Matt Holland has praised Arnaut Danjuma for a ‘very positive’ display as Tottenham Hotspur hosted Brentford. The winger impressed with his purposeful attacking runs.
Interim Spurs manager Ryan Mason started Danjuma as his right-sided option in Saturday’s Premier League meeting. It was the 26-year-old’s first start for Tottenham since joining the north London team this January. Antonio Conte signed the forward on loan from Villarreal.
Danjuma had hoped his return to England would revive his season following a tough spell in Spain. The former AFC Bournemouth dynamo left La Liga having started in just six of his 10 outings this term. Yet Conte, Cristian Stellini and now Mason have rarely trusted him since.
Danjuma impressed Holland for Tottenham against Brentford
Even despite scoring two goals, the six-cap Dutchman had only played 132 minutes across all competitions for Tottenham before Danjuma started against Brentford. He had also only played 14 minutes over Mason’s three Premier League fixtures as Spurs’ acting head coach.
Yet Brentford’s trip to north London marked an opportunity for Danjuma with Mason axing Pedro Porro from the Tottenham line-up. His decision to unleash the Dutchman gave Spurs an outlet on the wing through much of the first half up against Bees left-back Rico Henry.
Danjuma’s purposeful attacking runs impressed Holland as he sought to get behind Henry and the Bees’ central midfielder, Mathias Jensen. But the forward’s afternoon would only last until the 66th minute. Mason hooked Danjuma for Lucas Moura after Spurs went 2-1 down.
Holland said on Premier League Productions (20/05, 13:05): “[Danjuma] has been a real threat in behind. He’s been very positive with his running, trying to spin in behind that Brentford defence.”
Danjuma had little end product before Moura’s introduction
Despite Danjuma impressing Holland with his runs against Brentford, the winger had little end product to show for Tottenham’s advances. He exited the field to make way for Lucas having only taken one shot. WhoScored also did not register a single key pass from him.
What’s more, Danjuma’s single attempt on Brentford’s goal also failed to force David Raya to make a save. The winger failed to find the target with his only shot taken in the 42nd minute.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
