Two key passes, four tackles: Tottenham starlet shines in international game; he’s not made full Spurs debut

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Tottenham Hotspur fans would have been forgiven for focusing their attention on Wales’ clash with Belgium on Tuesday, with Joe Rodon and Ben Davies both starting, and impressing, in Cardiff.

But Spurs, of course, had another defender in action in that particular World Cup qualifying group – and it is a player yet to make a single start for Tottenham.

Maksim Paskotsi earned his 11th cap for Estonia as they faced Czech Republic in their final game of the group.

Estonia had already secured a small victory in qualifying by finishing fourth ahead of Belarus after coming from pot five in the draw.

It proved to be a disappointing night on Tuesday. They were beaten 2-0. But Paskotsi still managed to make an impressive impact on the game.

The 18-year-old made more tackles than any other player on the pitch, according to Whoscored. He won four challenges.

He also managed to make five clearances and two interceptions. Once again, no one could better his tally in the latter area.

The teenager managed to win four aerial duels. And interestingly, he also managed two key passes – no Estonia player contributed more.

Paskotsi shining for Estonia could eventually open pathway to Tottenham first-team

Paskotsi is in an interesting position at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He is playing regularly for his country, but still finds himself down the pecking order.

He certainly has time on his side. Paskotsi does not turn 19 until January. And of course, every player in the Spurs squad could move around in the pecking order in the near future following the recent arrival of Antonio Conte.

It is hard to imagine Conte immediately promoting the Estonian. But there may well come a time when Paskotsi’s international form may become too impressive for the Spurs boss to ignore.