Tottenham Hotspur striker Fernando Llorente is targeting improvement in his second year at the club after an underwhelming debut season, but admits it’s difficult to keep fit when he isn’t playing.
The World Cup winner moved to North London from Swansea City last summer, but was unable to supplant Harry Kane and scored just five goals in all competitions for Spurs.
He is eager to do better this time around, however: “Last year I started with my arm broken and it was difficult for me. When I don’t play games it’s difficult to be fit but I kept working every day to stay fit and now I am trying to get an opportunity to play games in pre-season,” he told Football London.
“Yes, I feel very good here and I would like to help the team more than last year and try to score more goals.
“It’s not easy [being Kane’s back-up], but I know the situation. Harry is an unbelievable player and he wants to play and always score two or three. It’s good for the team and I only have to be ready when my opportunity is coming.”
OPINION
It would be hard for Llorente to be any worse in year two than he was in his debut campaign in London. True, it must be difficult sitting behind the best centre forward in world football, but the Spaniard didn’t make enough of the opportunities that did come his way last season. However, the 33-year-old should be given the chance to improve this year. Llorente is ideally suited to the role of back-up striker due to his height, experience and proven track record. He is a natural goalscorer, and if he can find his mojo earlier this campaign then he will be a valuable asset to a Spurs side fighting on four fronts again this year. Trophies are a must for Tottenham this season, and you don’t win trophies without real strength in depth. Llorente gives Pochettino that up front, and if he has earned his manager’s trust this pre season then he could turn out to be an important player for the club this term.