[Player Ratings] Maribor 1-1 Tottenham: How AVB’s Men Rated…

Tottenham controlled their Europa League Group J meeting with Maribor, but lacked penetration and precision whilst coming away with just a point. Despite improving throughout the game, Spurs struggled in the final third and failed to make use of some comfortable possession. Here are the player ratings.

Lloris, 6 – The French international goalkeeper didn’t have much to do, but was comfortable with the ball at his feet. Couldn’t do much about the goal.

Walker, 5 – Gave the ball away needlessly on more than one occasion but often made up for it with sheer pace and athleticism. Reluctant to cross the ball throughout.

Caulker, 7 – Another case of showing class beyond his years. Wasn’t an integral part of the collective defensive display but was calm and collected when called upon at the back.

Vertonghen, 6 – Accurately positioned over 90 minutes and was involved in some attacking play. Nearly scored a stunning winner, too.

Naughton, 6 – Satisfactorily involved without ever really excelling. Played some great cross-field passes but only because of the his inability to go on the outside of his marker with his weaker foot.

Sandro, 8 – Spurs’ best player on the night. Strong defensively and quick to get forward, resulting in a cleverly lofted cut-back in the build up to the equaliser.

Huddlestone, 7 – Would have been 8 if it wasn’t for his abysmal attempt of a tackle leading up to Maribor’s goal. Fantastic long range passing and cool on the ball, but he’s no Moussa Dembele.

Lennon, 6 – Never really got going. The odd flash of brilliance on the wing but nothing consistently special; lacked service from a playmaker.

Sigurdsson, 6 – Got the goal, albeit a scuffed finish. Failed to massively impress but hopefully will be feeling more confident in coming games after his 58^th minute strike.

Townsend, 5 – Admirably ran at his marker as often as possible, but his final product was less than impressive every time. Subbed at HT.

Defoe, 6 – Tried to get other players involved to no avail. Part played in the goal was the striker’s saving grace.

Subs:

Falque, 7 – Brought pace to a game which was seriously lacking it. Created the goal but, like Townsend, his final ball was mostly poor.

Dempsey, 5 – Didn’t have much time to affect the match but did manage a shot on target from range.

Livermore, N/A

Spurs failed to show an acceptable amount of creation without the absent Bale and Dembele in Slovenia. If Andre Villas-Boas’ side take advantage of their own ability in future Europa League games, they will have a huge chance of going through to the knockout rounds of the competition. For now, individual mishaps must be eradicated for consistency to prevail over lacking concentration.

Do you agree with the ratings above? Use the comment section below to voice your opinions. Alternatively, let me know on Twitter…@SteveJenn93

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