Spurs loan watch: Disappointing evening in Belgium

On Sunday evening, there was Belgian Pro League action for Spurs loanees Luka Vuskovic, Alfie Devine, and their KVC Westerlo side, as they travelled to FCV Dender for match day seventeen of the 24/25 campaign.

Having both been rested during the midweek cup exit, Vuskovic and Devine were back in the starting XI for this game, with Timmy Simons focus on the league.

Frustrating evening for pair of Tottenham Hotspur loanees

Unfortunately, it would end up being another disappointing game to compile a disappointing week at the office, with Westerlo being condemned to a 1-0 defeat on the road here.

Despite the defeat, both loanees put in strong performances once again. During the 90 minutes, Vuskovic recorded; eight clearances, one blocked shot, three interceptions, one tackle,  80 touches, 8/8 accurate long balls. 3/3 ground duels won, 5/7 aerial duels won, two fouls drawn, and a shot on target. He was the highest rated player on the pitch.

As for Devine, who started this game as a number ten, in a 4231 formation, he recorded; 79 touches, 52/56 passes, three chances created, 3/4 accurate long balls, one shot off target, 4/6 successful dribble attempts, 5/7 ground duels won, one clearance, two interceptions, and a tackle. The 20-year old also played the 90 minutes here.

Although it was a frustrating result, it is really good to see two young Spurs players get so much game time, week in week out. Other than George Abbott at Notts County, they are the only two loanees who have been shoo ins all season. Some have started well and dropped off, or vice versa, but these two have been constants in the Westerlo side all season.

With the consistent injuries to central defenders in the first team, it will be particularly interesting to see what the club do with Vuskovic in the summer, when he officially joins the club. Croatia U21s did not qualify for the Euros next summer, so there is a chance for plenty of time on the training ground for the 17-year old, even if he is loaned out later on in the window.

Due to his age (three years older than Vuskovic), there is perhaps less chance of a future in N17 for Devine, but there is no doubt that he has had a really good loan spell so far, and you would expect him to at least get the chance to show Ange what he can do in pre-season next summer.

Anyway, next up for Westerlo is a trip to USG on Sunday, at 15:00 GMT.