‘Real important player and top player’, Antonio Conte lavishes praise on Spurs signing

Tottenham Hotspur picked up a 4-1 win over Southampton in their Premier League opener earlier today and manager Antonio Conte has lavished praise on the summer signing Ivan Perisic.

The experienced Croatian international came on as a substitute in the 66th minute of the game and Conte believes that the former Inter Milan star could be a really important player for Tottenham this season.

The Italian manager highlighted how Perisic’s arrival has helped young left-back Ryan Sessegnon improve. The young defender has previously admitted that he is learning a lot from the Croatian and Perisic has already given him valuable advice on how to improve the attacking aspect of his game.

Perisic’s tips are already paying off and Sessegnon scored Tottenham’s opener against Southampton earlier today.

Conte said to Football London, “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 months and again – injury or muscular problem. He is working well and we are giving him stability in the 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.”

The young left-back will be hoping to hold down a regular starting berth for Spurs this season and continue his improvement. Conte, on the other hand, will hope that Perisic can continue to mentor the young players in the squad.

The Croatian is currently working his way back to match fitness and there is no doubt that he will be a valuable member of the squad going forward.