Spurs loan watch: Frustration in Belgium | OneFootball

On Sunday evening, Tottenham Hotspur loanees Luka Vuskovic, Alfie Devine, and their KVC Westerlo side took to the field for match day eighteen of the current Belgian Pro League season, as they faced Royale Union Saint-Galloise on the road.

Difficult night on the road for two Tottenham youngsters

As is always the case, both Vuskovic and Devine started the game. In defence, the former started in a back four, whilst the latter played a bit deeper than he has done at times, forming part of a double pivot, in a 4231 set up by manager Timmy Simons.

Sadly, it proved to be a tough day at the office, as Westerlo were condemned to their third defeat in a row, and fourth consecutive game without a win. After no goals in the first 40 or so minutes of the game, Vuskovic’s compatriot, Franjo Ivanovic, scored a 12 minute hat-trick, with goals both sides of the half time interval.

Two minutes after his hat-trick sealing goal Westerlo did get a goal back, but it would prove to be the final goal of the game, with their hosts winning the game 3-1. There were some familiar names in the USG side, with Englishman Christian Burgess in defence, as well as Alexis Mac Allister’s brother, Kevin Mac Allister (yes, that is his actual name), and former Southampton attacker, Sofiane Boufal.

Despite the defeat, it was another encouraging performance from Vuskovic in defence, if not one of his better performances so far this campaign. The Croatian U21 international recorded; eight clearances, four blocked shots, four interceptions, a clearance off the line, one foul drawn, and 1/1 successful dribble attempts.

In midfield, it was a bit more of a lowkey performance from Devine, who was also booked five minutes after the break, for an off the ball foul. Still, 90 minutes once more, taking his total minutes played in the league so far this season to over 1,000. Certainly has been a great experience for him so far, as well as for Vuskovic, with lots and lots of regular game time. Long may that continue.

Next up for the two Spurs loanees and their Westerlo side is a home game against Mechelen, for their final game before Christmas – where they have a similarly hectic schedule to the Premier League. This game week 19 showdown is on Friday, the 20th of December, with a 19:45 GMT kick off.