Thomas Frank has made a few questionable decisions with his starting XI choices, and they've all revolved around benching players that Tottenham fans would like to see starting.
Towards the start of the season, new signing Xavi Simons suffered that fate. It seemed like no matter what he was doing on the pitch, he resorted to cameos from the bench due to Thomas Frank's vendetta.
In recent weeks, Xavi Simons has been seeing the chances he's always deserved, and Thomas Frank is happy with him. However, his rise to the first team has come at another player's expense: Brennan Johnson.
Crystal Palace wants to make Tottenham's loss their own gain
According to a report from The Telegraph, Crystal Palace is weighing up a January swoop to sign Brennan Johnson from Tottenham Hotspur.
Brennan Johnson has been dropped to the bench in recent weeks, after a hot start to the season on the goal-scoring front. For whatever reason, he does not appear to be in Thomas Frank's plans, and it's a sad case of Johnson going back to square one.
The fast drop-off right after scoring the goal that made Tottenham champions of Europe is quite something. Under Ange Postecoglou, he pushed his way into the starting lineup, but after making one step forward, Thomas Frank has made him take two steps back.
Honestly, that might not be a bad thing. It might come across as harsh, but Tottenham's offense will certainly suffice without Johnson. He's good, but he's not world-class. Not anywhere near that. And that's exactly what Tottenham needs if they're serious about pushing the top teams.
It's obvious the Eagles would like to push for a top-four finish this season, and they're currently on pace to do that. They lost key players, such as Eberechi Eze, in the summer transfer window. However, they are arguably even more impressive this seasn than they were last time out.
Last season, Crystal Palace won the FA Cup. They began this season by winning the Community Shield. Going from a mid-table team to genuine Champions League contenders is a sign of the times, and Crystal Palace are here to stick around.
Should Brennan Johnson wish to make the switch across London, there aren't many who could blame him. He's good enough to be playing every week in the Premier League, but Tottenham and their higher objectives can't guarantee this. Besides, Crystal Palace is arguably a more attractive project than Tottenham right now.
If Johnson were to leave Tottenham, it might come to bite them in the backside. Time and time again, Spurs have recognized top talents and given them an assured place in the starting lineup. However, Frank has not done this to Brennan Johnson.