Spurs loan watch: Disappointing defeat for young loanees

On Saturday night, there was Belgian Pro League action for Tottenham Hotspur loanees Luka Vuskovic and Alfie Devine, as their KVS Westerlo side played Sint-Truidense VV. 

For this game, Vuskovic was interestingly played as a left centre back in a back three, having initially played on the right side when they first moved to it, and then more recently as the central centre back.

It is pretty encouraging and bodes well for him that he is capable of playing in all three roles. Devine was played as the number ten in Timmy Simons' 3412 set up, having mostly played as one of the two number eights. 

Westerlo would fall behind to a 21st minute opener from their hosts, which would be the only goal of the first half. After 12 minutes, Vuskovic had had a header saved following a set piece situation. Devine had three shots of his own in the first period, with two blocked, and one off target.

It would be a tough second half for all, with Westerlo unable to respond, and with five minutes or so of normal time remaining, Vuskovic committed a penalty, which was duly dispatched to give the hosts two goals and three points.

Despite the disappointment of conceding the penalty, the Croatian central defender still recorded; four clearances, one tackle, 78 touches, one chance created, 8/11 accurate long balls, 3/4 ground duels, 7/9 aerial duels, two fouls drawn, and one shot on target.

Meanwhile, Devine, who also played 90 minutes, encouragingly, recorded; four shots, 48 touches, 33/39 passes, two chances created, 1/2 accurate crosses, 1/1 accurate long balls, and one clearance.

No doubt about it, a very disappointing night at the office. This defeat has resulted in Westerlo plummeting to 9th place in the Belgian Pro League, and they could fall even lower by the end of the current gameweek.

Next up for Vuskovic, Devine, and Westerlo is a game in the Belgian Cup, where they face RWD Molenbeek of the Belgian second tier, who were relegated from the Pro League last season. The game will be played on Tuesday night, with a 19:00 GMT kick off. It will be interesting to see if the two loanees play, or if they are afforded some rest ahead of next weekends league game.

That said game will be at home to Dender this coming Friday night, just three days after the cup game, with a 19:45 GMT kick off.