Tottenham Hotspur player ratings in listless 2-0 loss to Wolves
By Gary Pearson
Midfield
Rodrigo Bentancur 6.5/10
The newbie finally got his first Premier League start. He didn’t have a particularly good first half, but nor did any of his teammates. The Uruguayan reacted well after the interval and was Tottenham’s best players in the second half. He did needlessly concede possession a few times and was slightly pedestrian on occasion, but adapted well in the latter stages. Also picked out a few great passes. And at least he showed some passion.
Harry Winks 4/10
One great half volley in the second half mixed in with a bevy of bad. Winks wasn’t nearly good enough for this level, and not for the first time in recent matches. He gave the ball away too many times under almost no pressure and couldn’t pick out any incisive passes. Not good enough from the Englishman. In my opinion, Pierre Hojbjerg should have started but didn’t due to a poor performance against Southampton. Easy to say in retrospect, though.
Ryan Sessegnon 5/10
Tough to give him such a poor rating in only 25 minutes of action, but such is life. He made a few poor passes and was withdrawn very early, more due to tactical reasons than his play. However, his performance didn’t justify keeping him on the pitch either.
Matt Doherty 3/10
Not nearly good enough from Doherty. He’s just not at the level of his opponents or the league. Too slow and always cutting inside to play a lateral pass, Doherty never gets to the byline to knock in crosses. Makes it way too easy on his opposing number. Opposition must love it when Doherty’s name on Spurs’ team sheet.
Forwards and Subs
Harry Kane 5/10
Spurs leader needs to do more to try galvanize his struggling side. He created a few chances and had some decent half chances himself but didn’t impact a game of this nature nearly enough.
Son Heung-min 5/10
Probably the brightest Tottenham attacker, Son did his usual positive running but struggled mightily with his final touch. Too many chances to be clinical went begging for the South Korean, who, though he got himself into good positions, never really looked like scoring.
Lucas Moura 4/10
For the second match in a row, Lucas Moura didn’t get any chances on goal. His passing was good and so too his movement. But he needs to create more chances.
Dejan Kulusevski 5/10
Kulu missed a gaping goal with 15 minutes left, which would have provides Spurs with a lifeline. He moved well and did a lot of running, but his final touch let him down. His quality needs to improve substantially, but it’s early times yet. He shows commitment and a tireless work rate, which Conte will appreciate.
Steven Bergwijn 5.5/10
Bergwijn played decently and created a few half chances but couldn’t offer the spark his side so badly required.