Spurs news: Thomas Frank hints at attacking role for Conor Gallagher at Tottenham | OneFootball

Spurs’ £35million signing of Atletico Madrid is back in the Premier League

Rodrigo Bentancur’s hamstring injury, which is set to sideline him for at least three months, means there is pressure on Gallagher to hit the ground running.

After talking with Gallagher about the club’s vision and his own motivations for coming back to the Premier League, Frank, though, has no doubts that the Epsom-born midfielder will fit seamlessly into the side.

“I think what he brings in terms of abilities, first and foremost, he's a very good player, great experience in the Premier League, also in La Liga, captain of two teams,” Frank said in his pre-match press conference on Thursday.

He added: “I think Conor has a lot of good offensive abilities, his ability to arrive in the box and he's a clever finisher. His skill set in the final third is good in terms of arriving in the right positions.”

The former Chelsea trainee completed his £34.7million move from Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, and is expected to come straight into the starting line-up against West Ham this weekend.

Gallagher was identified by sporting director Johan Lange as someone who could replace Bentancur, but although he was not Frank’s suggestion, the Dane quickly agreed to the deal after conversations with the versatile midfielder.

“I spoke to him about the project and the club and what we are aiming for and all of that suited him,” Frank said, adding: “Of course, one thing (that appealed to him) is the Premier League, secondly is the project and the opportunity here, the role he could get in the team.

Conor has a lot of good offensive abilities, his ability to arrive in the box and he's a clever finisher

Thomas Frank

“I think first and foremost as a player that can help the team with his abilities, the character and the culture, I think the way he is as well in terms of pushing the group every single day, training matches. I think you can see he is very exciting and there is some very exciting potential in this club.”

Gallagher started well at Atletico and quickly gained favour under Diego Simeone for his battling performances.

However, with just four league starts to his name this season, Gallagher was keen to move back to England to improve his chances of making Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.

Frank, though, is confident that Gallagher’s experience in Madrid has improved him both as a player and a person and says he expects him to make an immediate impact in north London.

“I think every experience makes us better in a way, either clearly impact or reflection over it and learn from the experience.

“Quite a few of the conversations I had with Conor, he really liked the experience at Atletico, he really liked working with Simeone, he really liked everything about it (but) of course, we were privileged that he would like another chance and it was possible.

“I think that experience added to how he ended his last year in Chelsea, I think he was at times unplayable and I think he was a fantastic player for Chelsea that season.

“So, that's the Conor Gallagher we are looking at. That's the Conor Gallagher I'm thinking can step straight into this team and help us straight away.”