Brennan Johnson needs regular minutes at Tottenham Hotspur to maintain consistency
Tottenham forward Brennan Johnson has struggled to carry his goal-scoring form from last season into the current campaign. The Welshman has slipped down the pecking order under Thomas Frank, making it difficult for him to consistently find the net. The 24-year-old has also been deployed on the left flank on several occasions this season, a role that does not suit his natural game.
Johnson was given a start against Manchester United in the recent 2-2 draw. To his relief, he was finally used in his preferred position on the right wing, with Mohammed Kudus missing out due to a training knock. However, Johnson was unable to influence the game and found it hard to get into dangerous areas in the final third.
He did put the ball in the net once, only for the goal to be ruled out as he was clearly offside with the United defenders stepping up. Despite his struggles this season, Johnson remains a threat because of his finishing ability. He demonstrated that last year when he scored 18 goals across all competitions. Now, he must show that quality again under Thomas Frank.
Brennan Johnson needs to step up for Tottenham this season
Johnson made a bright start under Frank this season, scoring twice in the opening two Premier League matches. Since then, he has found the net only twice in the next 14 games. His most recent goal contribution came in the Champions League against FC Copenhagen, which earned him a place in the lineup against Manchester United.
Yet once again, he was unable to have a meaningful impact. However, Wales manager Craig Bellamy believes Johnson has the talent to succeed under Frank and become a regular starter for Tottenham. Speaking at a press-conference after announcing the Wales squad for the international break, Bellamy said (via BBC),
“Brennan just has to be him and the best version of him. That’s a player with real high intensity, real penetration and goals. It’s been a change for him with a new manager coming in. Last season wasn’t a great season for Spurs, but he excelled in certain parts and his numbers and goals were exceptional.”
The Wales boss added,
“I’ve been there myself and it’s difficult when someone new comes in and you see one or two other players come in. So I feel he’s adjusting to that and the new manager is adjusting to him as well. I always believe quality will shine through and for Brennan I’m sure that will be the case.”
Bellamy has encouraged Brennan Johnson to return to the fundamentals of his game and rely on his instincts in front of goal. He pointed out that the 24-year-old delivered in a struggling Tottenham side last season and believes he will eventually find his form again under Thomas Frank. The Wales manager also noted that Johnson is still adjusting to a different role, but has the attributes to thrive at N17.
The responsibility now lies with Johnson to make the most of his opportunities and prove he deserves a regular place in the starting line-up. With Mohammed Kudus currently unavailable, Johnson has a chance to make a real statement. If he can rediscover the finishing touch he showed last season, he will put himself in a strong position to secure his place under Thomas Frank moving forward.
