Finally a real competition again at Tottenham Hotspur for playing time

It has been a while since Tottenham Hotspur had the quality and depth to ensure players earn match time, but some real competition is brewing at Spurs.

One player came to Tottenham Hotspur and immediately hit the ground running, while the other has taken some time to adjust and find a place within the squad. And while Sergio Reguilon and Ryan Sessegnon have come from different backgrounds, both will be battling for playing time on the left for rest of the season, a positive result for Tottenham Hotspur.

Competition is a good problem for Tottenham Hotspur

Competition is a good thing, whether from the inside or the outside; competition makes people better. Over the last several years, there has not been the kind of competition for playing time that pushes players to excel. Thanks to some good coaching and a little patience, Spurs are starting to grow as a squad and healthy battles for playing time should ensue, with Sessegnon and Reguilon’s battle popping up recently.

Over the last two months, Sessegnon has received the kind of minutes and opportunity that he has long needed. Sessegnon is a player who rides the emotion of confidence to success or failure. When a player like Sesesgnon does not play, it is impossible to build his confidence for success.

After not fully grasping his first opportunity under the Italian, Reguilon’s Covid situation gave Sessegnon the extra minutes he needed to get right. Conte has stuck with Sessegnon even after Reguilon’s return to fitness, a testament to the gaffer’s patience and willingness to see fringe players compete for first team spots.

Unfortunately for Sessegnon, he may have picked up a knock against Everton, continuing his long history of being derailed by injuries. Reguilon took full advantage of the 45 minutes he got after Sessegnon went off, scoring in the first minute after being introduced in the 5-0 drubbing of the Toffees.

Reguilon started the move with a tackle and finished it with the goal. It was a big moment as the Spaniard began to re-stake his claim on the left wing-back role. The hope would be that Sessegnon is not out long and that the two can push each other to excel.

While Spurs may not have the depth across the pitch Conte wants, at least one position seems strong enough to have a real battle for the first team. There are others, including Lucas Moura and Dejan Kulusevski, but the Swede has stamped his authority on that position since dominating in recent encounters.