Tottenham Hotspur journalist James Maw has been discussing whether or not the north London club should start Lilywhites midfielder Giovani Lo Celso in their upcoming Premier League match against Manchester City at the weekend.
This comes after Maw recently made an appearance on The Athletic’s Spurs-themed podcast The View From The Lane where he spoke about a number of different topics concerning Jose Mourinho’s side.
On the topic of the clash against City and who should play in midfield for Spurs, Maw was asked whether or not Lo Celso should start ahead of Moussa Sissoko alongside Tanguy Ndombele and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
In response, Maw had this to say on the matter.
He said: “I don’t think this is the game for that. I think we’ve said a few times before what Sissoko offers most of all – particularly when Spurs are out of possession – is cover, not just for [Serge] Aurier, who will play at right-back as we know, because Doherty’s out with [the virus]. I just think in a game like this, you’re really going to want to have a midfield player who’s got that mobility to nip in and help out right across the back four and I’d be amazed if Mourinho didn’t see it that way.”
Spurs signed the Argentine on a permanent deal back in the previous January transfer window for a fee of £27.2 million after originally joining on loan in the summer of 2019.
Overall, the 24-year-old, who is currently valued at £31.5 million, has made 48 appearances for Spurs, in which he has managed to score five goals and provide three assists (per Transfermarkt).
Would you start Lo Celso against City at the weekend?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts on James Maw’s comments on whether or not Lo Celso should start against City…
Taking into account that Sissoko (5) has started more games than Lo Celso (1) in the Premier League so far this season, it would seem likely that the Frenchman would be more in favour to start against Pep Guardiola’s side.
In our view, this may make him better suited to play against City and continue his run in the team.
Either way, it’ll be interesting to see who Mourinho chooses to play in his midfield for the City game. Given this will be just Spurs’ second league meeting within the so-called ‘Big Six’ this season, perhaps Mourinho will have a surprising plan up his sleeve.