Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan has backed Ryan Sessegnon to play a big role for Tottenham Hotspur in the upcoming season.
Alasdair Gold reported on July 29 that new manager Nuno Espirito Santo had held positive discussions with Sessegnon, however, the youngster picked up a minor hamstring injury which is why he has been absent from the club’s four pre-season friendlies to date.
The 21-year-old headed out on loan to Bundesliga club Hoffenheim last season in a quest for regular game time after struggling to hold down a regular place in Tottenham’s first team.
The left-wing-back did find regular minutes in Germany, featuring 29 times for the club in all competitions. Sessegnon has only played 12 times for Spurs in all competitions since signing in 2019 for £25m from Fulham.
However, the 21-year-old faces tough competition in the way of regular first-team football this season with Sergio Reguilon arguably the main choice at left-back ahead of Ben Davies.
Whelan has suggested, however, that Nuno will get the best out of Sessegnon.
He told Football Insider: “I don’t think Nuno will get rid of too many players.
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“When you think about a full-back role, he’s perfect. He’s got the energy, he’s got that attacking presence going forward, he can defend.
“Why it’s not worked out at Tottenham up till now, I’ve got no idea, with the high hopes everyone had for him. He was introduced into the England setup at a time as well.
“There are loads there and he’s still very, very young, I’d be very surprised if Nuno doesn’t keep him on board this season because he’s a player that excites you when you watch him.
“I think he will have a role to play, I really do. Nuno might be able to get the best out of him.”
SpursWeb Opinion
Sessegnon is a talent that has to be nurtured. There was a lot of hype when he signed but it hasn’t worked just yet. A successful loan was a good start and now he appears more well-equipped to battle his way into the first team.
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