Thomas Frank, the seasoned football manager, was glued to the screens at the World Cup, but don't be fooled - he wasn't there just for the thrill of it all. As a scout on the lookout for the next big Premier League stars, Frank's analytical mind is always whirring, assessing tactics and pinpointing potential targets. "It's not about watching the highlights or data," he says with conviction, "there's no substitute for seeing them in action over 90 minutes." For Frank, it's about what sticks in your memory long after the final whistle blows.
One player who certainly caught his eye was RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande. A talent he'd previously tracked at Leganes, Frank was blown away by Diomande's performance against Germany - "He was always on our radar," he revealed, "but now I have a depth of understanding that goes beyond just clips and data." It's this kind of first-hand experience that gives top managers the edge when it comes to making those all-important transfer decisions.
Another standout performer for Frank was Christ Inao Oulai from Ivory Coast. Though he'd be aware that top clubs would likely already be on his tail, Frank admitted that he hadn't previously come across him - "A new discovery for me," he said with a smile. And what did he make of the Trabzonspor midfielder? "I was impressed by his technical ability and mobility. He's got a spark about him." For Frank, there's no substitute for witnessing a player's performance in full flow.
Of course, as a Premier League manager, Frank's natural focus is on the top tier of English football, but he acknowledges that the World Cup offers a rare chance to scope out the wider talent pool. "It's about keeping your finger on the pulse," he says, "and the World Cup gives you access to players and leagues you might not normally get to see in action."
And then there's the fan in him - Frank's a massive Lionel Messi devotee, hailing the Argentine as the 'GOAT'. He plans to watch Argentina's next match against Austria with his son, a fellow Messi enthusiast, acknowledging that this could be the last time they get to see their hero in action on the world stage.