Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has told Tottenham Hotspur’s website that while Oliver Skipp should feel proud after opening his account for Spurs on Sunday against Chelsea – he should remain focused, suggesting it is only the start of his journey.
Skipp, 22, finally found the back of the net for the first time in Tottenham’s senior side with a stunning strike from the edge of the area. A brilliant goal that saw him win the ball back, and lash home a curling effort – too much for Kepa.
About time for Skipp, who had failed to score in his previous 66 appearances in the senior Spurs side. With Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma injured, Skipp is taking his chance in Antonio Conte’s midfield. He has been excellent.
Hojbjerg was full of praise for Skipp after his first Spurs goal, and only his second professional goal – the other coming on loan at Norwich. But, Hojbjerg – his midfield partner in recent games – has issued a warning to Skipp, to focus.
“Skippy has great potential, but he also has a mindset where he works hard, gives his best. The greatest compliment I can give him. Without hard work and dedication and that mentality, it’s difficult to become something in this world.
“He has these things. He’s stepping up, that’s important for him and important for the team. That’s all we can ask for. He should be proud, but he should also be focussed on continuing this journey,” Hojbjerg told Tottenham’s website.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: Tottenham star Oliver Skipp must remain focused
Hojbjerg is bang on. But Skipp does not strike as you the kind of personality to get carried away. The best role model Skipp can have in this position, is to look at Harry Kane. A player who does not get high when things are going well.
But when struggling, he does not go low. He remains at an equilibrium that sees the England skipper continue to shine. Skipp will start for Spurs against Sheffield United this week in the FA Cup, and he will look to build on his momentum.
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