Thomas Frank calls on new Tottenham leaders to emerge ahead of Heung-min Son return | OneFootball

The Spurs legend will be back in north London for a proper goodbye next week

The former Tottenham captain, who departed for Los Angeles FC at the end of last season, returns to north London for the first time next week.

Though, Frank’s side are in desperate need of three points against Brentford this weekend.

Tottenham, namely Cristian Romero, showed some much needed fight in salvaging a late draw away to Newcastle on Tuesday night.

However, such spirit has been in short supply recently, with Tottenham winless in their last five games in all competitions.

Son guided Tottenham to their first trophy in 17 years last season as they lifted the Europa League following a 1-0 win over Manchester United.

Rightly revered as a club legend, Son’s return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be a cause for celebration, and asked whether his side were missing the South Korean’s quiet leadership, Frank insisted his players had to step up.

“Yeah, I don't know. I would say he's not here, so others need to step up,” Frank said in his pre-match press conference.

“It's like when you miss a player for whatever reason, because leadership qualities are part of Sonny, bringing people together, also part of Sonny, whatever.

“The level they had, others will step up, others will shine a little bit more, because some of the players that were there before took the shine, if that makes sense.”

Tottenham legend: Heung-min Son

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With just one win from his first seven home league games, Frank is hoping for some luck to fall his way against his former club and added that it would be fitting if Tottenham were to pick up a rare win on home soil with Son in attendance.

“That would be nice. No doubt about that. I'm so pleased for Sonny that he come back and then really hopefully get the well-deserved celebration and for everything he's done for this club.” Frank continued.

I'm so pleased for Sonny that he come back and then really hopefully get the well-deserved celebration and for everything he's done for this club

Thomas Frank

Son’s absence has been sorely felt during Frank’s start to life in north London, with the Dane struggling to settle on a preferred option at left-wing.

Xavi Simons, Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert and Richarlison have all been used on the left flank, with Frank seemingly unconvinced by the options he has at his disposal.

Asked whether he had settled on a first-choice left winger, Frank admitted there was competition for minutes.

“I think it's fair to say that there is competition for that left-side role. I think everyone can see that there's two things in it.

“We've played a fair amount of games, we play every third, fourth day, so there needs to be rotation as well.

“But (it is) also fair to say there's not been one player that put his foot down, boom, I'm playing that position.”