Thomas Frank has made a bright start at Tottenham Hotspur, guiding the club to third in the Premier League after seven matches, with impressive wins against Manchester City and Villarreal already under his belt.
But in a recent interview with SPORTbible, the Danish manager took a moment to reflect on his 25-year coaching career — and revealed that two of the best players he’s ever worked with are both ex-Spurs stars.
Christian Eriksen and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg earn high praise
“That is a very tricky question. I will mention former Spurs player Christian Eriksen, who was a fantastic player. I coached him in the U-17 national team. Also, Ivan Toney, David Raya, Ollie Watkins are among them. And another one, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg in the national team and Andreas Christensen.” — Thomas Frank, speaking to SPORTbible
Frank has worked with a long list of talented players during spells in youth football, international management, and his successful run at Brentford. But he singled out two familiar faces to Tottenham fans — Eriksen and Højbjerg — as among the finest professionals he has ever coached.
Eriksen was a creative force during his seven seasons in North London, starring under Mauricio Pochettino and helping Spurs reach the 2019 Champions League final. Højbjerg, meanwhile, became a dependable and sometimes underrated midfield anchor before being sold this summer for £17 million.
Frank’s connection to the two former Spurs stars
Thomas Frank’s admiration for Eriksen and Højbjerg runs deep. He first coached Eriksen as a teenager in Denmark’s U-17 setup and later reunited with him at Brentford, where the playmaker’s comeback story following his cardiac arrest became one of football’s most inspiring tales.
He also worked closely with Højbjerg in Denmark’s senior team setup, praising his leadership, professionalism, and intensity on the pitch.
Their departures from Tottenham came under different circumstances — Eriksen left for Inter Milan in 2020, while Højbjerg moved on this summer — but both continue to embody the values Frank admires most: discipline, intelligence, and drive.
Thomas Frank’s favourite Tottenham legend
In the same interview, Frank was also asked to name his favourite Tottenham legend — and his answer paid tribute to one of the club’s most technically gifted players.
“There are a lot of good players who have played for this fantastic club. I would say the standout one for me is Glenn Hoddle. Fantastic player, vision, technique and ability – so that would be the one.” — Thomas Frank
Glenn Hoddle’s legacy at Tottenham remains unmatched by many. The former midfielder made 435 appearances for the club between 1975 and 1987, scoring 96 goals and providing 52 assists — numbers that underline his influence during one of Spurs’ most successful eras.
Analyst Verdict — John William, FootballPlace
In my view, Thomas Frank’s comments highlight both humility and deep respect for the players he’s coached. His career has been built on nurturing talent, not just managing it — and his connection to figures like Eriksen and Højbjerg shows how much emphasis he places on character as well as quality.
We believe that Spurs’ new boss values the same type of players who helped shape his coaching journey — technical, intelligent, and emotionally mature — traits that perfectly fit his modern football philosophy.
Key Insights
- Thomas Frank names Christian Eriksen and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg among the best players he’s coached.
- Both are former Tottenham players sold in recent years.
- Frank also praised Ivan Toney, David Raya, Ollie Watkins, and Andreas Christensen.
- Named Glenn Hoddle as his favourite Tottenham legend.
- Spurs currently sit third in the Premier League under Frank’s management.
What’s Next for Tottenham and Thomas Frank
Tottenham return to Premier League action this weekend as they aim to continue their strong start under Frank. The Danish manager’s appreciation for players like Eriksen and Højbjerg reflects his belief in intelligent, disciplined football — values he’s now instilling in his new-look Spurs side.
👉 Do you agree with Thomas Frank — were Eriksen and Højbjerg two of the best players Spurs let go too soon?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 14 Oct 2025 19:37
Eriksen, what a player! Normal lad, nothing more to say.
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