Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings in Much Needed Win over West Brom

3 of 5

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 07: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with team mates Ben Davies, Erik Lamela and Son Heung-Min after scoring their side’s first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Bromwich Albion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 07, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Matt Dunham – Pool/Getty Images) /

Tottenham Midfield Ratings

The Tottenham midfield seemed to bounce back a bit as Pierre Højbjerg was ever present, Tanguy Ndombele got on the ball and Erik Lamela was consistently available as a target. Ndombele and Højbjerg in particular were dominating of the ball with 20% of the total possession in the match and a combined 216 touches.

Pierre Højbjerg -8

Although Pierre Højbjerg was not the only holding midfielder for Tottenham like we were looking for, the performance was exactly what we wanted. At times you could see Højbjerg working to pull the reigns and NOT push further forward. In doing so he was consistently available as a layoff option which led to his assist to Kane as the Dane stepped up into the space and played the perfect pass. All action all the time, kept the game in front of him, which behooves Spurs greatly.

Tanguy Ndombele – 7

Tanguy Ndombele was bright early, using movement to get on the ball and help start Spurs attack. Maybe it was because he missed so few passes completing 76 or 84 (90%) but the couple he missed looked really off. Such is the expectation for Ndombele that it is almost surprising when he is not perfect. Did not do as much forward but did not have to with Erik Lamela in front of him.

Erik Lamela – 7

Lamela had just over half as many touches of Højbjerg (63 to 121) but had those touches in much more forward positions and helped spur the Tottenham attack. Officially credited with just 1 shot, it is Lamela’s consistent ability to be available (did I really just write that?) as an outlet (ok) in the middle of the pitch that makes him so important. Erik Lamela’s ability to hold the ball and turn on a consistent basis – something Steven Bergwijn cannot – takes a ton of pressure off Harry Kane and makes the team more dynamic. Now only if that consistency as an available outlet in midfield can turn into consistently available for the team selection, Lamela could be a difference maker this season. Made a big run to get Son space on the second goal, likely disappointed to have NOT received the pass, but it was the right decision by Moura and a GREAT run by Lamela.