Mourinho says he absolutely ‘loved’ two Tottenham players’ displays… and it wasn’t the goalscorers

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Jose Mourinho has said to Football London that he loved both Giovani Lo Celso’s and Erik Lamela’s performances for Tottenham Hotspur against Southampton.

Lo Celso came on for Tanguy Ndombele at half-time, while Lamela was brought on for Lucas Moura late on – as Tottenham picked up a 5-2 win on the south coast.

Lo Celso, in particular, was extremely bright as Spurs put in one of their best performances under Mourinho’s reign so far in the second half.

And the Portuguese boss says that he was delighted to see both his substitutes making such an impact.

“Gio and Lamela, I just love when players come from the bench and add something to the team,” Mourinho said. “The second half was a really strong performance for us.”

Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son understandably grabbed the headlines yesterday, after their displays, but Lo Celso and Lamela will surely be delighted to pick up some well earned praise too.

Lo Celso’s return to fitness has been a major boost for Spurs, as he has provided them with an increase in creativity already.

Lamela also has been regularly praised by Mourinho, who seems to trust the Argentine winger.

Lamela may well be in line to start in midweek, when Tottenham face a League Cup clash with Leyton Orient.