Tottenham half-time player ratings vs Atletico Madrid – 8/10 for energetic forward
The first half of Champions League action has just come to a close between Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tottenham find themselves a goal up after Randal Kolo Muani struck in the first half, as they look to turn around a three-goal deficit in the second leg of their round of 16 tie with Atletico Madrid.
Let’s take a look at how the individual players got on:
Guglielmo Vicario – He was barely threatened by Atletico Madrid for most of the half. The visitors did find the back of the net, but it was ruled out for offside. Late in the first half, he was forced into a save after an Atleti effort from range was deflected by Romero. 7
Radu Dragusin – The centre-back was deployed at right-back, as Igor Tudor opted to set up in a 4-4-2 system, and he stuck to his task well, keeping Ademola Lookman quiet on the wing. He also offered a set-piece threat with his long throw, one of which led to a Mathys Tel chance, but his shot was straight at Jan Oblak. 7.
Cristian Romero – Back in the side, he made a vital block to prevent a certain goal following Marcos Llorente’s cross from the byline aimed at Lookman at the back post, but Romero was there to intercept. 6.
Micky van de Ven – A quieter evening for the Dutchman, who early on struggled to deal with Llorente, who found joy down Spurs’ left. As the game went on, however, the Atletico Madrid man found less success. 6.
Djed Spence – The wing-back has been given licence to go forward, and he took it, often offering width to Tottenham’s attack. Defensively, though, he struggled to deal with Marcos Llorente, who often got in behind Spurs’ defence from that side. 5.
Pedro Porro – Being used as a right midfielder as opposed to a full-back, he has managed to get forward a few times to put crosses into the box, but none were threatening. 6.
Archie Gray – The youngster has kept things ticking in the middle of the park, often showing for the ball before pushing into the final third to join the attack. A very mature and confident display so far. 7.5.
Pape Matar Sarr – The Senegal international has complemented his midfield partner well, often getting stuck into tackles and winning his share of aerial duels. 7.
Xavi Simons – He has the freedom to float around in midfield and has shown a willingness to make things happen, but is often guilty of holding on to the ball for too long. He did block Marcos Llorente’s effort from troubling Vicario, while later finding Tel in space, although the chance was not taken. 6.
Mathys Tel – The Frenchman started on the left and linked up well with Djed Spence down that flank. He registered Spurs’ first effort on target, although it was a tame one that Oblak dealt with comfortably. He was the liveliest of Tottenham’s attackers, repeatedly taking on his man and getting shots away. He eventually grabbed the assist for Spurs’ first goal, with his cross finding Muani unmarked in the box. He had a good chance to make it two after Simons played a lovely first-time pass into him, but he failed to make the most of the opportunity. He should have squared it for one of the two Tottenham players waiting in the box 8.
Randal Kolo Muani – Quiet for large parts, but came alive when it mattered, guiding home his header from Tel’s delivery. 7.
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