'Makes me very happy': Conte says 'reliable' Tottenham player proved himself against Arsenal last night

By Lee Connor

Tottenham managed, Antonio Conte, has praised his Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez for his performance against Arsenal last night.

Sanchez was thrust into the XI as Cristian Romero surprisingly missed out. The Argentinian defender could now miss the remaining games of the season too, with Sanchez likely to be used in his place again.

Last night was Sanchez’s first start in Tottenham colours since February against Wolves. He did well, too, marshalling Eddie Nketiah to good effect and keeping Arsenal at bay throughout. And speaking after the game, his manager Antonio Conte was quick to lavish the praise on him.

“I want also to tell Sanchez. He played his last game in the starting 11 two months ago. He worked very hard and very well. To see him tonight to have this performance, makes me and my staff very happy,” Conte said of Sanchez.

“When we have players like Sanchez and Joe Rodon. A reliable player who doesn’t play but works very hard, the staff are very happy.”

There has been talk of Spurs looking to bring in a new central defender this summer. However, Sanchez’s performance last night will have given Conte confidence that all won’t be lost if they don’t manage it.

TBR’s View: Davinson Sanchez Praised And Rightly So

Stepping into one of the biggest games of the season out of nowhere was never going to be easy but Davinson Sanchez didn’t half do a good job last night.

At times, it’s looked like time might be up for Sanchez at Spurs. But like so many thriving under Conte’s leadership, the defender looked the part when required and put in a performance worthy of his starting position.

Yes, Sanchez might find himself on his way out this summer eventually. But if he helps Spurs into the top four by playing how he did last night, then he can look back on a job well done.