Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has claimed that Oliver Skipp has the potential to achieve great things, given the mindset that the youngster possesses.
When Rodrigo Bentancur was ruled out for the rest of the season after rupturing his ACL, some Spurs fans might have feared that the campaign would end up petering out, given how important a player the Uruguayan has become for the team.
(Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
To make matters worse, Yves Bissouma also suffered a long-term injury, which meant that Antonio Conte and his coaching staff had to turn to Skipp.
The 22-year-old has certainly not disappointed, having carried on from where he left off before he suffered his pelvic injury over a year ago.
In fact, one can argue that Spurs have looked much more defensively solid since Skipp came into the starting eleven, with the Lilywhites hardly giving away any chances against West Ham United and Chelsea.
The Tottenham academy graduate also made an impact on the other end of the pitch on Sunday, netting the home side’s opener with a clean strike from the edge of the box, and Hojbjerg showered praise on his midfield partner for his display.
The Dane told the club’s official website: “Skippy is a young man with great potential, but he also has a mindset where he continues to work hard, continues to give his best and this is the greatest compliment I can give him.
“Because, without hard work and dedication and that mentality, it’s difficult to become something in this world.
“He has these things. He’s stepping up, that’s important for him and important for the team.
“That’s all we can ask for. He should be proud, but he should also be focussed on continuing this journey.”
Spurs Web Opinion
It was evident from the way that Skipp was mobbed by his teammates after his goal that he is an extremely popular member of the changing room.
As Hojbjerg points out, the 22-year-old seems committed to working hard and improving as a player, and that is a prerequisite to become a top player.
Have something to tell us about this article?
