When Sergio Reguilon signed for Tottenham in September 2020, fans across the globe had high hopes. He hit the ground running under Jose Mourinho, but his spell under Antonio Conte has been below-par.
Constant injuries, a lack of attacking threat and reckless decision-making are all serious issues facing the Spaniard currently. So, what is next for the 25-year-old fullback?
The most likely outcome for the Madrid prodigy is a move away from N17. Ever since Conte arrived, Ryan Sessegnon has been preferred at wing-back due to the greater threat he possesses. Due to the arrival of Ivan Perisic, it is unlikely Reguilon would want to be 3rd in the pecking order.
His performances at left-wing-back may make consistent game time at Spurs unlikely. Sergio Reguilon has averaged just 0.19 expected assists per 90 (FBREF). This is 0.06 lower than both Sessegnon and Perisic, showing just how ineffective Reguilon can be with the final ball.
Continuing the trend, Reguilon has also made just 2.44 progressive passes and 4.6 progressive carries per 90 (FBREF). In comparison, Perisic has 4.03 and 6.63 per 90 retrospectively (FBREF). Whilst, Sessegnon averages similar to the Spaniard at 3.01 progressive passes and 4.56 progressive carries per 90 (FBREF).
However, if Sessegnon offers a greater final ball, these stats suggest Reguilon would have to improve to play regularly. Due to this, it is likely he will search for more game time elsewhere.
The Spaniard may also be forced out by the hierarchy depending on the number of foreign players in the squad.
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Currently, Spurs are on the limit of 17 foreign players for the Premier League. But, in the Champions League, they are 5 over the limit at 22 due to different rules making the likes of Rodon and Davies non-homegrown (football.london).
Therefore, Reguilon may be sold if Spurs want to bring in more signings, especially as the N17 squad is already overflowing in the wing-back department.
On the other hand, the Spaniard is a strong squad player, therefore he could stay as a rotation option. However, this might depend on the plans with Ivan Perisic.
It is plausible that the Croatian will play further forward in some matches, therefore it will leave Sessegnon and Reguilon to fight for the left-wing-back position.
Having said that, Perisic’s main position is expected to be at wing-back after Conte believes he can help mentor Sessegnon (football.london).
However, if the transfer targets dry up in the attacking positions, then they may use Perisic’s versatile qualities to play him further up the pitch, and it is possible Reguilon would stay if the Tottenham hierarchy chose this plan.
Reguilon also has more experience than either of Sessegnon or Perisic in a flat back four if that is ever needed across the season.
Currently, it feels very hard to predict what Spurs will do in the rest of the transfer window. However, Reguilon may play a big factor in what new signings come in.
It is likely he will have to impress Conte in pre-season to prove his qualities. Otherwise, Reguilon may well be sacrificed to make way for fresh N17 blood.
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