Alasdair Gold believes Pape Matar Sarr is ‘going to thrive’ under Thomas Frank after the midfielder produced a ‘superb’ display in Tottenham’s 3-0 win over Burnley.
The Lilywhites opened their Premier League campaign with a convincing victory at home on Saturday afternoon, with two goals from Richarlison helping the North London side secure their first win under Frank.
Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus combined for Spurs’ first two goals, with the Brazilian’s second coming via a stunning scissor-kick effort in the second half.
Sarr set up Spurs’ third in the 66th minute with a precise through ball that sent Brennan Johnson racing clear to apply a clinical finish, and received heavy praise from Gold, who lauded the midfielder for a ‘busy and clever performance’.
Pape Matar Sarr Shines v Burnley
Pape Sarr
Gold gave Sarr an 8/10 rating for his display against Burnley and highlighted his vital tackle in the second half that prevented the Clarets from finding an equaliser:
“Really feels like he's going to thrive under Frank. A busy, clever performance, made a vital tackle in his own box before the hour mark to stop Burnley grabbing a leveller. Then grabbed an assist with the through ball to Johnson.”
Sarr played the full 90 minutes on Saturday for Spurs, registering an 83% (43/52) pass accuracy, creating one big chance, winning 10 of his 15 duels and making four clearances and two tackles.
According to SofaScore, the midfielder also covered more distance than any of his Spurs teammates, running 10.9 km across the game.
Sarr made his second start under Frank on Saturday, having also completed the full contest in Tottenham’s disappointing UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the week.
Spurs had led 2-0 after 84 minutes only to concede twice late on, including a 94th-minute Goncalo Ramos equaliser, before losing 4-3 on penalties.
Frank's side will face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium next Saturday, before returning to north London for a test against Bournemouth a week later.
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