Not just Johnson: Frank must unleash Spurs star who loves playing Brighton

da pixbet： Tottenham Hotspur travel to face Brighton & Hove Albion this afternoon, looking to continue their excellent start to life under new manager Thomas Frank.

da supremo： The Dane has already won four of his first five games in charge of the Lilywhites, with the most recent victory coming against Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Other wins have come in the Premier League against Burnley, Manchester City and West Ham United – allowing the side to occupy a place in the top four after the first handful of outings.

However, this afternoon they will be coming up against Fabian Hurzeler’s side, who have yet to taste defeat on home soil, subsequently picking up four points out of a potential six.

If Frank’s men are to have any chance of securing another victory, he may have to unleash one talent who’s already demonstrated glimpses of his quality in the current campaign.

Why Frank must unleash Johnson v Brighton

Brennan Johnson has certainly had his doubters during his time at Spurs, but it’s safe to say that he’s produced the goods on a consistent basis over the past 12 months.

The Welshman, who joined in a £47.5m deal from Nottingham Forest, registered 18 goals across all competitions last season – including the winner in the Europa League final against Manchester United.

He also made an excellent start to 2025/26, scoring in each of his first two Premier League starts, before being dropped in the last two matches across all competitions.

Johnson has demonstrated that he has the goal-scoring prowess needed to win a game of football, something which will be vital against a solid Seagulls outfit.

However, he should be the only player recalled to the starting eleven, with one other Lilywhites talent deserving of a start after dropping to the bench in the Champions League.

The Spurs player who loves playing against Brighton

Over the last couple of years, Spurs have had somewhat of a torrid time facing Brighton, often being on the wrong end of numerous high-scoring encounters.

The two sides last met on the final day of last season, with the Lilywhites falling to a 4-1 defeat in North London just days after claiming Europa League glory in Bilbao.

Their last visit to the AMEX saw Ange Postecoglou’s side lose 3-2, that’s despite being two goals ahead at the break, thanks to goals from Johnson and James Maddison.

However, another defeat could be avoided by Frank if he unleashes loanee Joao Palhinha at the heart of the midfield on the South Coast once again this afternoon.

The Portuguese international joined the Lilywhites on a loan deal from Bayern Munich during the summer transfer window, offering a needed ball-winning presence in the middle of the park.

He’s started three league games to date, even scoring in the victory against Manchester City at the Etihad back at the end of October – in what was just the second league game of Frank’s tenure.

Out of possession, the 30-year-old has been just as impressive, winning 2.2 tackles per 90 and 7.8 duels per 90, often being the main player to regain the ball for the Lilywhites.

Joao Palhinha – PL stats (2025/26)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

4

Goals & assists

1

Pass accuracy

88%

Touches

66.7

Tackles won

2.2

Duels won

7.8

Aerials won

72%

Fouls won

1.3

Stats via FotMob

However, it’s his previous record against the Seagulls that could be another reason to start Palhinha, with the former Fulham star previously impressing against the Albion.

In his three matches against today’s opposition, the Portuguese international, who’s been labelled “incredible” by one analyst, he’s won two and drawn one, subsequently never losing a game against them.

He’s also previously netted a goal against the Seagulls, hopefully replicating such a record if he gets the nod and is recalled to Frank’s starting eleven this afternoon.

Palhinha’s early form in North London has showcased that he’s already been an excellent addition to the squad – potentially playing a vital role in any success in 2025/26.

He and Johnson are both deserving of a starting role once more, potentially able to help the side extend their phenomenal start to life under new boss, Frank.