Opinion: Romero and Royal impress, Lo Celso struggles – Spurs player ratings of the season

Having played 11 games of the current Premier League season, Tottenham Hotspur find themselves sitting ninth place in the table. While most fans are likely to be disappointed by the team’s lacklustre start to the campaign under Nuno Espirito Santo, there is an air of anticipation surrounding N17 since the arrival of Antonio Conte. The […]

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Having played 11 games of the current Premier League season, Tottenham Hotspur find themselves sitting ninth place in the table.

While most fans are likely to be disappointed by the team’s lacklustre start to the campaign under Nuno Espirito Santo, there is an air of anticipation surrounding N17 since the arrival of Antonio Conte.

The Italian manager has already made an impact on the field, implementing a back three with the addition of wing-backs. His impact off the field has also been heavily reported (Football.London).

The Athletic claim that the former Premier League winner has banned ketchup and mayonnaise from the canteen at Hotspur Way.

Spurs supporters will hope Conte’s condiment boycott will lead to more inspiring performances from the players as they head into a busy Winter period.

I have taken it upon myself to rate each player’s current showings between one and ten. Please remember, you may disagree with me and that is fine. These ratings are subjective to each supporter.

Pierluigi Gollini: 4

Touted as a potential successor to Hugo Lloris, Gollini’s first few months at Spurs have been slightly underwhelming. A few dodgy performances in the UEFA Europa Conference League have ensured Lloris’ number one spot is safe.

Hugo Lloris: 8

Entering his ninth season in North London, World Cup winner Lloris has been outstanding in ensuring Spurs cling on to their top half status. Hugo’s shot-stopping has once more been proven as his forte. However, his lacklustre distribution and the guarantee of one goal kick ending up in the manager’s dugout every game prevented him from scoring a nine.

Matt Doherty: 3

The Irishman has not done anything particularly terrible, he just hasn’t been inspiring when he has made the rare appearance. An inability to resurrect his career under former boss Nuno summed up the current luck of the right-back.

Japhet Tanganga: 6

A frustrating year for the 22-year-old. With Spurs mutually agreeing to end Serge Aurier’s contract in the summer, Tanganga’s was linked with a loan move to Galatasary and ended up beginning the season as first-choice right back. A man of the match performance against Manchester City was quickly forgotten after a red card at Crystal Palace.

Emerson Royal: 7

The former Barcelona man has settled into his Spurs career very nicely. With his pace and ability to get forward, he will surely be a player that Conte relies on this season.

Eric Dier: 6

I must disclose that I am a ‘Dier Out’ advocate. However, credit where credit is due, the 27-year-old has mostly justified his selection this season. But, the fact is, his tendency to commit glaring errors in front of his own goal looks like it will never go away.

Davinson Sanchez: 4

After a solid start to the season under Nuno, Sanchez’ form tailed off dramatically. The early team selections of the Conte era hint that the Colombian’s days at Spurs may be numbered.

Joe Rodon: 3

I feel harsh giving him a three, but he has not contributed anything tangible enough to warrant a higher score due to his very limited minutes.

Christian Romero: 8

This is a Romero fan club. Despite a few rash decisions and the rare error, ‘Cuti’ has shown why Spurs shelled out £42million for his services. His aggressiveness and desire are matched by his calmness and ability to ping a cross-field pass. More to come.

Ben Davies: 5

Seen by all of his managers as ‘Mr Reliable’, Davies has done nothing particularly eye-catching once again. He has enjoyed recent back-to-back games as Conte utilises him as a left centre-back.

Sergio Reguilon: 6

He is never lacking in effort, just sometimes in quality. The Standard report that Reguilon is cherishing the challenge of learning under his new boss. He could well be an important player for Spurs in the Conte era.

Oliver Skipp: 7.5

The Spurs academy graduate has seamlessly navigated the step up from Championship to Premier League football this season. The biggest compliment I can give to the youngster is that Tottenham looks a better side when he starts.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: 6.5

The Danish international has not quite reached the peaks of last season this time around. However, according to the Premier League website, Hojbjerg has completed the most tackles and the fourth most passes in the entire league. This proves that the 26-year-old still plays a crucial role for Spurs.

Harry Winks: 3

He has popped up with the odd assist in the Conference league, but it is clear that Winks is out of favour at Spurs. It could well be time for a fresh start elsewhere for the central midfielder.

Giovani Lo Celso: 2

So so good for Argentina yet calamitous for Spurs. The scuffed corner in the 92nd minute against Everton whilst Spurs were urgently pressing for a winner summed up his season so far.

Tanguy Ndombele: 6

I’m definitely biased when it comes to the ex-Lyon man. He has once again shown flashes of his mercurial talent but has so far failed to nail down a starting place under Conte. An intense two weeks under the new manager and Tanguy could definitely add the creativity Spurs desperately need.

Dele Alli: 4

Dele’s decline is not a sudden one. His ability to take games by the scruff of the neck and provide a moment of inspiration sadly seems to have deserted him. He will be granted a fresh start under Conte, and it is very likely that this is now his last chance to make the grade at Spurs.

Steven Bergwijn: 3

Completely bereft of confidence, Bergwijn has endured a terrible start to the season. Zero goals and one assist for a wide forward is unacceptable. He still has the support of the majority of Spurs fans and I feel that a couple of good performances and a goal could flip his fortunes.

Bryan Gil: 5

There have been glimpses of why Spurs splashed the cash for his signature, but Gil has not yet given the manager a selection headache. But, given time to settle, his pace and flair could become a real weapon for the Lilywhites.

Lucas Moura: 7.5

Lucas has been a standout performer in this campaign. His direct running always causes problems for defences and he has popped up with a couple of important goals. His decision-making in the final third still raises questions, however, he has been an important player for Spurs so far.

Heung-Min Son: 7

Often Spurs’ talisman in recent months, Sonny has continued to contribute with goals, assists, and hard work. He has not reproduced the lightning performances of previous seasons but this could easily be in correlation to Harry Kane’s dry spell. The duo is likely to become a strike pairing under Conte, which should bring about the return of last year’s deadliest Prem pairing.

Dane Scarlett: 4

A harsh rating for the youngster? Maybe. He has started a smattering of Conference League games but has failed to make his mark. Admittedly, he was severely lacking in service from his teammates.

Harry Kane: 4

Last season’s top goal scorer and top assister in the Premier League has produced some shocking performances this year, especially for his lofty standards. A lack of drive is the recurring theme of Kane’s showings for Spurs this year. A hat-trick for England against Albania may give Spurs supporters hope of a revival for their number ten. It can only get better from here on.

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