Ryan Sessegnon: “I’m in a good place, long may it continue”

Ryan Sessegnon is looking to build on his best spell as a Spurs player.

It’s fair to say the young wing-back’s time at the Club has been somewhat of a rollercoaster, mainly down to injuries, but he’s now reeled off five starts in a row for the first time here and his confidence is growing by the week.

Back from a successful loan spell at Hoffenheim in Germany last season, Ryan was determined to show what he could do in 2021/22, but was laid low by hamstring issues in pre-season, then again on international duty in September, ruling him out until November. Injury struck again after a fine return against Liverpool in December, but he’s back, fit and flying under Antonio Conte.

“I feel great in my body, the best I’ve felt since I’ve been at the Club,” he said. “Yes, for sure, starting five games in a row is the most for me at the Club so far, so yes, I’m in a good place physically and mentally, and long may it continue.

“To feel good is obviously very important. Then, the way the manager wants me to play, up and down, up and down, the energy levels have to be there. I’ve shown that in the last few games and that’s good, getting that consistency under my belt.”

Antonio was delighted to see Ryan deliver for fellow wing-back Matt Doherty to open the scoring in last weekend’s 4-0 win at Leeds United in the Premier League. The pair almost combined again in the second half, Ryan inches away from turning home Matt’s cross. “The goal we scored from the wing-back to wing-back is a mark on my football, the first time I’ve seen this,” he said. “It means the work is working.”

Ryan added: “It was very good for me to get that assist, and that’s how the manager wants us to play. That’s one of my strengths. Harry Winks did well to play the ball through, I’d made the run in behind, saw Matt at the back post and I think that’s the first time wing-back to wing-back for a goal. If we keep doing more of that, I’m sure we’ll score a lot of goals.”