It has been an excellent start to the 2022-23 season for Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur, as they comfortable sit in the Champions League places. Spurs also remain among the likely contenders to finish in those top four positions, according to the latest odds.
However, it was a rebuild over the summer for the Italian boss, as he parted ways with another of first-team players. But, how have some of last season’s first team regulars performed out on loan this term?
Giovani Lo Celso
It always appeared likely that Giovani Lo Celso would need to depart Spurs to have regular first-team opportunities this season following the arrival of Yves Bissouma. Villarreal made their move for the Argentine over the summer, and he has quickly become a prominent player for the Spanish side. He has played seven times in La Liga for Unai Emery’s team this term, scoring on one occasion.
He looks set to have a big impact over the remainder of the season, as Villarreal look to force their way into a battle to finish in the Champions League places.
Harry Winks
Another midfielder that left Spurs over the summer was home-grown talent Harry Winks. The central midfielder had an important role in both Mauricio Pochettino and Jose Mourinho’s teams, but Conte never seemed to be a big fan of the 26-year-old.
After being linked with a move to Everton throughout the summer, he eventually joined Sampdoria on a season-long loan. However, the loan move hasn’t worked out as the defensive midfielder would have hoped, as he is still yet to make his debut for the Serie A side.
Tanguy Ndombele
Tanguy Ndombele’s move to Tottenham Hotspur was for a club-record fee in 2019, and hopes were high among fans. However, the 25-year-old never really settled in England, and has been loaned out throughout 2022. His spell back at Lyon hardly caught the imagination, but he is playing a significant role this term for one of the most exciting teams in Europe.
The midfielder has been a revelation since joining Napoli, as he has played in eleven fixtures across all competitions. His only goal to date came in the Champions League, but his performances are one of the main reasons why Napoli are one of the few unbeaten sides in the top five European leagues.
Sergio Reguilon
Ivan Perisic’s arrival at Spurs in the summer meant that Conte was keen to get a left-back off the books. Sergio Reguilon had made the left-back position his own since signing from the club from Real Madrid in 2020, but the Italian boss certainly appeared to have reservations surrounding his defensive abilities.
However, like Winks, Reguilon is yet to make an impression since signing for Atletico Madrid on loan. The full-back is yet to make an appearance for the Spanish side, but his imminent return to fitness could enable Diego Simeone to hand the Spaniard a first start over the coming weeks. But, he will likely still need to win over the fans after previously playing for arch-rivals Real Madrid.