On the latest episode of The Extra Inch podcast, Chris Miller, Nathan Clark and Bardi have been discussing some of the latest goings-on at Tottenham Hotspur, reflecting on Spurs’ start to pre-season and answering questions regarding tactics and transfers from fans of the show.
One topic of discussion on the recent episode, which was titled: ‘We’re back for a pre-season round-up‘, was Spurs man Ryan Sessegnon. The 20-year-old opened the scoring in Spurs’ recent 3-0 friendly win against Ipswich Town and featured as a left-winger, despite previous reports having suggested that Jose Mourinho sees his future at left-back, with the Portuguese manager comparing him to Ashley Cole (per Evening Standard).
Here’s what Bardi had to say about the former Fulham man on the podcast and the dilemma of whether to play Sessegnon in the defence or further forward:
“He doesn’t excite me too much as a forward player, but then we know Mourinho does like his wide players to be defensively-astute so perhaps there’s that in it as well.
“I just don’t think he fancies him at left-back. He gave him a few chances at the turn of the year, I just don’t think Mourinho sees it in him. Perhaps Sessegnon becomes one of these defensive-minded wingers, who knows how to tackle back basically.”
TIF Thoughts…
The England U21 international struggled for game time in his debut season at Spurs, having joined from Fulham last summer for an initial £25 million fee, making just six appearances in the Premier League, averaging a disappointing 6.32 rating (per WhoScored).
Where do you see Sessegnon's future?
Left-back
Left-wing
Hopefully, for Spurs fans and Sessegnon, he will be able to push on and establish himself as more of a regular in Mourinho’s side next season but whether that is at left-back or left-wing remains to be seen, although Bardi seems to feel that the Portuguese manager may never trust the 20-year-old to be a natural left-back in his side.