Thomas Frank's mind is a hard drive overflowing with football data - and he's always looking for fresh bytes of talent. The former Tottenham and Brentford boss has a deep passion for the beautiful game, but as a manager, his sharp eye for emerging stars can't be satisfied by highlights reels alone.
The World Cup is Frank's playground, where he gets to relive his childhood memories of Mexico '86 and indulge in some old-school fandom - but with a twist. While he still feels the thrill of watching Denmark take on Germany, his managerial brain is on high alert, dissecting tactics, analysing player performances, and hunting for that elusive gem.
Take Ivory Coast's Yan Diomande, who's left Frank beaming after a standout display against the Germans. "I'd seen clips of him before," he confesses, "but watching him complete 90 minutes was like getting the full picture. I've got it stored in my head now - a comprehensive understanding of his game." That's what Frank means by having a 'hard disk' for new talent - and he's eager to see more.
Christ Inao Oulai, Trabzonspor's midfielder, has also caught Frank's attention. Despite being an unknown quantity before the tournament, Oulai's displays against Germany have left Frank impressed. "Turning ability, forward play, mobility... he's got it all," Frank gushes. "You can't get this kind of insight from highlights alone - you need to see players in the flesh."
But even for a football obsessive like Frank, there are limitations. As Premier League manager, his focus was firmly on English top-flight and Champions League talent - leaving other leagues and players slightly off the radar. He admits that watching every game and player is simply not feasible, no matter how much time he devotes to the beautiful game.
And yet, despite all this expertise, Frank's still a fan at heart. When asked who he'd sign as manager, his answer was immediate: Lionel Messi - the "GOAT", and a player worth cherishing while he's still on the pitch.