Thomas Frank to rely on scarcely-seen Tottenham gem after Cristian Romero incident vs Man United
Thomas Frank is truly down to the bare bones defensively after Cristian Romero’s sending off put Tottenham at a major disadvantage against Manchester United on Saturday.
The Lilywhites travelled to Old Trafford in an important Premier League clash for Frank‘s future, but his centre-back let him down just 29 minutes into the game.
Romero was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Casemiro in the first half, and will now miss the next three games as a result.
Spurs are already without Kevin Danso due to injury, and Frank’s preference to opt for a five-at-the-back formation at times is now throwing up serious problems due to a lack of options.
But every cloud has a silver lining, and that could be the emergence of Junai Byfield.
Thomas Frank simply has to use Junai Byfield
Romero has been causing issues internally at Tottenham, and his latest antics may have only added fuel to the fire.
Although Radu Dragusin came on after the Argentine’s dismissal against Man United, Byfield was on Frank’s bench. The 17-year-old has been impressing at Hotspur Way and is Frank’s only other available centre-half option after Micky van de Ven and Dragusin.
Byfield signed a professional contract with Spurs in December, but hasn’t really been given a chance at senior level yet.
| Game | Minutes |
| Tottenham vs Manchester City | 1′ |
| Frankfurt vs Tottenham | 1′ |
| Tottenham vs Borussia Dortmund | 28′ |
The Englishman has made three professional appearances for Spurs in total, and they have all come this season.
Now, the time is right for Byfield to be given an opportunity, especially considering Dragusin may be leaving the club in the summer.
What has Byfield done for Tottenham’s U21s this season?
Byfield has been in N17 since he was eight years old, and has risen through the ranks over time. He now plays a central role to Tottenham‘s U21s side, and has forced his way onto Frank’s benches through standout display’s.
Yes, Spurs need to fill out their bench with injuries mounting, but Byfield has earned his spot.
The teenager has played eight times in the Premier League 2 this campaign, with the Lilywhites currently sitting ninth in the division.
Performances at Hotspur Way have even helped Byfield make his way into England’s U18s side, where he’s played five times and even scored for his country.
The signs are there, and Tottenham could have a future star ready to be unleashed.