Tottenham boss Thomas Frank praises Kevin Danso after his imperious performance in the 3-0 win at Everton
Tottenham Hotspur have been without captain Cristian Romero in their last three outings and have had mixed results. An adductor strain in the warm-up led to Romero being held back against Aston Villa, who beat Spurs 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Argentinean international has subsequently missed the last two games against AS Monaco and Everton, with Kevin Danso deputising in central defence.
Kevin Danso, who arrived at Tottenham initially on loan in January before making a permanent move in a £21m deal from French side RC Lens, has started the last three games. He impressed in a 3-0 win away to Everton on Sunday, rarely putting a foot wrong. While stand-in skipper Micky van de Ven hogged the limelight with a brace, his centre-back partner, Danso, was equally as robust and committed.
As the game progressed at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, the Austrian international’s dominance in the box stood out. Everton boss David Moyes threw on striker Thierno Barry to cause problems for the visitors. But, Danso and Co. were up for the challenge.
The 27-year-old dealt very well with Beto first, and later Barry, and made an eye-catching 18 clearances on the night– the joint-most in a Premier League game this season. It was the most by a Tottenham defender in a Premier League game since Jan Vertonghen made 21 against Burnley in December 2016.
Thomas Frank praises Danso for imperious display vs Everton
Danso’s performance in Tottenham’s 3-0 victory over Everton was imperious. Despite not being a regular starter, he stepped up to the challenge and delivered a faultless display. Overall, the Austrian has deputised well in Romero’s absence, something which has earned him plaudits from fans and pundits alike.
Now, Thomas Frank has also praised the centre-back. When asked in the press conference about Danso ahead of Tottenham’s Carabao Cup fourth round clash with Newcastle United, the Danish tactician was full of appreciation for the player’s professionalism and mentality.
“He deserves praise. Every coach will love him, great character and personality,” Frank said to the club media.
“He was good and calm on the ball. Some strong battles with Beto, from crosses and set pieces he had a magnet head. He did well.”
Danso has given Frank a happy headache
Danso played a crucial role in Tottenham keeping a clean sheet against Everton. The versatile defender has made sure Romero’s absence has not been felt, making the £21m that Tottenham paid to Lens for him now certainly look like a bargain.
Fortunately, Romero’s adductor injury is not serious and he is already on grass. Frank has said the Argentinean has made progress in his recovery, although there remains no timeframe. We could see our skipper back before the November international break.
As for Danso, he has done an admirable job and repaid the gaffer’s faith. The game at Everton was just his second league start of the season and he was outstanding, giving Frank a happy headache ahead of Romero’s return from injury next month. Following the ex-Southampton man’s recent displays, Frank would know he can be relied upon.