Thomas Frank praised Mohammed Kudus’s ‘top class’ performance after Tottenham’s 1-0 victory against Arsenal in a pre-season derby. Kudus’s hold-up play, dribbling, and defensive work rate impressed the manager, who also highlighted the team’s improved defensive structure as a key to their success.
Thomas Frank has showered praise on Mohammed Kudus, Tottenham's recent acquisition, following his impressive performance in their pre-season victory against Arsenal. The north London derby saw Spurs secure a 1-0 win, with Kudus playing a significant role in the team's dynamics.
Kudus, who made the switch from West Ham United for a reported £55 million, showcased his skills during his 63 minutes on the pitch at Kai Tak Sports Park. While Pape Sarr's remarkable long-range goal secured the win, Kudus's overall contribution caught the eye of manager Thomas Frank.
Despite Arsenal dominating possession and registering 16 attempts on goal with an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.03 compared to Tottenham's 0.34 from six shots, Spurs remained composed and largely untroubled. Kudus stood out with his ability to win possession (eight times) and draw fouls (three), both team-highs.
He also matched Pedro Porro with two successful dribbles, underlining his attacking threat. Kudus engaged in 13 duels, equaling Djed Spence for the most in the Spurs squad. Frank lauded Kudus for his skill and work rate, emphasizing his importance to the team.
"Kudus was really good today. His hold-up play, his ability to retain possession in challenging situations, and his one-on-one skills were all top class," Frank noted. "He also demonstrated a strong work ethic, evident in his recovery run during a set-piece situation where he regained possession. He will excite the fans with his offensive contributions while also aiding the team defensively."
Frank further acknowledged his team's defensive efforts, highlighting the clean sheet against Arsenal as their third in four pre-season games. This is notable considering Spurs conceded 65 Premier League goals last season under Ange Postecoglou, keeping only six clean sheets. Frank views the victory against Arsenal as a foundation to improve upon.
"A 1-0 victory against Arsenal is a great result," Frank said. "Although it's a pre-season match, it was highly competitive. Games against Arsenal are never friendly. It means a lot to win. I commend both teams for their competitiveness. I was particularly pleased with our first-half performance and the overall defensive structure throughout the match. In the second half, we defended slightly too deep, but that was understandable given the tired legs and the fact we were leading 1-0."
Frank underscored the importance of a "clean sheet mentality" as a key element for the team's success moving forward. "We aim to play forward with bravery and aggression, but we also need defensive solidity to win consistently."