“The art of coaching”: Tactical expert points out Conte’s influence on Tottenham hero

Ryan Sessegnon was named in Tottenham’s starting line up for their first game of the 22/23 season against Southampton on Sunday afternoon and he delivered superbly.

The player delivered some good performances at the end of last season and carried that into the new season as Tottenham thrashed the Saints on opening day.

Not only did he put the Saints’ backline in a lot of trouble but Sessegnon also netted the crucial equalizer that brought his side into the game.

According to tactical expert Raj Chohan who contributes at Who Scored.com, the Fulham star is mastering the art of timing and Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte deserves a lot of credit for that.

Sessegnon’s runs… said it at the end of last season and it’s continuing now – he’s mastering the art of timing them into the final third. An example of the art of Conte’s coaching. He’s harnessing the potential that Sess showed at Fulham where this was one of his key strengths.

— Raj Chohan (@rajsinghchohan) August 6, 2022

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Conte himself reserved some praise for Sess in his post match conference on Sturday.

“I am really pleased for Sess because Sess first of all we are working very well with him, especially on physical aspect because in the past this player had many injuries. After one month, two month and again – injury or muscular problem. He is working well and we are giving him stability in physical aspect. It is very important we sign a player like Ivan Perisic because he can see the way to try to learn something from Ivan.

“We are talking about a real important player and top player. Sometimes it is good to bring a player in your team who is a bit over age but at the same time a good player with experience who can improve a young player in your squad. I am really pleased because today he played a good game. Emerson played a good game. We have to continue in the same way.

“If you remember three or four minutes before there was a cross and we were really upset with [Sess] because he had to attack it, but then we celebrated his goal. Five minutes before he wasn’t in the right place and to see the opposite was good. He has to continue to show that quality.”

Sessegnon will be hoping to keep hos place in the line up for next week’s crucial encounter against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

 Sessegnon delivers for Conte

Sessegnon made sure that Conte’s decision not to start experienced wing back Ivan Perisic was vindicated after delivering a superb performance on Saturday afternoon.

He was instrumental and lively on the left hand side of Spurs’ midfield and was smart enough to connect home Kulusevski’s brilliant cross to equalize for Conte’s men.

Sessegnon could have even secured a second in the second half but his attempt on goal was deemed offside and ruled out.

He certainly will be a fierce competitor for Perisic.

Read our talking points from Tottenham’s win over Southampton here