Some Spurs fans want Llorente to start ahead of Kane on Saturday even though the latter is back in training and could feature.
Just last week, there was a mark of redemption for one Tottenham Hotspur player who was previously derided by much of the fanbase.
Moussa Sissoko was largely considered a flop during his first seasons at the club after his £30million move from Newcastle (BBC Sport), but this term, he has turned his form around spectacularly, with many fans now singing his praises.
Even just a few months ago, few could have thought that the 29-year-old would have even made the Spurs squad for a game as crucial as the Champions League last-16 first leg against Dortmund, but not only did he start, but he put in a display which was deemed worthy of a standing ovation (Football London).
Now, another fan-led reaction towards another player who was previously considered surplus to requirements has not only effectively rubber-stamped the player’s credentials but also those of Mauricio Pochettino and his coaching setup.
When Harry Kane was ruled out with injury in January, there was genuine concern as to how the team could cope, and Fernando Llorente, having been little more than a fringe player for his time at the club, wasn’t largely expected to fill in adequately.
However, the Spaniard has scored three goals and claimed three assists in his last five games, his contributions helping Spurs to a healthy 3-0 first-leg lead in the Champions League and keeping them well in the Premier League title race.
When Kane tweeted a picture of himself in training on Wednesday, the initial expected reaction would have been to urge him back in the first team ASAP, but on social media, quite a few Tottenham fans actually wanted Llorente to remain in the starting XI for the time being, and some even thought it would be harsh to see him dropped.
Once again, under Pochettino’s watch, a player who was widely considered a flop has won over the fanbase in style – if this is not another wonderful endorsement of the coaching and man-management being done by Poch and his team at Spurs to keep their players fit, sharp and motivated, then what is?
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