How Thomas Frank will use Eberechi Eze: one Tottenham star to suffer after major transfer news
Eberechi Eze is closing in on a move to Tottenham amid a pivotal update as Thomas Frank prepares for how to integrate the Crystal Palace talisman into his side.
Football Insider exclusively revealed that Spurs are closing in on a deal for Eze as they look to find a replacement for the injured James Maddison.
Eze appeared to wave goodbye to Palace fans after their stalemate 0-0 draw with Chelsea in their first Premier League match of the season.
The Englishman had netted a smashing free-kick, but it was ruled out after Marc Guehi had encroached on the wall by being within one metre.
A pivotal update from Tottenham reporter Paul O’Keefe will now have Spurs fans excited as they edge ever closer to securing their man.
Eberechi Eze arrival could spell bad news for Brennan Johnson
According to Spurs journalist Paul O’Keefe (18 August), the Lilywhites have reached a “verbal agreement” with the Eagles for the 27-year-old.
This is news that will delight both Frank and Tottenham fans, although they should be wary that the deal is by no means done yet.
For many experts and analysts, the arrival of the Englishman will likely fill the creative void in the number 10 position due to both midfield magicians Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski being out injured.
Yet, the 3-0 victory over newly promoted Burnley in the Premier League opener showed how the Dane coped in the absence of an attacking-midfielder.
The former Brentford boss employed a solid three-man midfield composed of Pape Sarr, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall who had legs to protect the backline and advance forward.
This indicates that Frank could actually incorporate Eze in a different position altogether: down the left-hand side.
The ex-QPR maestro has featured on the left in an attacking-midfield role under Oliver Glasner, yet, spells for England have seen the 27-year-old operate on the left flank.
This spells bad news for Brennan Johnson who has been pushed out of his familiar right-hand side by the brilliance of Mohammed Kudus, playing on an unusual opposite flank.
The Welshman has done a decent job already this season on that side, but don’t be surprised if Eze steals his spot in certain matches if the Spurs manager wants to utilise the tightly-controlled dribbling of the England international.
| Eberechi Eze v Chelsea (17 August) | |
| Minutes played | 84 |
| Shots (on target) | 6 (2) |
| Expected goals (xG) | 0.24 |
| Dribble attempts (successful) | 3 (2) |
Thomas Frank a master of tactical reshuffles and reorganisation
One of the main characteristics that sets the Dane apart from his predecessor Ange Postecoglou is his ability to drastically alter his tactics and formations.
Jamie Carragher analysed how the ex-Bees boss altered his formation and game style on Sky Sports Monday Night Football (18 August), comparing both the PSG match and the Burnley victory.
Alterations to how long Guglielmo Vicario played his passes was noted as well as the emphasis on set-pieces against the French champions.
Still, from game-to-game, Frank will change his approach depending on the calibre of opponent which could see Eze be deployed in a variety of roles upon his arrival.
For instance, against Man City next weekend, I’m fully expecting my team to drop into the 5-3-2 compact structure we saw in the UEFA Super Cup final to stifle the City attack.
In this system, onus is on the midfield three to win the ball back and send both Richarlison and Kudus through on goal against Pep Guardiola’s backline.
This suggests that the Palace talisman would be unlikely to play in these types of matches, yet against lower opposition, the Englishman would almost certainly be placed just behind the striker or off the left-hand side.
In my opinion, whilst there is an obvious position to be filled in the Tottenham team right now, the Danish manager may actually utilise his potential new signing in a variety of roles depending on the level and style of their opponents.