In Focus: Spurs have a new Sarr as Pape impresses

Mitchell Fretton

LiveScore

Pape Matar Sarr scored his first goal for Tottenham against Manchester United

Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr scored his first goal for the club against Manchester United last Saturday and looks to be thriving under Ange Postecoglou.

The 20-year-old had his game time limited by Antonio Conte last season but looks set to play a starring role under the recently appointed Aussie boss.

Ahead of Spurs' trip to Bournemouth, we take a look at the Senegal international in more detail.

Biding his time

Sarr's move to North London in August 2021 went under the radar, with the then 18-year-old immediately loaned back to Metz.

He played 33 times in Ligue 1 that season while also earning inclusion in the Senegal squad that lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in February 2022.

Returning to Spurs last summer, Conte offered his young prospect only 212 minutes of Premier League action.

Handed a rare start in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie against AC Milan, Sarr impressed, giving Spurs fans cause for optimism.

Although opportunities were sparse after that Valentine's Day appearance at the San Siro, since Postecoglou took charge, Sarr has shown further glimpses of his talent.

Five-Sarr review

Pape Matar Sarr bossed the midfield against Manchester United

Postecoglou gave a glowing review of his midfield maestro after the 2-0 win against United last Saturday.

On Sarr's performance, the 57-year-old said: "He's been great from the moment I arrived.

"He's got a great energy about him but he's got quality there too. He's one of those midfielders who causes the opposition real problems because whether it's him running with the ball or without the ball, he runs forward.

"He runs aggressively and he disrupts the opposition. He's just got a great temperament for a young guy. So, really pleased for him."

Best of both worlds

Sarr showcased his many attributes against the Red Devils and proved he can be effective in both halves of the pitch.

Only Bruno Fernandes (six) attempted more shots than his five and two of them found the target, including his opener in the 49th minute.

But the No29 was also a dominant force in defence, making two tackles and winning back possession seven times.

His 86% pass completion rate suggests that he is willing to play forwards instead of sideways, which is a big shift from the football that has been on show in the last four years in N17.

Pape Matar Sarr put in the yards against Manchester United

Golden opportunity

The absence of injured Uruguayan Rodrigo Bentancur in midfield has given Sarr a golden opportunity to cement his place in Postecoglou's starting XI.

Oliver Skipp started the 2-2 draw at Brentford on the opening weekend but failed to stand out.

And Sarr grasped his chance with both hands, putting himself in a strong position to retain his place at Bournemouth on Saturday lunchtime.

With such a high ceiling, the sky is the limit for the youngster and if he continues on his current trajectory he may keep Bentancur out of the team completely when he returns in the coming weeks.