Spurs boss Thomas Frank on van de Ven’s ‘Messi’ goal, Simons’ ‘step forward’ and Johnson’s red card after beating Copenhagen | OneFootball

Thomas Frank says Micky van de Ven looked like Lionel Messi against Copenhagen after the defender scored a stunning solo goal.

The Dutchman scored his side’s third of the night following goals from Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert, before Joao Palhinha added a fourth late on in a 4-0 win.

“It seemed like we had Lionel Messi turned into Micky van de Ven,” the Tottenham head coach said.

“Running from his own goal all the way to the other end and scoring a fantastic goal.

“I think he’s our top scorer in all competitions so he can keep going. He can keep walking past me if he’s angry after the game if he delivers like this!”

Frank also admits summer signing Xavi Simons was disappointed to be replaced after an hour when goalscorer Johnson was sent off, but says he was pleased with what he saw from the attacker, who set up Johnson for the opener.

“Of course everyone wants to play and he maybe saw the opportunity to play a little bit more,” Frank said. “It’s just at that point at 2-0, you don’t really know so I thought okay, we’ll do a little bit more defensive in swapping him with Joao so that’s why we did it.

“I think that was a step forward today. I’m very happy for him, I think it was a good assist and it’s a little bit more sharpness for him and the other players. I think he found good pockets, good spaces, really pleased with that.

“Of course I understand his disappointment in the moment but it’s always about the team of course.”

Frank also believes Johnson was unlucky to be shown a red card and says he is encouraged by the recent displays from the club’s top scorer of last season.

“I understand why it can be given but that still footage with studs on leg is the first thing the ref sees and it looks bad,” he said. “There was no recklessness from Brennan. I think it was a little bit unfortunate and it was harsh.

“I think he’s started now three of the last four so I think that is definitely steps in the right direction.”