BBC Sport pundit admits changing opinion on Giovani Lo Celso after thinking ‘career at Tottenham was over’
We’re delighted to welcome former Scotland right-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
Alan Hutton has been won over by the performances of Giovani Lo Celso in recent weeks after admitting he thought his “career at Tottenham was done”.
Injuries and suspensions have opened the door for Lo Celso, who has netted in his past two matches – the 2-1 loss to Aston Villa and the thrilling 3-3 draw against Manchester City on Sunday (3 December).
The Argentine midfielder has had a couple of loan spells at Villarreal over the past two seasons but did enough to convince Ange Postecoglou he should be part of his squad after taking the reigns in the summer.
And Hutton has been suitably impressed by the way the 27-year-old has made the most of the opportunity that has come his way.
Speaking to Tottenham News, Hutton said: “Look I’ll hold my hands up, I was one who said that I think his time at Tottenham was done.
“He’s gone out on loans and different things but he’s come back and been given an opportunity and he is shining of late.
“He’s scored a couple of goals in the last two games and he’s really taken to it and I think that comes down to the manager as well.
“Yes, Lo Celso, we always knew he was a talented player but for whatever reason it didn’t quite work. I think under Ange Postecoglou he’s given him that freedom to go and express himself and he’s grabbing it with both hands.
“So, hats off to him, fair play, because me personally I did think his career at Tottenham was over.”
The draw against City left Tottenham in fifth place after 14 Premier League matches, six points adrift of north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.
Spurs are next in action at home to London rivals West Ham on Thursday (7 December) before they welcome Newcastle United three days later.
In other Tottenham news, Les Ferdinand says Son Heung-min has ensured Spurs are not missing Harry Kane.