Following a comfortable two-nil victory over Reading, Thomas Frank was able to make his first assessment of his Tottenham Hotspur squad in action before big decisions must be made on those who stay or go.
#1: Luka Vušković
The most obvious of the risers with a goal and assist, 18-year-old Vušković made no mistake in living up to the reputation of a defender with an eye for goal.
At 6 foot 3 inches, Vušković makes his presence felt in both boxes, winning a towering header to set up Will Lankshear's opener before placing a delicate finish from distance to make it two-nil.
Goal - VUSKOVIC
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 19, 2025
Assist - KUDUS
👀 pic.twitter.com/z313EGHh9B
Vušković was touted as one of Europe's top talents when Tottenham completed the £12 million deal back in 2023, and now arriving at the club for the first time two years later the Croatian has made an early impression on new manager Thomas Frank.
Whilst Tottenham have significant depth at Centre-Back, including new arrival Koto Takai, Vušković has shown intent on claiming a spot in the senior squad for the upcoming season.
#2 Mohammed Kudus
The Ghanian didn't hang around to make an impression on his first outing in a Tottenham shirt.
Whilst League One outfit Reading won't be the toughest test Kudus will face at his new club, supporters will have been put on high-alert with the bag of tricks the new winger possesses.
Thomas Frank labelled his newest recruit "exciting to watch" following a stellar second half, where Kudus showed attacking intent and forward-thinking play, alongside delivering the corner that produced Spurs' first goal.
As far as first appearances go, Kudus delivered exactly what was hoped of him when Tottenham splashed out £55 million, providing defensive headaches and unpredictability that was much needed and missing amongst the existing crop of attacking talent.
#3 Destiny Udogie
No doubt Udogie already gets a lot of the praise he deserves for the 22-year-old's performances since joining the club in 2023.
However, following the quadricep surgery towards the end of the 2023/24 season, Udogie struggled to recapture the impressive form we saw in his first campaign at the club, as well as a hamstring injury in amongst the plague that struck down a large portion of the Tottenham squad in the winter months of the 2024/25 season.
The italian left-back did show exactly what he's made of when it counted last season, putting in stand-out performances in the Europa League knockout games to keep high-flying Djed Spence out the side.
Whilst talk of Manchester City transfer interest has dwindled, it was crucial for Thomas Frank to see the best of his full-back, and despite a lacklustre first half performance by the side, Udogie impressed and crucially seems to be on the right track after a turbulent campaign.
#4 Son Heung-Min
Unfortunately the skipper has to be the first name mentioned when it comes to stocks falling.
Whilst the South Korean is rightfully established in Tottenham history books, his performances on the pitch struggle to warrant a key role in the new Frank era.
It's clear his influence is strong off the pitch, with not only his world-class performances but infectious personality and new-found leadership role, but it feels an appropriate time to make the tough decision of Son moving on following a truly underwhelming 45 minutes against Reading.
Following his remarkable achievement of winning the Premier League golden boot in the 2021/22 season, there's been a noticeable regression in Son's game, with his deadly finishing not hitting the target quite so much and that blistering pace has seemingly vanished.
At 33 years old, Son can still offer plenty to a youthful group that would value his experience, but following the glory of the Europa League campaign it would feel a fairy-tale ending for both parties as Tottenham bed in a new era of talent.
Son Heung-min lifts the Europa League trophy 🏆 pic.twitter.com/vhqqpPvHjZ
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 21, 2025
#5 Ben Davies
Another loyal servant of the club for 11 years, Davies has been Mr Reliable for Tottenham on so many occasions, however now may be best for the chapter to close.
Spurs triggered a one-year extension in Davies contract that runs until 2026, however if an opportunity came to bring in a fee for the Welshman it would make sense for all involved at 32-years-old.
After providing cover as a centre back under Ange Postecoglou, the previously mentioned depth in that position would suggest Davies switching back to Left-Back.
However, age catches up with everyone, and in contrast to the energetic Udogie, Spence and Porro, Davies seemed to look a yard of pace behind the game and as Thomas Frank looks to set up his system it may be the case Davies just doesn't fit the quota.
A new Left Back to compete with Udogie should be high up on the Tottenham shopping list, and for Davies there would no doubt be numerous clubs in the Premier League or Championship that would value his experience and know-how.
#6 Richarlison
May be harsh to include a player who wasn't involved in this list, however Richarlison's absence does not bode well for his first impressions on the new manager.
Thomas Frank stated Richarlison has "trained well" and should be included for the upcoming friendly with Luton Town, however for a player so injury-riddled since moving to Tottenham in 2022 it will be disappointing for both the player and manager that there is still a need to manage his minutes.
🎙️| Thomas Frank on Richarlison’s absence from the squad today:
— The Spurs Express (@TheSpursExpress) July 19, 2025
“Richy has trained well, we’re just building him, that’s the big thing, He trained earlier today, and we expect a full training week next week and, right now, we expect him to play next week.” pic.twitter.com/cjmsv29mGr
Considering Lucas Bergvall managed to be involved following ankle surgery in May, Richarlison being unable to shift the injury bug brings up the question over whether he is worthwhile keeping in the squad.
There's no doubt the Brazilian can impact things when he plays, with the energy and enthusiasm never lacking, but with just 504 Premier League minutes managed last campaign, Frank must be wondering if its time for the 28-year-olds stint in North London to come to an end in favour of more reliable players.
