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Leeds match offered more evidence why Conte favours Tottenham attacker

By Jonathan Myers

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Lucas Moura of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring their side's third goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 28, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Lucas Moura of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring their side's third goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 28, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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Reasons Antonio Conte prefers the direct, speedy forward

Lucas Moura had an integral part to play in Spurs’ first league win in over a month. In the first half he dropped deep to collect, and was continuously bundled over from behind, winning Spurs multiple free kicks. Sometimes the Brazilian got caught running with his head down, but at least he showed some enterprise and positive intent.

Early in the second half Moura played an incisive pass to Kane, who forced Leeds keeper, Illan Meslier, to push his effort on to the post. Soon after, Moura played an intelligent lofted ball into Son Heung-min, whose resultant ball deflected wildly on to the crossbar.

The Brazilian also got in on the act for Spurs’ equalizer. Moura played a smart pass back to Pierre Hojbjerg, whose scuffed shot worked out better than had he struck it cleanly.

Spurs’ second goal came directly from a free kick on the edge of the penalty area, which was a result of another Moura run. You can see why Moura is already in the manager’s good graces.

What about Ryan Sessegnon?

Sergio Reguilon and Ryan Sessegnon have all the tools to excel under Tottenham’s new head coach. Sessegnon impressed in his brief cameo off the bench, looking lively and confident, particularly considering his extended time away from the first team.

Under Conte’s guidance, there is no reason Sessegnon can’t eventually infiltrate the starting 11. Competition for places is something Spurs haven’t had recently, allowing too many players an artificial feeling of comfortability.

The same concept of competition for places seems to have benefitted Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez. Dier has featured in every match this season, and while he’s looked unsure at times, Sunday’s outing was an accomplished one. Mind you, he was playing against a side near the bottom of the table.

Sanchez replaced Japhet Tanganga in the 68th minute. The Colombian also showed promising signs in his brief time on the pitch. His performance, though, needs to be taken with a grain of salt, especially considering how dominant Tottenham were going forward when he arrived on the scene.

When Sanchez initially arrived at Tottenham in 2017, he joined a back three with Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld. Sanchez, for the most part, enjoyed a relatively accomplished first season in north London. Since then he has struggled with the basics. However, there seems to be a new-found desire to get back to his best at Spurs, thanks again to the new gaffer’s inspirational presence.

Next. Player ratings from 2-1 win over Leeds. dark

So while Spurs showed a lot of promise in the second half against Leeds, Conte has a ton of work ahead to lift his new side to the heights expected of every Tottenham supporter.