Ivan Perisic expected to play specialist role for Tottenham after confirmed news – expert
Alex McLeish has suggested Ivan Perisic could play a specialist role under Antonio Conte after signing for Tottenham.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted he cannot see the 33-year-old being a regular starter for the Lilywhites.
As confirmed on Tuesday (31 May), Perisic has signed a two-year contract at Spurs after joining on a free transfer.
The Croatia international was out of contract at Inter Milan this summer.
McLeish admitted Perisic may find himself “in and out” of the starting XI under Conte.
However, he suggested the Italian could save the left-sided star’s experience for the likes of Champions League nights.
“Perisic has been a very, very consistent footballer over the years, a guy I’ve always admired. At 33, you can probably smell that he’s going to be in and out. I wouldn’t say a regular every single week.
“I wouldn’t say he is going to be first-choice every week. That is taking his age into account. Five years ago, I would have said Perisic would have been anybody’s player.
“Conte will be conscious of the Champions League and conscious of experienced players in these competitions. It could be, some managers will use players for certain competitions. That’s the trust a manager always seeks.
“When you need to manage a game in certain moments, you’ve got a very experienced player to throw on the pitch.”
Perisic played 49 times across all competitions for Inter during the 2021/22 campaign.
He has featured as a left-sided wing-back and a winger in recent seasons.
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