CONTE IDEAL FOR SPURS
ANTONIO CONTE’S activity in the transfer market has proved he is the right man to strengthen Tottenham – despite some erratic form on the pitch. The Italian took the reins in north London back in November following Nuno Espirito Santo’s dismissal.
Under the ex-chelsea chief’s stewardship, the north Londoners’ performances have been unpredictable at times.
But former Spurs and England defender Jonathan Woodgate believes Conte is slowly stamping his authority on the club after bringing in fresh faces during the January transfer window.
Woodgate reckons the impact of Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski from Juventus proves Conte knows how to manoeuvre the club in the transfer market.
He said: “I watched Bentancur when he was at Boca Juniors and I watched him quite a few times at Juventus. I’ve always liked him. I think he gives them something else in the centre of the pitch.
“Pierre-emile Hojbjerg, Harry Winks, and maybe Oliver Skipp, they’re a bit too similar.
“When Bentancur comes in, he’s more progressive with the ball. He looks stronger in that position.
“Kulusevski, I didn’t know a lot about him when he first came. But he’s got a floating role on the right-hand side and has done well.
“He can see a pass, assists well, so he has been a good signing.that’s what I mean about Spurs, they have to be creative and sign these types of players to really progress.”
Conte’s deal at
Tottenham is until June 2023 but former Bournemouth boss Woodgate reckons the club will be keen to keep him in the capital.
And he warned that Conte will need cash to splash.
“I know he’s only got an 18-month contract but I’m sure that’ll get renewed at some point. Spurs aren’t going to get a better manager than Conte,” he said.
“But they’ll need to spend a lot to try and get into the Champions League next year. It’s not going to be easy for them to get into the Champions League now.they’ve been too inconsistent. But if they get there, Conte has done an incredible job.”