Spurs loan watch: Crazy game in Belgium

On Sunday evening, there was Belgian Pro League action for Tottenham Hotspur loanees Luka Vuskovic, Alfie Devine, and their KVC Westerlo counterparts, as they hosted Gent.

As tends to be the case, both Vuskovic and Devine were named in the starting XI by Westerlo manager Timmy Simons. In defence, Vuskovic started as the right sided centre back in a flat back four, whilst Devine played on the right side of a double pivot.

Crazy game for Tottenham Hotspur loanees over in Belgium

After a quarter of an hour, Westerlo would take the lead, and looked to be heading into the break with a one goal advantage, but a penalty from Englishman Max Dean – England U20 team mate of Ashley Phillips and Will Lankshear – made sure the sides would go into the interval level.

Then, just a couple of minutes into the second half, Gent would take the lead for the first time in the game. For a long time, this looked like it would be the winner for the visitors, but a goal four minutes from time meant the sides were level once again. That would be that, and both teams would have a share of the spoils in an entertaining 0-0 draw.

Both Spurs loanees would play the 90 minutes. In particular, Vuskovic’s stat line for this game is particularly impressive, with the teenage central defender recording; ten clearances, one clearance off the line, three blocked shots, two interceptions, five tackles, 74 touches, one chance created, 5/9 accurate long balls, 6/8 ground duels won, and two shots off target.

One of those two shots was a header from a corner in the 94th minute, which would have been an incredible way to cap off such a performance, but it went wide and it just wasn’t to be. Still, another encouraging performance from a very promising player.

As for Devine, his evening was quieter, but it is another 90 minutes under his belt, as he continues to improve and develop. The midfielder has already played 848 minutes in the Belgian Pro League, as well as another 15 in the cup. Safe to say that the club have nailed both of these loans – amidst plenty of other failing ones.

This draw leaves Westerlo in 8th place in the league, with 22 points from their 16 games so far this season. Next up is a game in the Beker van Belgie cup, as they face the tricky test of Anderlecht, away from home, on Thursday – with a 19:30 GMT kick off.