Antonio Conte was left impressed by the international performances of Joe Rodon and Steven Bergwijn over the past week, with both struggling to earn club minutes under the Italian.
Rodon started Wales’ all-important World Cup knock-out qualifier against Austria at the start of the break and put in a sensational performance in the central sweeper role.
Wales play the same back three system as Tottenham, with Ben Davies even playing on the left side of both teams, so Conte would have been watching Rodon’s performance with interest.
Meanwhile, Bergwijn managed to net three times in the space of two games for the Netherlands, with a brace against Denmark in a 4-2 friendly win, followed by a 1-1 draw with Germany.
Bergwijn’s most notable moment in a Spurs shirt this season came when he scored a stoppage-time brace against Leicester City to take Tottenham from a losing position to all three points.
On the Dutch winger, Conte said (Football London): “We are talking about a player with great quality and potential. He’s different to the players we’ve got in the squad, 1v1 when the space is very short and he’s good to beat the man and create chances.
“I think Steven has great space for improvement and he has to give continuity. He needs to continue to work hard. He’s a player that can change the situation. He can create chances for himself and others.
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“I think he needs to believe in himself more. He needs to continue to work with and without the ball and help the team in every moment.
“Football is a team game and you have to be ready to help the team in every moment. For sure we are talking about another player who is doing important improvements.”
On Joe Rodon, he added: “When our players go to national teams, my staff and I try to watch every game.
“This session of the national team, we have to be pleased. To see the performance of Joe and also Steven Bergwijn, it means maybe we’re doing a good job with them.
“Joe is not playing many games with us but despite this he was fit. Joe is a good player but a really really great man. He had broken two ribs. He did every training session.
“He was always available and I know very well the pain you feel when you break a rib. It means you’re a great man. Joe has to continue in this way, work hard and have this satisfaction.
“I repeat to play this way with Wales in an important game in World Cup qualification, it means you’re working hard and well. I always say this: I have a group of players working well, they’re very focused and working to improve the level.”
Spurs Web Opinion:
I still think Rodon should have been handed minutes when Eric Dier was out injured, but obviously his broken rib caused complications. I also think Bergwijn and Lucas Moura should be subbed on for Son and Kulusevski earlier in games to add fresh legs.
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