‘Brilliant’ Bergwijn not happy with Conte after Tottenham update – pundit
Noel Whelan has suggested Steven Bergwijn may not be happy playing a backup role to Harry Kane at Tottenham under Antonio Conte.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 24-year-old needs regular game time to get back to form.
As quoted by the Evening Standard last week (2 December), Conte revealed his plans to use Bergwijn as backup to Kane rather than Heung-min Son.
The Italian boss admitted Kane will likely need a rest over December.
He suggested the Netherlands international could take his place.
However, Whelan insisted Bergwijn would not be best pleased playing an understudy role at Spurs.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “We’ve had different managers during his time. There’s not been really any kind of consistency in their lineups.
“Harry Kane’s a definite but has had injuries, he has been in and out. Son has had to take over the rein, there’s Lucas Moura in there, Bergwijn. There’s no doubt they’ve got loads of attacking options.
“Just before Conte came in, Bergwijn was brilliant for the national side. Another player there that’s not been at the club long. He’s been in and out the side, needs some consistency and game time.
“If you’re Kane’s understudy, you’re not going to get too much game time, are you? Harry’s going to be the first on the same sheet.
“He can play all across that frontline, in a wide area or a central area. If Conte is giving you the accolade of an understudy, he’s going to have to work very hard to turn that around.”
Bergwijn has made two appearances, totalling 13 minutes of action, since Conte’s arrival.
The 16-cap international has a total of 11 appearances under his belt for Spurs this season.
In other news, Tottenham are preparing for the “biggest window in their history”, with 10-plus deals in the pipeline.