Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Lo Celso has made a slow start since joining in the summer, due to injury.
Lo Celso was handed his full Spurs debut against Red Star Belgrade yesterday, and his display caught the eye.
Lo Celso scored Tottenham’s first goal on the night, as they cruised to the three points in Serbia.
The Argentine international barely wasted a pass, as Tottenham put in one of their finest away performances of the campaign so far.
And Pochettino admits that he was happy with Lo Celso’s display.
“I think it was very good. Always it’s difficult for a new player when he arrives, and after the team was very successful last season,” Pochettino said.
“He arrived at the end of the pre-season. The circumstances were that he was behind everyone, got injured with the national team and then it was about building his fitness and his confidence, and then waiting for the opportunity to be in the starting XI and feel the opportunity.
“I am happy because he is a very good player and his personality and character is great. Now he only needs time like Tanguy [Ndombele] and Ryan Sessegnon. They are so young. They arrive now to the team in difficult circumstances, not the best circumstances.
“That is why like I tell you always I don’t expect too much, I am happy with that they provide to the team. They need time. I am happy with the players.”
Pochettino now faces a big decision over whether to keep Lo Celso in Tottenham’s line-up at the weekend, or to bring Christian Eriksen back in.
Eriksen has badly struggled for Spurs this season, even though he did also get on the scoresheet last night.
Pochettino tends to rotate after European nights, but he may need to break that habit and keep Lo Celso in his team on Saturday.
Tottenham are set to take on Sheffield United at the weekend, and they will be desperate for the three points, as they look to climb up the Premier League table.
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