Thomas Frank needs to give Antonin Kinsky more chances to impress

One of the players who seemed destined to benefit from Thomas Frank's arrival was back-up goalkeeper Antonín Kinský, who joined the club from Slavia Prague in January.

The young Czech goalkeeper was thrust into a tough spot at the start of his Spurs career, but quickly endeared himself to the fan base via a confident display on his debut in the Carabao Cup against Liverpool, earning Man of the Match honours.

That night in N17 would prove to be Kinský's highlight of his first six months at the club, with mistakes ensuing in the Premier League against Arsenal and at Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round. It was abundantly clear that the 22-year-old, markedly young for a goalkeeper, had plenty to learn.

However, Kinský had still shown enough to suggest he could soon emerge as Tottenham's No. 1 with Frank at the helm. He's so far been handed just one start under the new manager, but Guglielmo Vicario's teetering form should open the door for more time between the posts for the Czech.

Antonín Kinský deserves chance amid Guglielmo Vicario dip

Vicario, it must be said, started the season really well and was a major contributor to Spurs' excellent defensive record through five games in all competitions.

The Italian conceded just once in those five outings, and it appeared as if the former Empoli shot-stopper had answered the call from Kinský's challenge.

However, Vicario has failed to shut out an opponent in his previous three starts, with his dip ignited by an error for Brighton's second goal in our 2-2 draw two weeks ago. Yasin Ayari's swerving effort outfoxed Spurs' No. 1, who's since struggled for stability between the posts.

There have been no glaring errors, but it's his inability to instil calm that has concerned me. Vicario is a big character who seldom shuts up during your typical 90-minute affair, but there are times when his enthusiasm can veer into chaos. He remains an excellent shot-stopper—only three Premier League goalkeepers have prevented more goals than Vicario this term (via FBRef)—but if Tottenham want to evolve under Thomas Frank, by which I mean emerge as a side that can assert all-out control via their utilisation of possession, then eventually moving on from Vicario in favour of Kinský must be considered.

Vicario's passing numbers are fine, and there has been some improvement in playing over intermediate distances to the touchline, but Kinský operates like your favourite regista with the ball at his feet. There's seemingly no pass he can't make. I mean, just look at the clip below. That's a midfield playmaker!

His stoic in nature, contrasting the more Dionysian Vicario, far more untroubled when claiming the high ball, and that save against Doncaster Rovers proved he may well blossom into an elite shot-stopper.

I'm not suggesting Kinský needs to be Spurs' No. 1 right now, but more should be made of the 22-year-old emerging as a potential usurper. His role cannot be limited to the domestic cups, especially with Spurs having six more league phase fixtures in Europe, one of which arrives against Kinský's former club.

A Spurs side that are currently struggling to build-up play could be enlivened by the standout distribution of their back-up goalkeeper.