Sarr “showed great personality” on first league start – Antonio
Mon 16 January 2023, 18:25|
Tottenham Hotspur
Antonio Conte praised the maturity of Pape Matar Sarr after the Senegal international’s shift in the north London derby.
Following on from a couple of substitute appearances at the turn of the year and a full debut in the FA Cup against Portsmouth last weekend, the 20-year-old was given the ultimate test for his first Premier League start – a central midfield berth against arch rivals Arsenal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Partnering Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the engine room, Pape, an Africa Cup of Nations winner and World Cup participant for his country in 2022, slotted seamlessly into the side and gave everything until making way for Yves Bissouma with a quarter-of-an-hour remaining.
He became the first player since Ryan Mason – now our first team coach – in 2014 to make his full Premier League debut in the north London derby. Another midfielder, Nabil Bentaleb, also earned his first start for the Club against the Gunners that same year, although that was in an FA Cup tie.
Antonio explained afterwards what pleased him about the youngster’s display.
“He showed great personality, he played a good game and in my opinion he showed to be an older player,” the Head Coach told SPURSPLAY.
“This is very important. We are talking about a player who is only 20 years old but he deserved to have this chance. Yves Bissouma in the last game, if you remember, in the FA Cup, at the end (of the warm-up), he stopped himself over a problem in his ankle. This week he struggled with his ankle, so the choice was between Pape Sarr and Oliver Skipp.
“Against Crystal Palace I decided for Skippy, today I decided for Pape Sarr, but both players, we can count on them. Then, you know, we are talking about young players – we have to work, to develop and then they will be ready.”
With attackers Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison returning from injury in Sunday’s 2-0 loss, Rodrigo Bentancur is also closing in on a comeback, giving Antonio another key option in central midfield.
“Now we are waiting on Rodrigo because he is another important player,” added the boss. “For us, it’s important to have all the players available, but at the same time, to discover these young players makes me more happy.”
