvall as an incredibly exciting prospect for Tottenham's future. His emergence as one of Europe's most promising talents has not gone unnoticed, with Barcelona initially considered the front-runners for his signature.


Johan Lange, Tottenham's Technical Director, played a pivotal role in securing the deal, having tracked Bergvall's progress for months. Spurs' relentless pursuit of the young midfielder paid off when it was revealed late last night that Bergvall had chosen to join Ange Postecoglou's first-team setup at Tottenham over Barcelona.


The teenager and his family visited Spurs' training base on Monday, engaging with key figures, including Postecoglou and Chairman Daniel Levy. The subsequent pitch from Barcelona did not sway Bergvall, reinforcing his commitment to becoming a vital part of Spurs' future success.

Having made his mark in the Swedish top flight, earning his first senior cap for Sweden,


Bergvall's decision to join Tottenham speaks volumes about the club's appeal and the vision set forth by Postecoglou. His choice to consult with international teammate Dejan Kulusevski before making this significant move highlights the sense of community and camaraderie Bergvall seeks in his footballing journey.


As we eagerly await Lucas Bergvall's official arrival in July, Tottenham fans, including myself, are excited about the prospect of witnessing his talent unfold under the guidance of Postecoglou. This signing undoubtedly adds a layer of anticipation and optimism for the future of Spurs' midfield.


Best wishes,


Steve Halls

NexxtGen Football


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