Strange Conte decision on £15m Tottenham man has now paid off after major news – Our View

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Antonio Conte made an initially questionable decision at Tottenham during the January transfer window.

The Italian told supporters that Pape Matar Sarr would “stay with us” amid strong interest from Salernitana, whose Sporting Director Morgan de Sanctis actually admitted his desire to sign the Senegal international on loan.

Football London quote Conte as saying: “Skipp and Sarr showed they they are really reliable players for me. I’m really happy. 

“Now, they stay with us, in the squad. I don’t want to send these young players on loan because the league is very difficult. We have to play Champions League, we have to play FA Cup. I think these young players can stay here to help us face these three competitions.”

At the time, it seemed like a strange decision.

Sarr – who cost £14.6m from Metz – did not play a single second of Premier League football before January, and for a player of his vast potential, it felt as if a loan move would be beneficial instead of playing backup.

However, after some major news, Conte’s decision has now paid off.

What’s the story?

Well, Rodrigo Bentancur could now be out of action until November following a serious knee injury.

With Yves Bissouma also set for a spell on the sidelines after ankle surgery, Conte’s midfield department suddenly looks very thin.

Therefore, the 53-year-old’s decision to keep Sarr in N17 has now paid off tremendously.

The 20-year-old was handed his Champions League debut in the Round of 16 clash against AC Milan of all stages, and proceeded to deliver an outstanding display inside the San Siro.

Conte now relying heavily on Sarr at Tottenham

While Oliver Skipp was also impressive, the assumption is that Sarr will keep his place in the starting XI with Pierre-Emile Højbjerg now back from suspension.

Depending on the severity of Bissouma’s ankle problem, Conte may find himself fighting in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup with just Højbjerg, Sarr and Skipp available for the rest of the season.

Given the fact the Lecce-born tactician tends to start two central midfielders in his preferred 3-4-3 formation, it was vital that he kept Sarr in north London, or else he would have needed to dip into the youth ranks for midfield backup.