Tribal Football
·14 July 2022
Tribal Football
·14 July 2022
Since his appointment in November last year, Antonio Conte has overseen a transformation at Tottenham, implementing his rigid yet effective style of play and demanding transfer activities from the club's hierarchy.
Conte has already completed the signings of Ivan Perisic from Inter Milan, Yves Bissouma from Brighton and Hove Albion, Richarlison from Everton, and Fraser Forster from Southampton.
However, he would need several more additions to improve the size and quality of his squad.
And after a busy window so far, Conte can preserve Tottenham's depleted transfer budget by utilising a few of the club's returning loanees.
On that note let's take a look at three returning loanees who can make a difference in Tottenham this season:
Pape Matar Sarr
At just 19 years old, Sarr is a rising star. He earned his first call-up for the Senegal national team in March 2021 and was a part of their triumphant African Cup of Nations Squad, making one appearance during the tournament.
Matar Sarr would return to his parent club this summer and look to secure his place on Senegal's World Cup squad using his exciting midfield abilities.
The midfielder is strong in defence and can use his six-foot frame to win aerial and ground duels. He also has the athleticism to play as a box-to-box midfielder and the skill to play as an attacking midfielder.
He would be a welcome addition to Conte's squad, especially with the anticipated departures of Giovanni Lo Celso, Tanguy Ndombele, and Harry Winks.
Sarr's versatility and playing style has earned him Yaya Toure comparisons. If he can exhibit half the talent and discipline of the Manchester City legend, Spurs fans can begin to salivate at the prospects of his return.
Bryan Gil
Another highly promising returning loanee is Bryan Gil. Born in Barcelona, the winger honed his talents through Sevilla's youth system before earning a first-team promotion in January 2019.
Last year, Bryan Gil signed for Tottenham in a swap-deal which included 22 million euros and Erik Lamela.
He made his club and Premier League debut shortly after but struggled to get game time during the following months.
Frustrated, he secured a loan move to Valencia CF on deadline day in January.
Back in La Liga, Gil began to thrive again, being a regular starter in the team. This regular playing time helped him develop his overall game, especially his strength and stamina.
Gil is pacey, agile, skillful, and exudes tremendous confidence for a young player. He would hope to impress Conte this pre-season, especially with the imminent departure of Steven Bergwijn from the team.
Troy Parrott
Originally from the youth ranks of Belvedere FC in the Irish League, Troy Parrott secured a move to Spurs for an undisclosed fee in 2017.
His move to Spurs didn't develop into regular first-team football, hence Parrott has made successive loan moves to Millwall, Ipswich Town and MK Dons between 2020 and 2021.
His spell at MK Dons saw him score ten goals with six assists across all competitions which helped him garner tons of attention within the EFL League One.
He's set to rejoin Conte's squad this summer and inject the team with his pace, agility, and keen eye for goal.
While his first-team opportunities may on paper look slim, especially with the signing of Richarlison, Parrott can easily slot in at either flank and gain vital experience from playing alongside the likes of Harry Kane, Ivan Perisic, and Son Heung-min.