Tottenham: Spurs player ratings from 2-2 European draw at Rennes
By Aaron Coe
Tottenham Defender Ratings
Tottenham went with the traditional back four for most of the match, although whether it was Matt Doherty or Emerson Royal actually playing right back versus right midfield was probably debatable at the end of the match. Outside of a few absent-minded moments, the defense on a whole was sound, despite conceding two goals.
Matt Doherty – 6.5
Matt Doherty is like a microcosm of the team in that one moment he can be getting a hint of luck and creating a goal and the next moment he might be turned off and conceding one. Doherty like the rest of the team is literally the definition of inconsistent. Matt worked to get forward but his final balls into the box left something to be desired. It was a lucky deflection that led to the second Spurs goal as opposed to a good cross. Fell completely asleep at the back post and almost conceded a diving header at the end of the first half. The less we see Doherty moving forward probably the better given his inconsistent output.
Japhet Tanganga – 7
Japhet Tanganga was okay on Thursday. Strong defending on the ball, he was a bit slow to close out on the first goal, and before the introduction of Pierre Hojbjerg was not pushing up the pitch nearly as quickly as the team would like. Tanganaga is physical enough to play the center-half position but his range of passing is not that of Davinson Sanchez. His best position probably is at right-back but he does the job in the middle, but now must sit out from his red card at Palace.
Joe Rodon – 7.5
Joe Rodon was one of the best, most consistent Tottenham players on the pitch on Thursday. Strong in the air, attacking and winning several balls, and always willing to go for that 50/50. Rodon showed he also has some pace beating Serhou Guirassy to a long ball down the left. After only playing one match before this one, Rodon looks ready and should have the edge to start on Sunday if Eric Dier is not available.
Ben Davies – 6.5
Ben Davies was not as involved on Thursday as was Matt Doherty. Following the exit of Moura, Doherty had to push further up the field, whereas Davies had Bryan Gil on his side who provided a relatively consistent outlet allowing Davies to stay mostly at home. Davies was on the doorstep and was simply beaten to the rebound on Rennes’ second goal. Davies did well in the first half to put his body out there and help break up a cross and opportunity so Pierluigi Gollini could cover.
Pierluigi Gollini – 5.5
Coming into the match we said that Gollini was going to likely have to make 3-4 big saves for Tottenham to win. As it was Gollini did make a couple of decent saves, however, the rebounds he left out there ended up costing Spurs. In the first half, Tottenham was lucky that the rebound was headed over, in the second half there was no such luck. A solid ball blocker, we need Gollini to hang onto those balls and not allow that second chance.