Pape Matar Sarr delivered an all-round dominant performance in Senegal’s 2-0 victory over Burundi, proving once again that he is a vital cog in his country’s midfield.
Senegal secures top spot in Group L as Sarr shines
The international break always brings surprises, and this time, Pape Matar Sarr was the one to impress. Despite being a relatively young player, Sarr’s performances for both his club, Tottenham Hotspur, and his country, Senegal, have demonstrated his maturity and impressive form this season. While many eyes were on other players, Sarr quietly showcased why he is such an important part of Senegal’s setup.
Heading into the match, Senegal was in a commanding position, top of Group L with a healthy goal difference. Even though the outcome of the game wouldn’t alter their qualification status, the team needed to maintain professionalism and secure first place in the group. They faced a Burundi side looking to cause an upset, but Senegal’s experience, class, and depth ensured they prevailed.
Sarr’s performance in this game wasn’t about goals or assists. Instead, his tireless work rate, his control in the midfield, and his key contributions defensively were what stood out. His statistics are a testament to his versatility and his all-around contribution to Senegal’s qualification journey.
Pape Matar Sarr delivers an all-round performance
Against Burundi, Pape Matar Sarr didn’t need to score or provide an assist to prove his worth. With a remarkable 8.2 rating on FotMob, only Diarra, who bagged a brace, had a better performance than the Spurs midfielder.
Statistically, Sarr was everywhere on the pitch, completing 52 out of 57 passes with precision. He was also integral in advancing the play, completing 11 passes into the final third, demonstrating his ability to dictate the tempo of the game.
Defensively, Sarr was a powerhouse. He won 8 out of 13 ground duels and was flawless in his tackle attempts, winning all six of them. His contributions didn’t end there, though – Sarr registered four recoveries, three interceptions, and even displayed his aerial prowess, winning 1 of 1 aerial duels.
His ability to contribute offensively wasn’t ignored either, with a successful dribble, a chance created, and a foul won. In every aspect, he was involved, and his display was essential in Senegal’s comfortable 2-0 win, securing top spot in Group L.
| Statistic | Performance |
|---|---|
| FotMob Rating | 8.2 |
| Accurate Passes | 52/57 |
| Passes into Final Third | 11 |
| Ground Duels Won | 8/13 |
| Tackles Won | 6/6 |
| Recoveries | 4 |
| Interceptions | 3 |
| Accurate Long Balls | 2 |
| Aerial Duels Won | 1/1 |
| Successful Dribbles | 1/1 |
| Chances Created | 1 |
| Foul Won | 1 |
It was a complete performance, one that showed just how important Sarr is for Senegal. Even when not scoring or assisting, his presence on the field is undeniable. He didn’t just contribute in one area of the game, but played a key role in both defence and attack.
His consistent efforts in all departments make him one of the most complete midfielders in the team, and his performance against Burundi was no exception.
Sarr is vital for Spurs without Bentancur
This weekend’s clash against Manchester City will be another test for the young Senegalese midfielder, but his performance against Burundi further highlights just how much he is improving as a midfielder.
With City likely to dominate possession, Sarr’s defensive contribution will be essential, and his ability to recover the ball and disrupt opposition attacks will be crucial. This is especially the case without Rodrigo Bentancur in the team due to his seven-match ban.
Postecoglou will undoubtedly look to his young star to bring that same energy and defensive resilience that he’s shown in both the Premier League and international football, as Spurs prepare for one of their toughest tests of the season.