Are Spurs Wasting Brennan Johnson's Biggest Talent?

Tottenham Hotspur is off to a solid start to the 25/26 season, with Thomas Frank's early tenure at the club largely considered positive so far. Spurs have suffered just one defeat in all competitions since the beginning of the season, amassing five wins and one draw. It's a beginning that has many fans hopeful for the future under Frank, especially considering the long-awaited European silverware delivered by Ange Postecoglou last season.

While Spurs fans might have a lot to feel good about, there are still many divisive factors among them. One of the most considerable is Brennan Johnson: the club's top scorer last season, who was also responsible for scoring the winning goal in the Europa League final, is often the subject of major debate among Spurs supporters. It's a curious divide, as Johnson is a young talent who has continuously provided for Spurs at crucial moments, and yet he continues to receive undue criticism.

Johnson joined Tottenham ahead of the 2023/24 season and has been a consistent attacking threat for the side ever since. Earning a place in the starting line-up under Postecoglou, Johnson was Spurs' top scorer in the 2024/25 season, netting 18 goals in 51 appearances, as well as registering 7 assists in all competitions. In his time at the club, Johnson has developed a reputation as one of Spurs' most clinical finishers.

Brennan Johnson's Attacking Woes Could Be Solved With A Simple Shift

In terms of style, Brennan Johnson is exactly what fans expect to see in a modern winger. His pace and footwork make him look most at home on the wing, and he is capable of playing excellent crosses into the box. With the signing of Mohammed Kudus, Johnson's preferred position on the right has come under question, as Kudus' remarkable start to life at Spurs has seen him usurp Johnson in the starting line-up.

However, Johnson's ability to score goals has made him one of Spurs' best assets since joining the club. He is clearly capable of being a lethal finisher, as evidenced on numerous occasions already. And, as Kudus has already proven to be practically unplayable on the right, it could be time for Johnson to be given an opportunity on the left.

Consider the alternatives Spurs have on offer for the left: Wilson Odobert has been good, but has not enjoyed the same success as Johnson, Mathys Tel is lacking in confidence, and perhaps Spurs' most promising young left winger, Mikey Moore, is on loan at Rangers. This leaves Johnson as the perfect choice to start on the left, with the specific aim of scoring goals, especially with Kudus operating such an effective attacking threat on the other side.

With Spurs playing Champions League football as well as domestic competitions, the fixtures will come thick and fast. Employing Johnson as a left winger would enable him to continue to build on his already solid goal tally at Spurs, while also making use of the talents elsewhere in the squad, such as Kudus and Xavi Simons, both of whom could provide excellent service for the Welsh international. However, there's also one extra consideration that makes switching Johnson a possibility with potential.

Since joining Spurs, Johnson has been subjected to harsh and incredibly unfair criticism, largely from the club's own fans. Despite his consistent efforts for the club in the wake of that criticism, Johnson's confidence will likely have been shaken to some degree. Shifting him to the left wing would not only offer Johnson further opportunities for game time but would also allow him to endear himself to those fans who have unreasonably judged him, especially as it would almost certainly lead to an increased goal output. As a young talent, it's only right that Johnson's detractors among Spurs fans give him more of an opportunity, and the simplest way to facilitate that would be to allow him more chances to play on the left.