Antonio Conte makes Pape Matar Sarr claim after Tottenham’s draw with Chelsea | OneFootball

Antonio Conte makes Pape Matar Sarr claim after Tottenham’s draw, praises Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

Speaking to SpursTV (h/t Football.London) after Tottenham Hotspur’s draw against Chelsea, Antonio Conte praised Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg for his goal and made a comment on Pape Matar Sarr.

Spurs drew the game 2-2 after trailing twice. Hojbjerg’s 68th-minute strike made it 1-1 on the day. Chelsea scored nine minutes later but a 96th-minute header from Harry Kane meant the spoils were shared.

According to the Italian manager, his midfielders have been instructed to get on the edge of the box for moments like the one the Denmark international had. He then went on to state that Sarr is a young player who can come good in the future if he keeps developing.

This is Sarr’s first full season at Spurs. He was signed by the Lilywhites last summer but was loaned back to FC Metz for the campaign that followed – however, he could not save them from relegation to Ligue 2.

Now at N17, the Senegal international would understand he is not above the likes of Hojbjerg, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Yves Bissouma in the pecking order. However, he could still have a big role to play this season.

Pape Matar Sarr in action for Tottenham Hotspur. (Image: @papematarsarr15 on Twitter)

The 19-year-old could be called into action especially during cup games and months when the fixture list is loaded. Giovani Lo Celso is already on his way out to Villarreal on a season-long loan while Tanguy Ndombele is expected to follow suit and leave N17 as well.

Sarr, already a full international for the Lions of Teranga and an AFCON winner, did not feature against AS Roma in Israel but before that, he saw action in pre-season-friendly games last season. Conte clearly has his eye on him and a first-team debut cannot be too far away.