Amid rumours of a return to Juventus before the January transfer deadline, Randal Kolo Muani finally looked like he cared.
The French forward is certainly nonchalant, but his level of effort has dropped into a realm of complete disinterest in recent weeks. Starting on the right over the festive and new year period didn't help, but Kolo Muani also produced a shocking cameo in last week's 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund, having replaced Dominic Solanke up top. As a result, Thomas Frank turned to Dane Scarlett from the bench at Burnley on Saturday.
Given the promise he offered over the autumn and the talent that's obviously at his disposal, Kolo Muani's dwindling motivation has been a major disappointment. Despite our lack of available alternatives in attack, supporters have come around to the idea of cancelling the forward's loan.
However, there was further evidence on Wednesday night that a secret recipe exists for getting the best out of the French international.
Kolo Muani loves playing against his former clubs
In 24 games for Tottenham, Kolo Muani has scored three goals. All of them have come against parent or former clubs.
Given the talk surrounding his future entering Wednesday's game, there was an expectation that Kolo Muani would be named among the substitutes at Deutsche Bank Park. However, Frank returned the Frenchman to his starting XI, offering Solanke respite, and Kolo Muani was out to prove a point amid vociferous jeers from the Frankfurt faithful.
Within a couple of minutes, he'd seemingly played a key role in the opening goal, bursting down the left byline. However, Xavi Simons' goal was ruled out for a foul. Instead, the centre-forward broke the deadlock himself just after half-time, turning home Cristian Romero's header from close range.
It was Kolo Muani's first goal since 26 November, when he notched a brace against the club that cast him aside: Paris Saint-Germain. The Frenchman was brilliant that night, and his two goals were superbly taken.
"I said to him, please don't only score against your old clubs!" Frank said post-match (via The Spurs Web). "We know when you come to a new club and new country, it is never straightforward. I hope this will give him confidence."
Kolo Muani's goal record is an odd quirk, and Frank's comments suggest Tottenham won't be cancelling the forward's loan so Juventus can pick up him before the winter deadline. Despite his recent disinterest, Spurs would be leaving themselves dangerously short by facilitating such a move. Plus, there's a chance we line up against another former employer, Juve, in the round of 16.
It's worth keeping him around for that possibility alone.