Johnson Reflects on Last Season and Eyes Bigger Role for Tottenham | OneFootball

Brennan Johnson Reflects and Readies for a New Era Under Thomas Frank

From Bilbao to Barbados and Back Again

For Brennan Johnson, the journey from scoring the winner in the Europa League final to a summer stroll through the markets of Oistins in Barbados has offered both celebration and reflection. Now, as Tottenham Hotspur prepare for a new chapter under Thomas Frank, Johnson finds himself at the heart of it.

Speaking to The Athletic, Johnson admitted the significance of last season. “It’s an amazing memory,” he said of lifting the trophy on his 24th birthday. The goal in Bilbao, which secured European silverware and cemented his name in club folklore, may have come with a fortunate bounce off Luke Shaw, but Johnson is adamant: he got the final touch.

Yet, his story is not one of triumph alone. “Last season was like a rollercoaster,” Johnson explained. “There were so many different emotions. It taught me so much about football. Not just on the pitch but off it… It was an important season for my development.”

Photo: IMAGO

Growth, Goals and the Kudus Challenge

Johnson’s first year at Spurs was a mix of highs and quiet spells. Though he finished as top scorer with 18 goals in all competitions, there were matches where he drifted to the periphery. He is self-aware, however, and knows where the improvements lie. “On the ball, I want to be better in one-v-one dribbling situations,” he admitted. “Directness. More of a forward-thinking mentality… trying to get an overall better game.”

That pursuit of growth now takes place within a refreshed system. Under Frank, Spurs have operated in a 4-2-3-1 throughout pre-season, with Johnson featuring on both flanks. His rivalry with new £50million signing Mohammed Kudus is likely to shape much of the upcoming campaign.

“I’ve been really impressed with him,” Johnson said of Kudus, who was one of the Premier League’s standout dribblers last season. The Ghanaian adds Champions League experience and is another explosive threat in Spurs’ forward line. But Johnson appears unfazed, valuing the depth and competition. “It is what we need… We want to be in the Champions League every year.”

Photo IMAGO

Bonds with Son and Lessons from Frank

Johnson’s relationship with Son Heung-min, now departed, was central to his first season. From shared celebrations to donning boots designed by the South Korean forward, the connection extended beyond the pitch. “I love Sonny,” Johnson said. “He is a great guy… His career speaks for itself.”

Frank’s arrival has introduced a new culture, one Johnson clearly admires. “Lots of people could respect how Brentford played,” he said. “It shows what kind of development he can do.” The coaching group, including Justin Cochrane and new IDP coach Cameron Campbell, are also drawing praise. “His drills are realistic to games,” Johnson said of Cochrane, noting how movement, finishing and instinct are now at the centre of his work.

Photo: IMAGO

Gibbs-White Saga and the Road Ahead

One potential reunion that never materialised was with Morgan Gibbs-White. Spurs’ approach sparked controversy and Forest’s response included a Premier League complaint. “I haven’t (spoken to him),” Johnson said diplomatically. “Morgan is a great guy… I wish him all the best.”

That moment, and others, reflect how much Johnson has matured. His own journey, from Forest exit to European glory, from social media abuse to fan favourite, continues to evolve. And under Frank, there is a sense he’s ready to go again.

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Brennan Johnson remains one of the more intriguing players in the squad. He is not flashy in the traditional sense, nor always dominant over 90 minutes, but his numbers speak for themselves. He finishes well, works hard, and always seems to pop up at big moments.

There’s an honesty to Johnson that supporters appreciate. Hearing him reflect on the ups and downs of last season and still frame it as a vital part of his development shows a maturity that bodes well for what’s next. The arrival of Mohammed Kudus will add competition, but not necessarily displacement. If anything, the variety in attacking options gives Thomas Frank more freedom to rotate without loss of quality.

What’s also clear is that Johnson is no longer just a winger. He can float across the front line and now seems to be embracing more responsibility. His ability to score with one touch, link up play and press relentlessly suits Frank’s style perfectly.

The next step will be improving his one-v-one dribbling and becoming more involved in games from start to finish. If he gets that right, Johnson won’t just be part of Spurs’ next era, he’ll be one of its leading voices.