Tottenham forward Randal Kolo Muani made his first start for the club on Sunday when he led the line in the resounding away Premier League victory at Everton
When Randal Kolo Muani glanced over to the touchline at Everton and saw the fourth official holding up his No.39, it’s safe to say he was frustrated his afternoon was over.
The Frenchman, signed on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, has endured a slow start to his Tottenham career. A dead leg kept him out of five Spurs matches but now he’s fit and ready to showcase precisely why he was signed by Johan Lange, Fabio Paratici and the club’s recruitment staff.
It’s a stark contrast to January when Kolo Muani hit the ground running at Juventus. He netted on his Serie A debut against Napoli and scored five times in his first three league appearances.
Life in north London has not been so smooth to date. However, slowly but surely, he is building his way to optimum fitness.
Thomas Frank has made it clear on several occasions that he was delighted to land the 26-year-old late in the transfer window.
Kolo Muani is vastly experienced, has played in a World Cup final and he can also operate from the flank if required. His numbers also speak for themselves, having been a major hit in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt.
READ MORE: Gary Neville admits U-turn on ‘solid’ Tottenham star after statement Everton winREAD MORE: Tottenham boost as Eddie Howe confirms two Newcastle stars will miss Carabao Cup clash
As the France international left the field, he was visibly disappointed to be replaced by Richarlison on 62 minutes and certainly made his feelings known.
It wasn’t a strop but Kolo Muani certainly got his message across and that can only be good for his Tottenham prospects.
Outside of set-pieces, Spurs have lacked goals from open play. They now need their attackers to chip in particularly in the absence of Dominic Solanke.
Kolo Muani was sharp against Everton. He only had 16 touches but his link play and hold-up play was an asset for Spurs when they were building attacks.
He was also the most accurate passer (100 per cent pass completion) on the pitch out of the players that played 45 minutes or more.
There is every chance Richarlison will be recalled to the starting line-up against Newcastle but moving forward, Kolo Muani is now in line for more minutes and opportunities. Frank is an admirer of the player’s qualities and likes attackers that can stretch the opposition defence.
Kolo Muani’s reaction to being substituted only showcases his desire to succeed and he was not satisfied to be leaving the pitch early.
Richarlison hasn’t scored since the 2-2 draw against Brighton in September and now is the perfect time for Kolo Muani to muck in with some goals.
