Fernando Llorente has had a crucial role to play in recent weeks for Tottenham with both Harry Kane and Dele Alli sidelined through injury.
The 33-year-old has been called upon to do a job in the England captain’s absence and has delivered for the most part.
He scored the goal which brought Spurs level on aggregate in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea which pushed the game into penalties and came up with the crucial late winner against Watford last week.
The Spaniard has admitted that it has been tough to build any game rhythm during his time in North London, as this is the first time in his career he has been in a position where he isn’t playing games.
Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks who is having a great season himself, has showered praise on Llorente and has said that he offers the team something different.
The England midfielder has also said that he has been impressed with the perseverance Llorente has displayed even when he isn’t getting game time.
Speaking to Tottenham’s official website, Winks said, “He’s someone who is fantastic at persevering. He’s perhaps had some difficult times here and there, but it just shows how far he’s come, how mentally strong he is because he’s been fantastic for us.
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“He offers more than goals – he holds the ball up and he’s a big focal point for us. He offers a different dimension going forward and on Saturday when he came on, he was key in holding the ball up and getting the assist.
“Obviously against Watford he got the winning goal and he helped us with a goal at Chelsea in the Carabao Cup too, so he’s been important for us.”
The 23-year-old midfielder also spoke in glowing terms about Llorente’s personality and said that the World Cup winner is more than willing to share his experience with the other players.
He added, “He’s an open guy. You can talk to Fernando about anything.
“He’s someone who has got a lot of wisdom in football and a lot of experience in the game so he’s a person you can always talk to and get information from if you need to.”
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