Conte explains why he does not want to use Son as a striker – Hints winger can step in
Antonio Conte has explained that he would prefer not to play Heung-min Son as a striker at Tottenham in the absence of Harry Kane and hinted Steven Bergwijn could step into the role instead.
Spurs have had issues with the striker position in the past, particularly in times where Kane has been out injured or in desperate need of a rest.
Previous managers Mauricio Pochettino, Jose Mourinho and most recently Nuno Espirito Santo all elected to use Son as the man to fill the void up front, and the South Korean often flourished despite being taken out of his natural wide position.
However, Conte has revealed that he is planning on going against the grain and does not intend on playing the 29-year-old in a central position, hinting Dutch winger Bergwijn could be called upon should Kane need to face a spell out of the side.
He said (via Football.London): “I think Steven [Bergwijn] could be a good option.
“We have a world-class striker as a number nine as Harry and I repeat I am very delighted to have the opportunity to work with him because many times you make an evaluation outside, but the coach only has the possibility to train the players and you understand the level.
“I think Harry [Kane], I was enthusiastic to see him in the way that he works every day and the commitment, heart and passion he puts into Tottenham. It was not a surprise but when you arrive you do not know what you find and I found this.
“We have an important number nine for sure but in the past, I have seen that Son played in this position. Honestly, I prefer Son to play as a number 10 but in the position that he is now playing.
“I like to have a point of reference as number nine. Steven is working and we are utilising him also in this position, in the three positions of the striker, but Steven could be a good option on the day that I want to give a rest to Harry.”
A problem that Conte faces is Bergwijn’s lack of form for Spurs and poor record in front of goal for the club since joining from PSV Eindhoven in January last year.
The 24-year-old has scored just four goals in 60 appearances and is still yet to get off the mark for the current campaign.
Conte, though, believes the onus is not just on Bergwijn and suggests there are more players at Spurs that are still in need of a confidence boost.
He added: “I honestly think many players have to recover their confidence at Tottenham. When they finished at the end of the season seventh, for sure, the confidence is not up.
“This is another aspect to improve the confidence and don’t lose the quality and what you show in the past. We are working to recover the confidence that someone lost.”
Spurs Web Opinion
This is an interesting dynamic that Conte is planning to take. Son has proved he definitely can take up the responsibility of being a striker, but Conte is recognising that it isn’t his most natural position.
It should be interesting to see how Bergwijn will be deployed in this scenario too, as he is in desperate need of hitting some form.
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