Oliver Skipp is happy to make Tottenham Hotspur return following injury layoff
Oliver Skipp played his first minutes since February for Tottenham Hotspur after featuring in the pre-season friendly against K-League XI. The Englishman had been out injured for a while and made his much-awaited return to action on the night.
Antonio Conte started with Skipp in the lineup in the first game in South Korea. The 21-year-old started the game alongside Rodrigo Bentancur and was brought off after halftime.
The Italian in the dugout was impressed with the youngster’s performance. Skipp was happy to have been able to play after his time on the sidelines. Speaking to the club’s official media channel (h/t Evening Standard), the 21-year-old seemed relieved.
“It felt really good to be back out there. It’s been a long time, so it was great to get those minutes in and be back with the team, being out here, 11 v 11, that was really nice.”
Skipp spent the 2020/21 season on loan in the Championship, helping the Canaries to promotion. Spurs decided to keep the holding midfielder for the 2021/22 season.
A place in the side not guaranteed
The 21-year-old was a constant fixture in the Tottenham first XI until his injury curbed his run. The youngster featured in 18 of the 20 games in the Premier League up until the injury setback in February.
Skipp played alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg for most of his time on the pitch last season. Fortunately for Spurs, Rodrigo Bentancur was signed on deadline day in January. The Uruguayan came into the team in place of the 21-year-old.
With Hojbjerg and Bentancur on the side, the team had much more balance. The former Juventus man has the ability to play a bit forward and make things happen in the middle of the park.
Yves Bissouma was signed at the beginning of the summer transfer window and the former Brighton midfielder has been one of the best players in the league over the last two seasons. His addition will give Spurs enough strength in depth..
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It remains to be seen whether Skipp retains his place in the first XI. With the new additions, competition for a place in the side has only increased. It’ll be interesting to see who Conte decides to put his faith in when the season starts.
