Gold: Tottenham have signed another player that is just as ‘intense’ as Hojbjerg

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Alasdair Gold has told Football London that those behind the scenes at Tottenham are describing Ivan Perisic in a similar manner to that of midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – an ‘intense’ character with an undeniable will to win.

Perisic, 33, has featured in all 11 of Tottenham’s matches this season – in league and cup appearances. He has started eight of those matches, laying on four assists for the North London club. He has been playing as a wing-back, mostly.

He is certainly a winner. A player with 115 caps for Croatia, one that got to the World Cup 2018 final. He has also won two Germany Bundesliga titles, and a Serie A title – the latter with Antonio Conte. He has reunited with Conte at Spurs.

The Italian gaffer has brought in a handful of new players. Much has been made of Conte signing players that are all above 6ft, but that the players are also very driven – mentality wise. Tottenham already had a few examples of that.

Hojbjerg, for example, has become part of the leadership group at Spurs. He is a mainstay. He has played every minute of all 11 games. Gold says those behind the scenes say Perisic has a similar ‘intense’ character to Hojbjerg.

“Perisic is a straight-faced guy. He’s described behind the scenes as ‘intense’, similar in style to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in being so tuned in and focused on his job at hand that it’s an experience chatting with him,” Gold reports.

“That’s not say he’s not a friendly character – the younger players have all benefited from his mentorship – but just that his winning mentality and drive to succeed is apparent in every little thing he says and does.”

Perisic described as intense: Similar to Tottenham midfielder Hojbjerg

Perisic has been a wonderful signing and even though he has only signed a two-year deal, it will give Spurs a valuable player both on and off the pitch. This season, his stewardship will help Ryan Sessegnon. Next season, Destiny Ugodie.

The latter looks an incredible talent and has the ability to overtake both Perisic and Sessegnon to start for Spurs. That is, if he maintains his form in a Tottenham shirt next season, when his loan ends. Perisic tutoring him, will also help.