Tottenham Hotspur ushered in a new era under head coach Thomas Frank with a confident and commanding 2-0 victory over Reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Goals from young striker Will Lankshear and new signing Luka Vuskovic gave Spurs fans plenty of reasons to be optimistic as preseason preparations gather momentum. Although it was only a friendly, the win showcased tactical promise, individual brilliance, and the blend of youth and experience that Frank seems intent on nurturing.
This match marked the official beginning of Thomas Frank’s tenure as Spurs boss after his much-discussed move from Brentford earlier in the summer. Known for his tactical intelligence, ability to work with limited resources, and development of young talent, Frank was brought in to stabilize and elevate Tottenham following a turbulent 2024/25 season that saw managerial instability and underwhelming performances.
A New Look Tottenham Takes Shape
From the first whistle, it was evident that this was not the same Tottenham Hotspur side that ended last season. Frank, a known advocate of structured pressing, high-tempo transitions, and positional discipline, deployed his side in a flexible 4-3-3 system that emphasized verticality and fluidity between the lines.
Fraser Forster started in goal behind a back four that included Pedro Porro, Micky van de Ven, Luka Vuskovic, and Destiny Udogie. The midfield trio of Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Pape Matar Sarr controlled the tempo, while the front three featured Richarlison flanked by Will Lankshear and Bryan Gil.
The combination of youth and experience seemed deliberate. Lankshear, who has been making waves in the academy and in Premier League 2, was given a rare start – and he seized the opportunity with both hands.
Will Lankshear Shines Bright
It took just 17 minutes for Lankshear to make his mark. After some neat interplay down the right involving Porro and Gil, the ball was whipped into the box. Lankshear anticipated the delivery perfectly, rising above the Reading defenders to head home into the top corner.
The goal was not just a product of good positioning—it was a statement of intent. Lankshear’s energy, movement off the ball, and understanding of space was something Spurs have missed in recent years since the departure of Harry Kane. While it’s far too early to draw comparisons, his performance will no doubt excite both fans and coaching staff.
Frank was seen applauding enthusiastically on the sidelines, and it was clear he had given the youngster license to roam and express himself.
Luka Vuskovic Impresses on Debut
Tottenham’s second goal came just before halftime and it was another moment to excite the North London faithful. Luka Vuskovic, the 18-year-old Croatian centre-back who joined from Hajduk Split, marked his unofficial debut with a goal that oozed confidence.
In the 42nd minute, Spurs earned a corner after Gil’s deflected shot was parried away. Bentancur delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. Vuskovic, timing his leap to perfection, powered a header past Reading’s goalkeeper.
The goal capped off a rock-solid performance from the teenager, who looked composed on the ball, quick in recovery, and vocal in organizing the back line. His partnership with Van de Ven showed early signs of chemistry, and Spurs fans may have just witnessed the formation of a future first-choice defensive pairing.
Tactical Flexibility and Early Signs of Identity
Perhaps the most encouraging takeaway from the match was the tactical discipline and flexibility shown by the team. Under Frank, Tottenham’s pressing was more coordinated. They transitioned quickly from defense to attack and were structured when out of possession. While it’s early days, the signs of an identity being instilled were visible.
Tottenham’s midfield trio offered a perfect balance of flair, aggression, and control. Bentancur operated in a more advanced role, constantly looking to thread passes in behind Reading’s defense. Sarr provided box-to-box energy, while Bissouma anchored the midfield, shielding the defense and breaking up play.
Thomas Frank’s Brentford sides were known for their balance and compactness. If this match is any indication, he’s looking to bring those same principles to Tottenham, albeit with a higher technical ceiling.
Reading Offer Little Threat
To Reading’s credit, they tried to make a contest out of the fixture. Managed by Ruben Selles, the Royals deployed a cautious 4-2-3-1 system. However, they struggled to impose themselves on the game, and their limited spells of possession rarely troubled the Spurs defense.
Tottenham’s backline was rarely tested, and when Reading did manage to create half-chances, Vuskovic and Van de Ven were on hand to sweep up with authority. Forster, in goal, had little to do beyond routine collections from long balls and set pieces.
Reading’s best chance came in the 67th minute when Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan found space just outside the box and fired a low drive that fizzed narrowly wide. Other than that, the home side found it difficult to penetrate the disciplined Spurs block.
Debuts Cameos and Squad Depth
Frank used the match to assess several fringe players and give debuts to some promising academy products. In the second half, Jamie Donley, Alfie Devine, and Nile John all got minutes, while Japhet Tanganga and Sergio Reguilón featured in defense.
Giovani Lo Celso, who returned from a loan stint in Spain, was introduced late in the second half and played with a point to prove. His ball progression and creativity stood out, hinting that he could yet play a role under Frank if he remains at the club.
Ivan Perišić and Oliver Skipp also made short cameos, while 16-year-old sensation Mikey Moore was an unused substitute but warmed up throughout the second half.
With several first-team regulars still recovering from international duty or minor injuries—such as Son Heung-min, James Maddison, and Cristian Romero—Frank will have even more options as the preseason unfolds.
Fan Reaction and Atmosphere
Spurs fans traveled in impressive numbers to Reading and were vocal throughout, cheering every pass, pressing movement, and goal with enthusiasm. The Thomas Frank chants began in earnest after the second goal, with many already warming to the Dane’s animated touchline presence and no-nonsense attitude.
The Reading fans, too, were in good spirits, appreciating the occasion and the opportunity to test themselves against Premier League opposition. The result may not have gone their way, but there was little shame in losing to a side brimming with top-tier quality and renewed focus.
What This Means Going Forward
Preseason results should never be overanalyzed—but they can offer clues, and this performance was full of promise. Thomas Frank’s era at Spurs has begun with structure, youth involvement, and tactical maturity. The fact that two of the youngest players on the pitch—Lankshear and Vuskovic—scored the goals adds an emotional resonance to the win.
With more challenging fixtures to come, including matches against top European opposition, Frank will continue to refine his squad and finalize his tactics ahead of the Premier League kickoff in August.
Crucially, this performance has set a tone: under Thomas Frank, Tottenham Hotspur will be competitive, organized, and forward-thinking.
Also Read:
- SBOTOP Celtic Complete Signing of Shin Yamada from Kawasaki Frontale on Four-Year Deal: Japanese Striker Joins Parkhead Revolution
- SBOTOP: Flamengo U20 Humble Ten Hag’s Leverkusen 5-1 in Debut Match for Former Man Utd Boss
- SBOTOP Manchester City Make Move to Re-Sign James Trafford: Talks Open with Burnley Over Goalkeeper’s Return
