Glenn Hoddle was full of praise for Oliver Skipp after Tottenham Hotspur nearly found themselves 2-0 down against Brentford on Wednesday.
The first-half against the Bees would have been infuriating viewing for Tottenham fans. Thomas Frank’s side took the lead inside the first 15 minutes. And then it appeared that their plan was to frustrate Spurs enormously and try and throw them off their game.
They rode their luck. But Brentford also had opportunities to double their lead before the break. And one of those chances looked set to fall to Neal Maupay on the edge of the six-yard box.
Glenn Hoddle praises Oliver Skipp after Tottenham midfielder’s challenge
Brentford managed to dink a ball into the box, towards Ivan Toney. Toney appeared to be in an offside position so many of the Tottenham players appeared to switch off. Oliver Skipp however, did remain alert and followed Maupay into the box, making a challenge before the ball would drop for the striker.
Skipp Tottenham
And speaking on TNT Sports (broadcast on 31/1; 20:06), Glenn Hoddle was full of praise for the 23-year-old’s intervention.
“It’s a fabulous bit of defensive work as well. The little ball goes in, Toney’s offside, it’s true he doesn’t attempt to play the ball. He leaves it. But Skipp, his awareness defensively to get that is amazing. He covered the ground, it’s excellent defending,” he said.
Spurs youngster never fails to turn up
Skipp was one player who did not lose his cool during a heated first 45 minutes at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He made a couple of well-timed tackles. And he did his best to sweep up when Spurs’ attacking pressure threatened to break down.
There is speculation that Skipp could leave Tottenham in the summer. And it probably is fair to say that he looks unlikely to be a superstar in Ange Postecoglou’s side.
But he rarely lets the team down when he does get the chance to play. And Spurs would surely love to keep him for as long as possible.
