Ryan is back to his best
RYAN SESSEGNON is hoping he is finally over the injury problems that have stalled his career for both club and country.
The Spurs wing-back admits the last six years have been a “roller coaster” of early hype and setback.
But after a summer spent building his fitness to be ready to meet the demands of Antonio Conte, he is feeling in the form of his life.
And while experience has taught him to take nothing for granted, Sessegnon, 22, is feeling as optimistic about the future as he has in years.
He said: “Football is a roller coaster, there are a lot of ups and downs and you can be a 10 one day and a one the next. You have to stay level-headed.
“It’s not been easy – I was doing well at Fulham and then hit by so many obstacles at Spurs.
“Now I’m coming through the other side. It’s been hard work mentally and physically. I’m looking forward to the future.”
Sessegnon will play for Lee Carsley’s Under-21s against Italy in Pescara today and is ready to play the old hand as the squad look forward to next summer’s European Championships.
But he admitted that under Conte he is stringing together his first extended run of top-class club form which has him dreaming of a senior call-up.
“I’ve been in this team a long time now – I’m probably one of the older guys here,” he said.
“So I’ll try and help the younger guys, talking to them and trying to set an example.
“Me getting in the senior team is a question you would have to ask Gareth Southgate. If the opportunity comes, then, I’ll be delighted.”
Sessegnon’s improved physicality this season is in direct response to the demands placed on his squad by his Spurs boss.
“With this gaffer, even if we’re doing tactical stuff, it’s still physically hard,” he said.
“It’s hard but your body adapts.
“Then when you’re on the pitch it
benefits you.”