Oliver Skipp and Pape Sarr repay Antonio Conte’s trust as Rafael Leao dazzles in AC Milan’s win over Tottenham – Champions League hits and misses | Football News

Skipp, Sarr positive for Spurs

Antonio Conte will blame the defensive sloppiness that allowed Brahim Diaz to score AC Milan’s winner at the San Siro, but there is also something to be learned from Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat. First, Spurs kept the tie open ahead of the second leg. And secondly, the performances of Pape Sarr and Oliver Skipp in midfield.

Sarr has never appeared in the competition. In fact, this is only the 20-year-old’s sixth appearance for Spurs any competition. But alongside Skipp, a full Champions League debutant at the age of 22, he doesn’t look out of place.

The pair were pushed into action by circumstances, of course, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg suspended and Rodrigo Bentancur joining the injured Yves Bissouma on the sidelines as he tore his ACL in Saturday’s 4-1 loss to Leicester in the Premier League.

But against the more experienced midfield duo of Sandro Tonali and Rade Krunic, they played well, used the ball neatly and, especially in Sarr’s case, defended tigerishly.

The Senegal international made five tackles and regained possession 12 times – four more than any other player on the pitch.

“It’s great to have the manager’s confidence,” Skipp said BT sports afterwards, before Conte added, in his own interview, the products of the academy and his younger colleagues have “repaid” the trust. “I’m really satisfied for both players,” added the Spurs boss.

In Hojbjerg, Conte will have to be without at least one of his midfielders for next month’s second leg in north London, but Sarr and Skipp have shown they can deliver when called upon.

“For performances like this from Skippy and Sarr makes me more relaxed,” added Conte. “I know I can trust people 100 percent.”
Nick Wright

Leao was shocked when Milan returned to the CL losing

There is very little to get excited about at San Siro on Tuesday night.

But AC Milan star striker Rafael Leao is an exception. Despite not having a significant impact on the match, the Portugal international was able to impress as Milan returned to the knockout stages of the Champions League after a nine-year absence.

Leao teased Tottenham with his quick feet and showed exactly why he is the man they want. He completed the same number of dribbles (9) as every other player on the field combined. That’s more than any player has finished in one Champions League game this season.

Although he takes more risks than most, Leao hardly ever loses the ball. The Spurs only managed to beat him twice as he attempted a match-high 12 dribbles, double that of the next closest player. The ball seems to stick to his feet to trouble the opposition defenders, who can only attack him.

Leao uses his large frame to good effect in physical battles, too. No player won more duels than him on Tuesday night (13) as he kept a vulnerable Spurs defense in check at the back.

The turgid tempo of Tuesday’s game may have led some neutrals to a Valentine’s Day alternative, but Leao is the kind of player you’ll stick around to watch just in case. The unpredictability makes you feel like something special is going to happen when you’re on the field.

The only criticism that can be leveled at Leao on Tuesday night is his hesitation to cross early. As soon as he started sending the ball into the Spurs box, Milan were presented with two glorious opportunities to extend their lead and he should have helped.

Leao remains deadlocked with the Italian champions over a contract extension with a deal set to expire in June 2024. Premier League clubs are sure to come calling if negotiations continue into the summer.
Zinny Boswell