Ivan Perisic continues to look like an absolutely solid signing for Tottenham Hotspur.
Questions were asked of Spurs’ hierarchy during the summer when they signed a 33-year-old attacking player.
In terms of age, he certainly isn’t of the sort of profile Tottenham have historically gone after during transfer windows.
And yet, the Croatia international has appeared in all four of the Lilywhites’ Premier League games this season, starting the last two – both victories.
Perisic quietly went about his business in a very effective way on Sunday during a 2-0 victory away to Nottingham Forest, prior to being subbed on 74 minutes for Ryan Sessegnon.
And Andy Townsend has sung his praises, describing him as a ‘warrior’.
He said live on Optus Sport: “He’s a warrior, isn’t he? He’s been around the block and back. He had a wry smile there at Neco Williams’s energy and ability to keep running him, but he’s up for that.”
He might be in the twilight of his football career, but what a professional he is.
If you think of the values that Conte demands from his players – hard work, passion, skill, dedication – then Perisic virtually embodies them all, which is probably why the Italian manager was willing to work with him again after their spell together at Inter Milan.
And it’s probably why the Tottenham boss is going to be playing Perisic – who earns £178,000 per week – quite a lot this season, because he’s somebody you can always rely on.
Considering he didn’t cost a penny and starting Premier League games for the North Londoners, he’s already looking like an absolute steal and Townsend is right, Warrior just about sums it up.
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