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Thomas Frank has hinted at a new leadership role for Tottenham veteran Ben Davies this season, following the departure of club captain Heung-min Son.
Heung-min Son is set to depart Tottenham this summer following his announcement in South Korea during Spurs’ pre-season tour.
Son’s impending exit will make Ben Davies the oldest player in the Tottenham squad, significantly reducing the level of experience available for the younger players to learn from on and off the pitch.
The Welshman may now be called upon to provide a stronger voice in the dressing room, especially with the club also losing their captain of the last two seasons.
Thomas Frank backs Ben Davies for leadership role at Tottenham
Thomas Frank appears to have his eyes on Ben Davies to take up a bigger responsibility in the upcoming campaign, especially as Tottenham transitions into a new era without Heung-min Son.
Speaking to football.london, Frank praised the 32-year-old for his temperament, his presence around the squad and the way he carries himself as a senior player.
“I think his leadership qualities, his character and the way he understands the bigger picture. Everyone has got an ego, but his ego is not too big and that is good. So you understand how much you need to help the team and the younger players.
“He understands when it is for the better for the club, you know, all the actions. So, as a player that can speak up and push a bit inside [the team] and they like him, he is a good guy. It makes sense what he says, and he does it in a good way. That is just respect, respect, respect for all players.
“Some win respect by being the top player and Ben is still, by the way, a very good player. So when you do the other things [as well], if you think you win more respect.”
Although Davies has never formally been part of Tottenham’s leadership group across his 11 years at the club, Frank admitted, “It is definitely something I am thinking about, yeah, I will say it that way.”
Rodrigo Bentancur to stay as Tottenham’s captain decision looms
Beyond Ben Davies’ evolving role, Thomas Frank also confirmed that Rodrigo Bentancur is expected to remain at the club this season, despite entering the final year of his current deal.
Tottenham have since been looking to extend Bentancur’s contract, with preliminary talks said to have begun, but reports on that front have since gone cold.
“I was pretty sure he would be a key player [before I started working with him], so that has not been a surprise. That is a player, of course I think is important for the future,” he said.
While a new club captain is yet to be officially confirmed following Son’s exit, Frank hinted that the decision would be made before the club’s first competitive fixture of the 2025/26 campaign.
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