Jose Mourinho has spoken about Ryan Sessegnon ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s Champions League match against RB Leipzig, as reported by football.london.
What did he say?
The Portuguese tactician will need to get things right ahead of this massive occasion, with Spurs a goal down after the first leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Timo Werner’s converted penalty is the difference between the sides as things stand, and the suggestion is that Mourinho will be using a more attacking lineup to get back on level terms, which will play into 19-year-old Sessegnon’s hands.
Speaking ahead of the game, Mourinho said: “Ryan Sessegnon must help us. It’s between Ryan and Jan Vertonghen to play left-back. [Japhet] Tanganga in a match where we need a left-back to attack I don’t think can do it.
“Ryan can also give us options in attacking areas. Especially without Steven, I think it’s time for Ryan to get his opportunity.”
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Massive opportunity
Sessegnon has not had much game time this campaign, as he has made just eight starts and three substitute appearances across all competitions.
With that in mind, this is a massive opportunity for the former Fulham star to prove a point to Mourinho that he is worthy of being used on a more regular basis.
In fairness, the indication ahead of this game is that he can take his Champions League opportunities, having already impressed in European football’s flagship club competition.
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His first chance came in a 16-minute substitute appearance against Red Star Belgrade, in which he managed to get an assist for Christian Eriksen despite his limited time on the pitch.
The England youth international also shone against Bayern Munich, as he was the man to score Spurs’ only goal in the 3-1 loss, when he controlled the ball well after it had fizzed towards him off a defender, before striking it past Manuel Neuer.
Mourinho will be hoping that the youngster can add to his tally in order to help Spurs progress past their latest test.
Meanwhile, Spurs fans have been left fuming at Daniel Levy’s comment.