Lo Celso proves his worth to Mourinho’s Tottenham as midfielder continues to impress

Amongst the signings of Gedson Fernandes and Steven Bergwijn during the January transfer window, Tottenham secured the permanent capture of Argentine midfielder Giovani Lo Celso.

The announcement was made almost in tandem with the news of Christian Eriksen’s departure to Inter Milan, perhaps an indication of a changing of the guard in the centre of Tottenham’s midfield.

Despite a shaky start to his Tottenham career as injuries thwarted regular appearances in the Spurs team, Lo Celso is slowly becoming an important player for Jose Mourinho’s side.

Against Manchester City, with Tottenham looking to contain Pep Gaurdiola’s side for large periods, the former Paris Saint-Germain and Real Betis player displayed his determination and relentless drive to win the ball off the opponent.

Spurs fans have seen in recent weeks that Lo Celso represents not only a playmaker but a midfielder who loves to press and win the ball high up the pitch, much like fellow Argentine Erik Lamela.

In fact, Lamela was full of praise when Tottenham secured the services of the 23-year-old on an initial loan deal this summer.

“The fans will know him soon. He’s very technical, an amazing left foot and he runs a lot. He will be good for the team.”

Lamela, who arrived at Tottenham as part of a mass influx of players in 2013, has been proven right as Lo Celso has become a key player for Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham team in recent weeks.

One of the most impressive attributes of Lo Celso’s is his ability to dribble out of potentially dangerous scenarios. When receiving the ball under pressure, the Argentine often uses his dribbling ability and turn of pace to accelerate away from opponents as witnessed in Tottenham’s FA Cup fourth round fixture against Southampton.

Under pressure from James Ward-Prowse, Lo Celso turned away from the Englishmen before driving away from first Michael Obafemi and then Moussa Djenepo. The Argentinian international then cut in past the recently linked Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and offloaded the ball to Lamela, who fed Heung-Min Son to score the opener.

The blend of technical ability alongside a combative mentality that seems to be evident in the 23-year-old’s game, Lo Celso is well on his way to becoming a fan favourite in north London.

Spurs fans will hope his form continues into tomorrow’s replay against Southampton as Tottenham hope to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup.