Since Antonio Conte arrived at Tottenham in November, Harry Kane has – unsurprisingly – been one of the Italian’s most important players.
The England international has scored 11 goals in 23 appearances under the 52-year-old, while also providing three assists.
However, recent results suggest there’s another Spurs player who is just as important to Conte – Oliver Skipp.
What’s the story?
Well, the 21-year-old last played for Tottenham on January 23rd, in a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Skipp has been suffering with a pelvic injury, and the results obtained by Spurs since their No.29 was forced out of action are telling.
The north Londoners have tasted defeat in three of their last five Premier League games while the England Under-21 international has been absent.
Conte also saw his side knocked out of the FA Cup by Middlesbrough as Skipp – who Mauricio Pochettino used just 16 times – continued his recovery.
Interestingly, before Skipp’s last game – the aforementioned 2-0 defeat to Chelsea – Spurs had gone nine games unbeaten in the Premier League, so there is clearly a pattern emerging.
Oliver Skipp is now vital to Tottenham
It seems Conte is all too aware of how important Skipp is.
The Italian expressed his anger at the Tottenham medical team for the delay in Skipp’s return, and even called on them to hold a press conference explaining the situation.
Yesterday, the Guardian quoted him as saying: “Oliver Skipp, it is a pity. In England, I think that sometimes you should have a conference with the medical department. It is too easy for the doctors to work here because they don’t speak, they don’t explain what happens, you understand?”
We haven’t seen Conte this agitated over an injury since he replaced Nuno Espirito Santo, so he clearly understands the need for Skipp to return as soon as possible.
At the age of just 21, the sky is the limit for the Tottenham Academy graduate.
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