Thomas Frank gives verdict on Wilson Odobert’s performance for Tottenham vs. Slavia Praha in the Champions League.
Tottenham Hotspur made it back-to-back wins as they beat Slavia Prague 3-0 at home on Tuesday evening in the Champions League.
Spurs took the lead in the 26th minute when David Zima headed the ball into his own net from a corner kick. Mohammed Kudus doubled the hosts’ lead four minutes after the break when he converted a penalty. Xavi Simons put the game to bed by scoring from the spot in the 79th minute, after he was hacked in the box by a Slavia Praha defender.
It was a solid performance overall and helped build upon their 2-0 Premier League win over Brentford on the weekend. The win moved Thomas Frank and Co. to ninth in the Champions League’s league phase table after six rounds. However, one player who failed to grab the opportunity with both hands was Wilson Odobert.
Thomas Frank wants Wilson Odobert to get better in some facets of his game
With Brennan Johnson not involved, Thomas Frank decided to go with Wilson Odobert on the left flank ahead of Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel. And the Frenchman almost vindicated the gaffer’s choice inside the opening minute, twisting and turning the Slavia Praha right-back before putting in a left-footed low cross on an absolute platter for Richarlison, whose point-blank shot was superbly denied by goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek.
Odobert could have grabbed his own goal at the start of the second half, but it was kept out by the Slavia goalkeeper. The young winger faded after some bright moments post interval and almost worryingly gave away a poor ball when passing in the first half, which nearly led to a quick counter attack. He was subbed off in the 77th minute for Lucas Bergvall in a bid to add some legs and muscle in the Lilywhites’ midfield.
After the game, Thomas Frank was asked to sum up Odobert’s performance which started brightly but faded as the game went on. The Tottenham boss said (h/t Football London):
“Yeah I think for Wilson he’s a young player. He no doubt learned a lot from this game today. I agree, I think it was a great action after one minute or 30 seconds where he got the better of his opponent.
“And then I think second half also got into a very good chance, good finish, great save from their keeper. And then there was definitely a situation, as you said, where he needed to protect the ball better and handle the aggressive pressure.”
Odobert has to bring consistency to his game
The biggest problem in Odobert’s game has been the lack of consistency. Although he is just 21, raw and learning his trade, the versatile attacker must learn to grab opportunities with both hands if he’s to cement his spot in Frank’s starting XI. Due to his inconsistency, he has been in and out of the side when the left-wing spot is there for the taking.
The France Under-21 international also has to improve his decision-making in the final third, not only in possession but in terms of movement off the ball. Frank and his coaching staff have to work with Odobert to help him improve his all-round game.