Andros Townsend lauds ’sensational’ player at Euro 2024, tells Tottenham to bring him back

Antonio Conte may have left Tottenham Hotspur with the building on fire, but you can’t argue against what he brought to the club.

Perhaps the mentality of the man was right, but he probably just expressed it in the wrong way.

But during his time at Tottenham, and working alongside the now-departed Fabio Paratici, they brought in some top-quality players to the club.

As you would expect, the Italian market did them wonders. Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevki arrived during the same window and then helped Spurs pip Arsenal to fourth spot.

Another man who arrived from Serie A was Ivan Perisic, who joined as a free transfer after leaving Inter Milan in 2022.

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Back then, the now-35-year-old had worked wonders with Croatia at major tournaments and it was seen as a clever purchase.

And to nobody’s surprise, Perisic is still going strong after starring for his country during their entertaining 2-2 draw against Albania at Euro 2024 on Wednesday.

Andros Townsend labelled his performance as ‘sensational’ and questioned if Spurs could re-sign him given that he has now left.

Perisic’s contract expired at Hotspur Way this summer and he re-joined his boyhood club, Hajduk Split on a free transfer.

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The versatile player returned to the club in January, but was nursing a long-term injury.

But watching him in action on such a big stage, such as the European Championships, Townsend was amazed by his ability to go both ways on the flanks, as he told ITV Sport.

Ivan Perisic at Euro 2024 with Croatia
“Oh my God, it’s sensational,” said Townsend. “What can you do? How can you defend a man who is both-footed like that? He has an incredible cross with both left and right foot. He has been a joy to watch.”

Commentator Seb Hutchinson then asks: “Should Tottenham have kept him? The ability on the ball for a man who is playing into his 30s now. Sometimes when players are playing for their country, they have that little bit extra.”

Townsend responded: “I would be asking is that pre-contract with Hajduk Split airtight? Has he got an out? That cross is always teasing defenders. He always seems to find a way to invade them.”

HAMBURG, Volkspark Stadium ,19-06-2024 , European Football Championship Euro2024, Group stage match no.15 between Croatia and Albania, Croatia play…

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Ivan Perisic has had an underrated career
A long-term injury meant that Spurs fans weren’t able to watch Perisic play for the last 12 months or so of his career in the Premier League.

But he certainly is an underrated figure in the game, as he has proved on the international stage and at club level.

From winning the title in Germany and Italy to finishing as runners-up at the 2018 World Cup. He has had a sensational career.

Tottenham, as they have done with many players, weren’t able to win a trophy with a man of his calibre and are now hoping for some success under Ange Postecoglou.