World-class status achievable for Tottenham defender under Conte

While the fairly young Tottenham wingback still has a lot to learn, Sergio Reguilon has the potential to achieve world-class status under Antonio Conte‘s leadership. 

We saw the good and the ugly side of the Spaniard in Tottenham’s 2-1 win over Leeds. Reguilon and Ben Davies shared partial blame when Daniel James sprung free at the back post to prod home the away side’s opener. It’s not the first time Reguilon has been found wanting on the defensive side of the ball, and it probably won’t be the last.

The good came in the second half, when Reguilon ran rampant down the left wing, causing havoc for a strung-out Leeds backline. The Spaniard, when he bagged Spurs’ winner, was rewarded for his lively, enterprising work.

Reguilon has endured lengthy inconsistent spells since the start of last season, sometimes exceeding expectations, sometimes doing a disservice to Spurs’ cause.

His ability going forward, though, is undeniable. He has the speed, agility and skill to cause recurring nightmares for even the most astute defensive sides. When he’s in the mood, he has the capacity to be an assist machine. Conte, well aware of Reguilon’s upside, has, by employing him as an advanced wingback, set the Spaniard up for immediate success. The Italian gaffer is fully aware of the attacking prowess Reguilon possesses.

In Conte’s preferred 3-4-3 system, it is the wingbacks who are required to be the fittest. There’s no getting around the fact that everyone must be indefatigable to successfully execute Conte’s relentless style. However, the amount of running required from his wingbacks is unrivalled. Prior to the Leeds match, Reguilon discussed the intense nature of Conte’s training sessions during the international break:

"“We are working a lot the last few weeks and the international break was one of the worst weeks of my life in training!”"

Once Reguilon is fit enough to fulfil his demanding wingback duties, Conte will hone in on the area of his game most in need of improvement, his defensive work. Each training session with the diligent, detail-oriented gaffer will help Reguilon improve his defensive reliability and wherewithal. All that work, both on and off the pitch, will eventually help eradicate the fallible moments that are preventing Reguilon from becoming one of the world’s best left backs.

With Conte’s enduring guidance, that lofty achievement is within reach for the talented 24-year-old.