Tottenham Hotspur were outclassed by Bayern Munich on Wednesday evening in the Champions League, with the German hosts coming out 3-1 winners. Though the game was meaningless in terms of group position as both sides had already progressed, and the Bavarian’s were assured of top-spot, it was a chance for some of the players who have been on the fringes of Jose Mourinho’s squad so far to show the new manager what they are capable of. One player who did make the most of the opportunity was Ryan Sessegnon.
The 19-year-old arrived from Fulham in the summer having failed to deliver on his Championship promise while in the Premier League, and under Mauricio Pochettino at the start of the campaign the Englishman scarcely featured. Though under the glow of the Allianz Arena he was Spurs most outstanding player, fearlessly taking the game to their opponents and scoring an equalising goal on his Champions League debut.
Mourinho deployed him in a more advanced role as a left-winger, but his defensive capabilities still shone through, having previously played at left-back, Sessegnon was able to track back and make a tackle and clearance for Spurs. However, he was more threatening in forward areas, with the ball at his feet charging towards Benjamin Pavard, the winger created opportunities for others by making a key pass, which was only bettered by Christian Eriksen’s three.
Where Sessegnon really made himself a nuisance was in the opposition final third, with the winger having the joint-most shots and shots on target of any Spurs player. But he was also able to use his pace and close control to take on and dribble around his opposite number once, as well as being fouled on a single occasion.
Though he did himself many favours, the teenager is still raw, and he was caught offside once, along with being dispossessed twice, with a further two unsuccessful touches, to concede possession to the opposition. But in esteemed German company and up against a World Cup-winning right-back his manager would not have expected the teen to produce a flawless performance. Nevertheless, on a flat night for Spur’s Sessegnon stood out as a candidate who may have earned himself more minutes on other occasions, he certainly gave Mourinho something to think about.
