DOMINIC SOLANKE will feel ace after hearing the comments of his new boss Thomas Frank.
Frank, snapped playing table-tennis at Tottenham’s training ground yesterday, spoke glowingly of the striker during his first interview.
He served up compliments to other players too — though keen-eared fans also noted thosethe Dane did NOT mention.
Frank, 51, is only just through the door and will take time assessing his current squad with 2½ weeks until players return for .
But then he must decide who is in and who is out as he bids to turn Spurs into a smash hit for the new Premier League campaign . . .
GOALKEEPER
FRANK is unlikely to bring in or ship out any of his main stoppers.
There was some talk of being interested in should leave, but Spurs sources dismissed the prospect of selling the Italian, 28.
The biggest question mark will be whether he sticks with Vicario as his first choice or if Antonin Kinsky, 22, signed from Slavia Prague for £12.5million in January, can convince him a swap is needed.
Long-serving back-up Brandon Austin remains third choice while Alfie Whiteman leaves this month and highly-rated Josh Keeley could go out on loan again afterspending last season at .
DEFENCE
QUESTIONS remain over the future of , one of those stars not named by Frank.
The Argentine World Cup winner, 27, appeared to be agitating for a move last season, even speaking of his desire to play in LaLiga during a candid interview.
boss would love to sign him but a proposed £60million price tag could be prohibitive for a player who has two years left on his contract.
Fans will also demand a quality replacement if Romero goes.
Spurs offered £70m for centre-back Marc Guehi in January and the England man would likely be a target again.
One who may benefit either way is Radu Dragusin, who met Frank this week along with the club’s other injured players.
The Romanian, 23, damaged knee ligaments in Februaryand never seemed to fit into Ange Postecoglou’s style.
But Frank has a history of getting the best out of no-nonsense centre-backs.
Sergio Reguilon is out on a free transfer, leaving Spurs with only threerecognised full-backs — if you do not count the versatile . So another is likely to be required.
MIDFIELD
FRANK spoke of trying to get the best out of and Rodrigo Bentancur, so both seem to be part of his plans.
Spurs hope to tie down the Uruguayan to a new contract with only a year left. But if that does not happen an exit would not be ruled out amid interest from Atletico.
also has only 12 months remaining and a few weeks ago fans would have expected the Malian, 28, to be sold given how far down the pecking order he fell under Postecoglou.
But he played a pivotal role in the win over Manchester United and, with Frank often favouring two holding midfielders, his future is harder to call.
Spurs want the Dane to develop their young talent, including teenagers and Archie Gray.
But another holding midfielder, perhaps with more experience, could be on Frank’s shopping list.
ATTACK
“DOMINIC SOLANKE, I’m a big fan of him in terms of his abilities. I’m sure we’ll make him score a lot of goals.”;
So said Frank of Spurs’ £65m striker, who was always going to be central to his approach. But who backs up the England man and plays wide?
Spurs have been open to selling , 28, for a while now but, with his injury record and two years lefton his deal, they might struggle to get an offer for the Brazilian that they will find acceptable.
There is serious interest in , 25, who scored 20 Prem goals for Frank’s last term — but are also keen.
, 20, has signed permanently after his spell on loan from but another speedy wideman may be targeted given how Frank likes his teams to break at pace.
Then there is captain , who is open to leaving after marking ten years at the club by lifting a trophy.
Son turns 33 next month, is wanted by Saudi clubs, as well as former Spurs boss at and also has only a year left on his contract.
But his unique commercial value means Spurs will not let him go on the cheap — and almost certainly not until after the club’s tour to at the start of August.
