Harry Kane has praised Pape Matar Sarr and Oliver Skipp for their individual performances in Tottenham’s 1-0 loss to AC Milan on Tuesday.
Antonio Conte had no choice but to start with a central midfielder pairing of Sarr and Skipp at the San Siro, with Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur out with long-term injuries and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg suspended for the match.
(Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
There were some concerns among Spurs fans regarding how the inexperienced pair would cope with the pressure of the big occasion, with it being Sarr’s Champions League debut and just his third start for Tottenham (Transfermarkt).
However, the two midfielders were arguably Tottenham’s best players on the pitch as they delivered a battling display and showed maturity beyond their years.
When asked about the two youngsters, Kane told The Evening Standard: “I thought they were both outstanding.
“It’s not easy to come into the team — two young players who have not got as much experience as some of the others — in that sort of atmosphere and game, and perform the way they did. They should be proud.
“We were fully behind them and I think it’s important that the more experienced players make them feel as comfortable as possible.
“The boss said before the game, ‘We completely trust you and enjoy playing at the San Siro against one of the most famous clubs in the world’. They did that.”
Kane has witnessed Skipp come through the youth ranks of the Tottenham academy and the striker spoke highly of the hard work the youngster has put in behind-the-scenes since his return from injury.
When asked about the 22-year-old, the England captain said: “He’s just a really hard worker. Keeps his head down, works hard, quite shy but just gets on with his job.
“He was really unlucky. When Antonio first came in, he was playing a big part of our team. He was playing games, looking good, looking solid then he got quite a big injury in his pelvis area.
“That set him back three or four months, and he’s just been working hard to get his time again and been waiting patiently so really happy that he’s done well tonight. He’ll keep trying to improve and that starts again on Sunday.”
Kane also delivered a glowing assessment of Sarr, admitting that Tottenham need the youngster to step up for the rest of the season.
He said about the Senegal international: “He’s got fantastic quality. He was everywhere last night, breaking up play, tracking back, and making tackles, shots, and crosses.
“He’s a player who has all the ability and he’ll only get better from experiences like last night, playing a really good team, a really good midfield.
“We’re happy with him. The boss trusts him, that’s why he’s playing and we’re going to need those type of performances for the rest of the season.”
Spurs Web Opinion
It is worth remembering that Skipp was one of our most consistent performers in the first half of last season before he suffered his pelvic injury. So, we know that the 22-year-old is capable of performing at the highest level.
Sarr seems like an extremely well-rounded talent and while he will have a steep learning curve over the next couple of months, the experience will do his development a world of good.
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