Conte wants Bergwijn to cause problems for opponents when in one-v-one situation

Steven Bergwijn has revealed that Antonio Conte told him to do what he does best and look to cause problems for his opponents when in a one-v-one situation.

A player blessed with pace, trickery and great footwork, that was clear to see in Tottenham’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win over West Ham on Wednesday evening.

Giving Spurs the lead with a simple finish not long before Jarrod Bowen restored parity, he then teed up Lucas Moura’s winner after beating his man, bursting into the box and squaring the ball to the Brazilian.

Previously playing a bit-part role with minutes here and there off the bench under the Italian, Bergwijn has stated that Conte wants him to use his qualities more when up against his marker in the final third.

“I said I didn’t play in a while, for ten minutes maybe, but it’s different when you start a game. After that goal everything went well I think,” he told Spurs TV.

“It’s my quality to go in the one-v-one. The coach has always said to me when you have the opportunity, do it. I saw some space and I did it.”

He added: “It’s always so nice to get a goal, get an assist. It has been a while since I played so I’m happy.

“The coach said before that the players who start need to give him answers. In the beginning I lost a couple of easy balls but after that I think I did a better job. I’m happy with the win.”

Tottenham impressed in the first half against the Hammers and caused problems going forward, with the visitors really taking the game to the Lilywhites after the break.

It was more about holding strong in the remaining 45 minutes and that’s exactly what Spurs did as they set up a Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Chelsea.

“We knew it was going to be a war and we had to fight until the end,” confessed Bergwijn. “The second half was more fight than play football but that’s what we needed this game.

“It’s only one game, one chance.”