Brennan Johnson has not yet managed to become a consistent starter at Tottenham under Thomas Frank
Prolific forward Brennan Johnson played a major role in helping Tottenham end their long-standing trophy drought last season. The Welshman finished as the club’s top scorer in all competitions with 18 goals in what proved to be a historic campaign for the Lilywhites. Tottenham went on to win the Europa League against all odds, with Johnson, fittingly, scoring the winning goal in the final in Bilbao.
Many expected the 24-year-old to carry that same form into the new campaign under Thomas Frank. And in the opening matches, Johnson did give fans something to get excited about as he scored two goals in two consecutive games for the Lilywhites. But since then, the winger has struggled to maintain his place in the starting eleven under Frank at N17.
Johnson’s dip in form may be partly due to Frank’s insistence on playing him in an unfamiliar role this season. For much of the campaign, the Welshman has been deployed on the left flank, a position in which he has failed to make a significant impact. He eventually lost his spot to Wilson Odobert, and the lack of regular minutes has affected his confidence, leaving the 24-year-old struggling to rediscover his sharpness in front of goal.
Tottenham may look to offload Brennan Johnson next summer
You never quite know what to expect from Brennan Johnson when he puts on a Tottenham shirt. On his day, he is one of the most dangerous forwards in the Premier League. But for much of the season, the 24-year-old has struggled with consistency and has been unable to make a regular impact in the final third. He has also endured a ‘stop-start campaign’ for the Lilywhites, failing to secure a consistent place in the starting lineup under Thomas Frank.
Dean Jones has now provided clarity on Johnson’s situation at Spurs as the Welshman looks to reclaim his place under Frank. Speaking on the Ranks FC podcast, Jones said:
“I think there’s serious doubt growing around Brennan Johnson beyond this season. I don’t think he’ll go in January, but I would be surprised if he managed to remain in the picture beyond this year. I wondered if Frank could get something out of him. But so far, no.”
Jones believes that Johnson’s future at Tottenham is uncertain. He claims the Lilywhites are likely to keep him in January, but a summer departure from N17 appears increasingly likely. Frank has struggled to get the best out of him this season, and for that reason, Spurs may look to sanction a sale next summer and cut their losses.
A wise move by Tottenham?
Despite his heroics last season, it is fair to say that Brennan Johnson may not have what it takes to become a long-term starter at Tottenham. The Wales international lacks the attributes to develop into a prolific winger at N17 and does not possess the qualities needed to become an out-and-out striker. His tendency to lose possession in wide areas, combined with his habit of fading out of games, makes him unreliable.
That said, it is important to remember that Johnson is still only 24. He still has his best years ahead of him and could grow into a valuable rotational option in the future. Spurs need players of his calibre if they hope to close the gap on their rivals. His efficiency in front of goal is often overlooked as well. The Lilywhites should reconsider their stance and monitor his progress under Thomas Frank as the campaign continues.
