I was blown away – What Antonio Conte said about Tottenham unsung hero

Wed 15 March 2017 8:18, UK

By Harry Sykes

Antonio Conte is in no doubt who will be one of the Tottenham men to stop in Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final showdown next month – unsung hero Victor Wanyama.

The midfield anchorman has become as important for Spurs this season as N’Golo Kante has in transforming the fortunes of the Premier League leaders and clear title favourites.

Wanyama has started all 27 of Tottenham’s Premier League fixtures and been key to a home record in which they have won 12 of their 14 encounters in the competition.

Chelsea manager Conte knows that the former Southampton player, 25, will be a major influence when the London giants go head to head in a mouthwatering FA Cup clash at Wembley on the weekend of 22 and 23 April.

Wanyama was outstanding during Spurs’ 2-0 win against Chelsea in January, a game in which he not only made more passes, tackles and recoveries than any of his team-mates, but also covered more ground than anyone in a Chelsea shirt.

Dele Alli got the headlines for his two headed goals but Conte was in no doubt about the effectiveness of his less heralded teammate.

“There is a player who is very important for them now, Wanyama,” Conte said, as quoted by the Sky Sports website. “He is a really good player. He has quality during the game, stamina, work rate and shows great commitment for the team. I like these things about him.”