Newcastle scout Bruno Reis has been talking to Bola Branca about how the Magpies beat Tottenham on Sunday.
Eddie Howe masterminded a 2-1 win over Antonio Conte in north London to send Newcastle into the top four of the Premier League, thanks to goals from Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron.
However, it seems Reis had a big part to play in the result.
Newcastle targeted Tottenham man
Interestingly, the 40-year-old has revealed that Newcastle targeted Clement Lenglet on Sunday.
Speaking to Bola Branca, Reis said: “They expose some of the players who have these weaknesses, namely the left centre-back, Lenglet. That was exposed in our game on Sunday, in the second goal, in which Miguel Almiron easily passed Lenglet. I can visualise Sporting, with Edwards or Trincao, being able to exploit that.”
As the Portuguese scout states, Almiron breezed past the £31.7m man with ease on Sunday to put Newcastle 2-0 ahead, and that goal ultimately turned out to be the match winner.
Lenglet looked statuesque as the Paraguay international surged past him, and the France international’s lack of pace – as well as balance – is surely going to be a focal point for more opponents in their pre-match analysis.
Tottenham should listen to Newcastle
In our view, Conte should take note of what Reis has said, and decide against using Lenglet on the left.
The Frenchman may be more effective playing in a back four, where his left-back would be closer to him and offer protection.
However, Conte typically uses three central defenders with wing-backs, which leaves Lenglet isolated.
Therefore, we believe the Italian needs to rethink his use of the on-loan Barcelona man.
Perhaps moving him into the centre of defence, where Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg offers protection from midfield, would be a sensible decision.
Ultimately, if Lenglet continues to be targeted by opponents, Conte may have to consider dropping him.
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