Four things we have learned about Tottenham so far this season including a £30m concern - Opinion

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Tottenham Hotspur have shown plenty of promise under Thomas Frank, and we have already seen a glimpse of what life will be like under the Dane.

Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a solid start to life under new boss Thomas Frank, who replaced Europa League winner Ange Postecoglou following his sacking.

While his start as Tottenham manager has not been flawless, supporters will feel encouraged, as Frank has collected six points from a possible nine in the Premier League so far.

The Dane has Spurs sitting in fourth place, and he has impressed in stern tests against both Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, showing his side is capable of competing with the very best.

A victory over the Citizens and a draw against the Champions League winners in ninety minutes in the Super Cup final highlights a Tottenham team that is progressing, but with clear areas to improve on.

So what exactly have we learned from Tottenham in the opening weeks of the season? Here are four things that stand out so far.

Mathys Tel must take his chance to impress at Tottenham

If there is one thing certain about this Tottenham side, it is the competition for places in attack, with Frank having a variety of options and profiles to rotate across the front line.

Brennan Johnson can comfortably play on either wing, as can Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert and Mohammed Kudus, while Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani offer flexibility through the middle as well as on the flanks.

Yet, when Frank submitted his UEFA Champions League squad for the league phase, Tel found himself down the pecking order, which is a concern considering Tottenham only just made his move permanent this summer with a £30m outlay.

At 20 years old, he has time to change his fortunes, but he must take every opportunity presented to him if he is to fight his way back into the squad. Djed Spence is a clear example of how to battle back into a manager’s plans.

There is no way back for Yves Bissouma

While there is still hope for Tel to climb back into contention, Yves Bissouma’s situation feels very different, as the Mali international now looks destined to leave.

His omission from both the Super Cup and Champions League squads speaks volumes, and with Joao Palhinha brought in on loan, Frank appears to have already made up his mind about the 28-year-old midfielder.

With reports of interest from Fenerbahce and the transfer window still open elsewhere, Bissouma could well depart in the coming weeks, and at this stage, it is hard to see any way back into the Tottenham fold.

Pedro Porro needs to improve defensively

Defensively, Tottenham under Frank have looked relatively strong, with two clean sheets in their opening three league matches, a foundation the manager will want to build on.

However, there remains a weakness on the right side, as Pedro Porro has already been dribbled past six times this season, more than any other defender in the league.

It is a worrying trend that underlines the Spaniard’s defensive vulnerability, and one that Frank will need to address quickly if Tottenham are to continue looking solid at the back.

Savinho signing would have transformed Tottenham’s transfer window

Tottenham’s summer business was largely positive, with six arrivals addressing key positions, yet the absence of one signing still lingers in the minds of supporters.

The biggest disappointment is undoubtedly missing out on Savinho, who was keen on a move to Tottenham, but Manchester City refused to entertain offers for the Brazilian winger.

His addition would have elevated Tottenham’s attacking threat further, adding another one-versus-one outlet and a touch of unpredictability on the flank alongside Kudus.

While Spurs fans will wonder what might have been, there is still much to be excited about with the attacking flair of Kolo Muani, Xavi Simons and Kudus already within the squad.