Randal Kolo Muani is primed to become ‘essential’ Tottenham player despite ‘probing questions’
Tottenham’s acquisition of Randal Kolo Muani on deadline day could turn out be an excellent signing despite questions being raised over the forward.
Muani joined Spurs on loan from PSG with no option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
The Frenchman became the eighth and final signing of the transfer window for Thomas Frank, which included three other attacking additions.
The 26-year-old will compete with Richarlison and Dominic Solanke for a place up-front, whilst Muani can also play on the left flank.
Randal Kolo Muani can ‘bring something new’ to Spurs
The Athletic‘s Elias Burke, [12 September], thinks there are “probing questions” about where Muani will fit into the Spurs side despite his versatility.
Burke states Muani’s natural position is in the centre forward role and that “he has barely featured” on the left flank during his career.
In a bid therefore to become Spurs’ starting striker, Muani has the edge in one area over Richarlison and Solanke.
“While Solanke and Richarlison have elite qualities, neither is at their best dribbling at opposition players and creating for others — and it is in this area where Kolo Muani appears to bring something new to Tottenham’s forward line,” Burke claimed.
“Whether that is playing as a lone striker in Frank’s favoured 4-2-3-1, as part of a duo in the 3-5-2 system implemented in the European Super Cup against his parent club, or as a wide player, Kolo Muani brings a wide range of skills to the Spurs attack.
“Kolo Muani’s wide range of qualities could become essential to Frank’s team.”
At 6ft 1, Muani is also strong aerially and could provide a threat from set-pieces for Spurs, an avenue Frank was strong on at Brentford.
Muani could make Spurs debut vs West Ham
Frank could have a first look at Muani in action against West Ham, with Xavi Simons also potentially making his debut for the club.
The left flank was a position Frank looked to strengthen in the summer with Spurs failing to sign Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Man City‘s Savinho.
| Randal Kolo Muani | Stats |
| Appearances | 36 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 4 |
Brennan Johnson has started all three of Spurs’ Premier League games down the left wing so far this season, contributing two goals.
Richarlison has two goals and an assist up-front, so Frank would be axing an in-form player to be able to play Muani in his current system.
A change to playing two strikers may therefore be on the cards, if Frank sees Muani as a player that must start for his side.
The tactical flexibility it awards Frank is a bonus, and Simons’ arrival into the team should add greater creativity to the forward line.