'Honestly': Paul Robinson says Antonio Conte is playing £180k-a-week Tottenham player in the wrong position

By Ben Evans

Tottenham Hotspur fans would have been glued to the World Cup action yesterday, with a number of their stars in action.

They would have witness Richarlison’s Brazil destroy Son Heung-min’s South Korea, and Ivan Perisic’s Croatia progress too.

Speaking on Stadium Astro, Paul Robinson was discussing the day’s action.

Richarlison once again found the back of the net for Brazil, and is having a fantastic tournament for the Selecao.

They breezed into the quarter-finals, although Antonio Conte may not be too disappointed to see Son Heung-min returning to north London.

Croatia were in trouble at half-time against Japan, who deservedly led at the break.

However, a bullet header from Tottenham’s very own Ivan Perisic levelled the tie.

The 33-year-old lasted 105 minutes before being replaced by Mislav Orsic before the penalty shootout.

Perisic would have nervously waited while the spot kicks were being taken, but Japan’s efforts from 12 yards were atrocious.

Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic made three relatively easy saves to send his side through.

After the match, Robinson insisted that Conte has been playing Perisic in the wrong position for Tottenham.

His performances as part of Croatia’s front three may have given Conte something to think about.

Perisic is playing in the wrong position at Spurs – Robinson

Speaking on Stadium Astro about the former Inter Milan player, Robinson said: “The attacking wide player is becoming a lot more common and a lot more fashionable.

“Look at Perisic for example tonight, he plays in a much more advanced role than he does for Spurs.

“And I think he’s more effective in that role, I honestly do.”

The £180,000-a-week Croatian has been used as a forward by Conte this season in the absence of Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison.

However, the balance of Tottenham’s team looked very off and Perisic struggled as part of a front-two with Harry Kane.

If he was given the same chance with Kulusevski or Richarlison also playing, it might be a different story.

Conte has been happy to play Ryan Sessegnon at left wing-back.

If Perisic is playing in the wrong position, this could give him the freedom to play further up the pitch.

He’s had a really good World Cup so far, and Conte will be hoping he returns to Hotspur Way full of confidence and fully fit.

He may be hoping he’s convinced superstar defender Josko Gvardiol to follow him.