He’s a great player, it’s just so unfortunate that Mikel Arteta doesn’t know how to manage a great talent like him. If I have his type here, I can easily beat PSG” — Tottenham Coach Thomas Frank Reveals the ONE Arsenal Player That Is Suffering Under Arteta Lately – Not Dowman

In a press conference that quickly set social media ablaze, Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank delivered a striking verdict on Arsenal’s handling of one of their most talented players. The Danish tactician, known for his tactical discipline and sharp footballing eye, didn’t mince words when speaking about the way Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has managed certain stars.

Without naming the individual at first, Frank hinted at deep admiration for a particular Arsenal player whom he believes is being wasted under Arteta’s current system.

“He’s a great player, world-class potential. It’s just so unfortunate that Mikel Arteta doesn’t know how to manage a great talent like him,” Frank said. “If I had his type here at Tottenham, I could easily beat PSG. That’s how special he is.”

His comments immediately raised eyebrows. The football world buzzed with speculation, wondering which Arsenal star had caught Frank’s eye and invited such strong criticism of Arteta’s methods.

When asked directly, Frank clarified that he wasn’t referring to Dowman, the young talent recently ruled out due to injury, or other fringe players like Nketiah or Obi-Martin. Instead, he pointed to someone who has been largely ignored or misused, despite having the qualities to change games.

“Not Dowman. I’m talking about a player that deserves to be starting every single week,” Frank stressed. “A game-changer who’s been reduced to a benchwarmer or being played out of position.”

Many quickly connected the dots. The player in question appeared to be Emile Smith Rowe — once seen as the heart of Arsenal’s creative resurgence in 2021, now a forgotten man in Arteta’s evolving tactical plans. Despite his undeniable talent, Smith Rowe has seen very limited minutes and continues to be overlooked in favor of newer signings.

Frank didn’t hold back in his assessment of the situation. “Sometimes, as a coach, you need to shape your system around certain players. Not every diamond fits into your puzzle, but that doesn’t mean you throw it away,” he said pointedly. “Give him confidence, give him freedom, and he’ll reward you.”

The remarks have reignited a long-standing debate among Arsenal supporters: Is Arteta too rigid in his tactics? And is he neglecting the club’s homegrown assets in favor of flashier, high-cost signings who may not necessarily deliver more?

On platforms like X and Instagram, fans quickly voiced their agreement with Frank, praising him for speaking a truth that many have felt for months. “Emile Smith Rowe should be playing every week,” one fan wrote. “Arteta is killing the creativity in this team.”

What makes Frank’s comments even more impactful is that they come not just from a rival Premier League manager, but from a coach who has a track record of unlocking potential in young, technically gifted players. His belief that he could “easily beat PSG” with a player like Smith Rowe in his squad wasn’t just praise — it was a scathing comparison.

While Arteta has earned plaudits for transforming Arsenal’s fortunes, particularly in the league standings, there’s a growing sense that some players are paying the price for his vision. Smith Rowe, once called the future of the club, now seems like a forgotten chapter in Arteta’s playbook.

As the season draws near and North London prepares for another fiery rivalry showdown, Frank’s remarks will no doubt add fuel to the fire. But more than rivalry talk, they’ve reopened a crucial conversation about balance — between strategy and instinct, system and spontaneity, and whether Arsenal may be sidelining brilliance for the sake of order.

Whether Arteta takes note remains to be seen. But for now, Thomas Frank’s words have certainly stirred the pot