‘Can do much better’: Conte says 21-year-old Spurs player was nowhere near his best in friendly yesterday

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Antonio Conte says there is far more to come from Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Oliver Skipp after the friendly win over Team K League.

Skipp is recovering from an injury which cut short his 2021/22 campaign and working his way back to fitness.

The 21-year-old made his comeback in the 6-3 victory, playing 45 minutes as his progression continues ahead of the new term.

Conte spoke to Spurs’ official YouTube channel after the game, and touched on Skipp’s performance, saying that it was good but he can do much better.

Antonio Conte assesses Skipp comeback

Conte said: “Skippy played a good first half but I know that he can do much better.

“It’s the same with Matthew.

“Matthew maybe is a bit behind Skippy, but we are talking about two players who have to recover and be fit for the start of the season.”

Skipp also spoke to the club’s official Twitter account about how it felt to be back out there after an extended period on the sidelines.

“It was an amazing feeling,” he said.

“We felt the support of the crowd. It was nice to get those minutes after a long while. It has all been preparing for that, the training that we’ve done.

“It was a nice fitness exercise for everyone and to be 11 v 11 again was really nice. The support has been crazy. I’ve never seen anything like it.

“People waiting outside the hotel rooms, we really felt it, it was amazing.”

Skipp will hope to continue his return to full fitness as he looks to battle with Conte’s existing options as well as new-boy Yves Bissouma for a spot in midfield.

He will continue to improve as his fitness and sharpness returns, and Conte’s comments suggests he knows that is the case too.