Paul Robinson predicts Postecoglou style could ‘rejuvenate’ Tottenham duo Lo Celso and Bissouma
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
Ange Postecoglou’s style and man-management ability could see the Australian “rejuvenate” the careers of two Tottenham players, according to Paul Robinson.
Yves Bissouma and Giovani Lo Celso both came to the club with high expectations, but have failed to live up to their profile during a tumultuous time at Tottenham despite their obvious ability.
Bissouma’s role mostly came from appearances from the bench, accumulating just 11.2 90s last season [FBRef], while Lo Celso has not embedded himself as a regular during his three years at Tottenham. Injuries provided regular setbacks for the Argentine, but his loan to Villarreal for the last two seasons shows his lack of impact on Spurs’ starting 11.
However, Robinson claims that Postecoglou has the ability to make them impactful cogs in his new machine despite their underwhelming starts.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Robinson said: “I think there were times when Lo Celso came as a wide left player, but I think Conte at times utilized him as a defensive holding midfielder and we saw a robust side to him, a tough tackling side to him.
“It gives the team more going forward. But I think in Ives Bissouma and Lo Celso there’s potentially more to come from them and with Postecoglou’s managerial style and man-management, you may get the best out of those players.
“Not just to make up numbers, but to be part of the squad. They came to Tottenham because they were well-scouted and high-quality players. It hasn’t worked out for them for whatever reason, but that doesn’t make them bad players.
“Under the man management of Postecoglou, he could regenerate a few careers. You may have to as well because you don’t know what transfer budget he’s got, you look at those types of players regardless.
“Again, in the Harry Kane situation, the manager doesn’t know what he’s going to have to work with until that situation is sorted out.
“He may need to get the best out of these players that haven’t actually worked at Spurs yet. So it’s positive from that point of view.
“It’s still early doors and all players are going to say positive things about a new manager because they want to play, but actually what we’re hearing out of the camp is all very, very positive.”
In other Tottenham news, Robinson suggests that Postecoglou’s style changes during pre-season may show how suited their top defensive target could be to Tottenham.