Tottenham Player Ratings vs Fiorentina
A 1-1 draw will have to do for Tottenham in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie against Fiorentina.
Though Tottenham dominated proceedings throughout the first half, Fiorentina was able to find a way back into the game in the opening stages of the second.
Playing against type, Paulo Sousa’s side felt more restrained than they do during their matches in Serie A. They were less concentrated on possession and quick, simple passes, and more focused on simply containing the onslaught of Tottenham’s high press.
The Viola are more than capable of their own pressing game, and came back with an intensity against Tottenham. Federico Bernardeschi’s equalizer might have been fortunate, but it was a reflection of the home side’s increasing presence in the game.
Still, Tottenham managed to get a lot of quality out of a mostly rotated line-up. Eric Dier spent his first match of any sort this season on the bench while Ryan Mason was brought back into the fold after a long layoff due to injury.
Michel Vorm – 6 – Fazed
The Dutchman wasn’t tested often in this match, but he failed to get a fingertip on Bernardeschi’s deflected ball. Not the end of the world, but also not exactly Hugo Lloris quality.
Ben Davies – 7 – Eager
Earned the penalty that gave Tottenham the lead in the first half, and otherwise looked really dangerous going forward. Helped make up for the lack of proper width in Tottenham’s attack
Kevin Wimmer – 7 – Improved
Another competent performance from the Austrian understudy. Dealt well with Fiorentina’s pressure and looked composed with the ball at his feet.
Toby Alderweireld – 8 – Leader
There’s an argument that Alderweireld should have been rested for this game, but he still proved again why he’s been Tottenham’s biggest upgrade this season.
Kieran Trippier – 6 – Hot Air
Played with his characteristic width and vigor, though was not quite able to deliver on the promise of his crosses. A chance to shoot or at least, get the ball forward in the 82nd minute came to nothing.
Tom Carroll – 7 – Early Exit
Only got a half of football under his belt before he came off for Mousa Dembele, though his defensive and pressing game looked good before being forced off
Ryan Mason – 6 – Captain
Though he earned the captain’s armband on his return to first team duties, Mason didn’t quite look like he had the grasp of the game. Played a decent game but didn’t look the same kind of threat he usually is going forward
Nacer Chadli – 7 – Goal Getter
In his first ever start at striker for Tottenham, Chadli did fine. Not great, not bad, just fine. He kept Fiorentina’s centre-back’s occupied and managed to convert the penalty that Davies won. Just what Tottenham needed from him on the day.
Christian Eriksen – 8 – Wizard
Though he didn’t manage any actual production, the Danish playmaker was instrumental in keeping the pressure on Fiorentina’s backline throughout the second half.
Dele Alli – 6 – Lost Boy
It’s hard to escape the impression that Alli is struggling a bit with Eriksen being back in his preferred number 10 role. Alli looked much more comfortable being the one playing up the middle for Tottenham.
Heung-min Son – 6 – Runner
The Korean was quick, agile, aggressive and more or less ineffective. Pochettino really needs to give him a chance either on the left wing or at striker.
Mousa Dembele – 6 – Daunted
Though he’s been amazing in the league all season, didn’t look quite as into the game as the man he replaced, Tom Carroll. Fiorentina’s more pronounced presence in the second half didn’t help matters much.
Yet Lineker made Ali man of the match! Did Frank watch the game?