Ange Postecoglou may have given a significant indication regarding his starting eleven against Aston Villa by declaring that Giovani Lo Celso will get chances to show off his skills in the coming weeks.
Some may have been surprised that Lo Celso did not replace the injured James Maddison against Wolves, with Postecoglou opting to change the system and play Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg instead.
The decision did not work because Tottenham lacked inventiveness in the middle of the field against Molineux, and some sources have suggested in recent days that the Argentine is expected to make his first Premier League start of the season tomorrow afternoon (The Mail).
“I looked at Gio really well before I got here, both here at Tottenham and his spells at other clubs,” Postecoglou said when asked if Lo Celso may be in line for a start after a strong international break.
“You can see he has certain characteristics. He’s had a difficult season for us. He’s been injured, and he hasn’t really had a clean run at it. He is one of several players that have experienced this.
“However, as you can see, he’s a very creative player.” He puts in a lot of effort for the squad. He’ll have an opportunity to come in and make an impact in the coming weeks.”
The former Real Betis man was one of Tottenham‘s most promising pre-season performers, but opportunities have been scarce for him so far this season.
Does Giovani Lo Celso have a future at Tottenham Hotspur?
When asked if the 27-year-old is unhappy by his lack of playing time, Spurs head coach responded, “No, I haven’t had an issue with Gio at all.” He had a really strong pre-season, but then he got injured at Fulham on his first start, which knocked him back for a bit.
“He’s been working his way back into shape.” In terms of frustrations, I haven’t had any with any of the players. They are all aware that they are in the same boat. They work hard in training and will be given their chance when the time comes.
“When the time comes, it’s up to them to put in performances and play at a level that allows them to remain a part of it.” You can only provide them a chance if they are present. I don’t think his national team form, like everybody else’s, is a direct correlate to here.
“Gio will get a chance, especially in the coming weeks because we are short on players and have a lot of games between now and the new year.” Apart from Romero, we won’t be getting anyone else back in that time frame, so Gio and the other players will get that chance.”
Lo Celso has struggled to find consistent success at Tottenham since joining the club in 2019, but Postecoglou insists that the midfielder, like the rest of the squad, has a fresh start.
“From my perspective, this is the time when I am getting an opportunity to make all of these assessments because if you lump it all together and look at previous exposure here at the club that’s not really relevant to me – it’s what I see from now on,” the 58-year-old added. And how the players feel about playing the game I want to play, and whether they see themselves fitting in.
“There have been a couple of disruptions with Gio as well.” He had a good pre-season; the Fulham game was early in the season, and I started him because I thought he deserved it; then he gets a setback and must battle his way back. It wasn’t on purpose, but I’m going to take a hard look at everyone.”
Our Opinion
Lo Celso‘s characteristics make him an ideal candidate for the number eight/ten position in Postecoglou’s system. I wouldn’t put it past the Argentine to step up and perform in James Maddison’s absence over the next month or two.
Leave a Comment