View: Ivan Perisic reminds Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou of his value with big Croatia performance
Ivan Perisic has so far been a rotation player for Tottenham this season, but he reminded everyone of his quality with a fine display for Croatia against Latvia during their Euro 2024 qualifier.
Having arrived at Hotspur Way last summer, signed by former boss Antonio Conte following their time together at Inter Milan, Perisic was one of Tottenham’s main players last season.
The 34-year-old started 23 times for the club in the Premier League, coming off the bench a further 11 times, as well as seven times in the UEFA Champions League, and finished the season with 12 assists, more than any other Spurs player. Since the departure of Conte and the arrival of Ange Postecoglou, though, he has become something of a bit-part squad player.
Playing predominantly as a left-wing back last season, Postecoglou’s switch to a back-four has left no room in the side for Perisic to start, and the Croatia international has so far only made four appearances from the bench in the league, and one start in the Carabao Cup, featuring each time as a winger.
Nonetheless, he has still looked bright in that position, grabbing himself an assist during his only start of the season at Craven Cottage against Fulham, and also forcing the own goal that sealed the win at home to Manchester United with his cross after coming off the bench.
He certainly still has plenty of quality to add to the Tottenham team, with his more advanced position allowing him to showcase his attacking threats, and he demonstrated this fact against Latvia.
Playing as a wide attacker during his country’s 5-0 win on Thursday 8 September, he was one of the best players on the pitch, earning an 8.4 match rating (Sofascore).
He provided two assists, and completed 88 per cent of his passes, with five of those passes being key. He continuously looked to make things happen, attempting 13 crosses into the box and creating three big chances. He had one shot on target, as well as four off, and completed two successful dribbles from the five he attempted.
After dropping Richarlison to play Son Heung-min through the middle against Burnley on Saturday 2 September, this opened up an opportunity at left-wing which was taken by Manor Solomon. With Son having scored a hattrick that day, Postecoglou is likely to continue playing his captain as a striker, leaving less competition out wide.
With the inexperience of Solomon, and so far relatively underwhelming performances of Dejan Kulusevski on the right, Perisic’s performance might have given Postecoglou some thinking to do.
In other Tottenham news, another of the club’s international stars has put on a fine display while away with his nation.