Jose Mourinho praises Giovani Lo Celso after he scored in a crucial Europa League win

Speaking in the post-match conference (h/t football.london) after Thursday’s night win in the UEFA Europa League, Jose Mourinho praised Giovani Lo Celso on his return to injury this season and his recent performances for Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur went into matchday 6 of the Europa League trailing group leaders Royal Antwerp by 2 points.

A win against the Belgian side would have guaranteed top spot in Group J, and a win is exactly what Tottenham got on the night.

One goal each from Brazilian striker Carlos Vinicius and Argentine midfielder Giovani Lo Celso in the second half ensured a 2-0 win for the North London side.

Giovani Lo Celso made 37 appearances for the Lilywhites last season, but an injury hampered his form.

“He was at a high-level last season but got an injury and didn’t have a pre-season.”

This was Lo Celso’s third start in the Europa League group stage this season, and his eighth start overall. Lo Celso has not featured as much in the Premier League, but he impressed his boss with the intensity he displayed on Thursday night.

“He played the last match well and this match very well. This is more like normal Gio. When he’s fit he can show that the intensity is there.”

The 24-year-old midfielder has already bettered his last season’s goal tally of 2 by netting 5 times in 16 games this season. His return to form will be welcome news for Mourinho, especially if when we are making a serious push for the Premier League title this season. (h/t transfermarkt)

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Spurs travel to Crystal Palace on Sunday in a much-awaited London derby as we aim to extend our stay at the top of the Premier League table.

Mourinho’s men are level on points with Liverpool, who also play on Sunday, before their showdown with us next week.