Brad Friedel disagrees with former Tottenham teammate Rafael van der Vaart when it comes to the need for a creative presence in Antonio Conte's XI. Something fans have pointed out ever since Christian Eriksen departed for Inter Milan just over three years ago, the Dutchman last week stated that Spurs are "missing a classic No.10" and Chelsea's Hakim Ziyech could be the answer to their issues.
Conte's 3-4-3 system doesn't accommodate a No.10, with the onus very much on the wing-backs and the two players either side of Harry Kane to be creative forces for the Lilywhites, although the striker himself and midfielders Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur have regularly contributed with goals and assists this term. Friedel does see Van der Vaart's point but he has stressed the style of player under Conte and the success that the Italian has enjoyed as a manager throughout his career.
"I understand where Rafa is coming from, he was so talented himself, but you have to take into account who the head coach is and the style of play they want to implement," said Friedel when speaking to sportingpost.com. "This is where some of the criticism of pundits and fans has come from – sometimes the games aren’t this exciting, beautiful brand of football. But most teams Conte has managed have been unbelievably successful but efficient the way they have played.
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"So I see Rafa's point, but I don’t necessarily agree wholeheartedly. Each manager puts their own stamp on how their team plays and I think Conte gets very good results playing his style of football, no matter who he is managing.
"Look at Kulusevski, he’s got bags of skill, as does Son, Lucas and Kane. But I just think it’s the way that they play and how Conte wants them to play. Conte knows what he’s doing and he’s a winner."
Pedro Porro is one player who looks set to boost Tottenham's play in the final third over the coming years after registering some very impressive numbers during his spell at Sporting CP. The Spaniard cannot get in the team at the moment, though, with Emerson Royal producing his best football in a Tottenham shirt.
"Most of the time when new players are signed, the position is up for grabs and if the players who were already there have an uptick in form they’ll keep their place," explained the former United States international. "Just because a new player comes in, that doesn’t automatically mean that someone is going to be replaced.
"There’s a few reasons why you bring the new players in. By and large it’s to make the squad better, but if bringing someone in makes someone else who is already at the club better then that’s a great problem to have."
Another player who is currently taking his chance in the Tottenham team is Oliver Skipp. Following a frustrating past 12 months with a couple of injury issues severely restricting his playing time, the England Under-21s international caught the eye in his starts against AC Milan and West Ham.
Getting his opportunity in wake of Bentancur's season-ending knee injury, Friedel has hailed the academy graduate and outlined what Spurs will really miss from the Uruguayan at such a crucial time in the calendar.
"I rate Skipp, no doubt, but I also think Bentancur is a big miss," admitted the former Tottenham man. "When you get to the stages of the season or games where there is much needed experience – it’s a different element to the game. I think that’s what they’ll miss from Bentancur as the games roll on.
"However Skipp is very, very good and that’s for everyone to see. He’s an outstanding player. I’m not sure if Bentancur's injury will be the difference to making or missing out on top four, but I’m sure Conte would like to have Bentancur available if he could."
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