Pochettino praises Llorente after standout showing for Tottenham

Mauricio Pochettino was full of praise for striker Fernando Llorente after his man of the match performance in Tottenham’s comfortable 3-0 win over APOEL. 

The Spaniard made just his fourth start since his summer arrival from Swansea on Wednesday night, yet capped the outing with the opening goal, that a fantastic turn and finish having been played in by Serge Aurier from the right. 

Llorente has struggled with expectation and a return to full fitness having had no pre-season following his capture from Swansea on deadline day, yet earned the WhoScored man of the match award with an 8.83 having netted midway through the first half before turning provider for Heung-min Son as the first half drew to a close. 

And Pochettino was thrilled with the 32-year-old’s showing in the Champions League victory, that saw Tottenham pick up 16 of a possible 18 points in the group stages, more than any other team. 

When asked how pleased he was following Llorente’s showing, the Spurs boss said: “Very pleased, it’s so important for him. When you are a striker you need to fill the net and score and today, (it was) fantastic for him.  

“Of course, players always need time to adapt. When you arrive at a new team, a new club, with no pre-season, you need time. It’s so difficult to get fit and to find your best level.” 

Llorente was one of a number of fringe players that started at Wembley on Wednesday night, including Georges-Kevin N’Koudou, Moussa Sissoko and Juan Foyth, and Pochettino added that it was important for a number of players to play the full 90 minutes. 

“I’m so happy today because 90 minutes was so important for many players,” Pochettino said. 

“It’s different to playing 30 minutes, 20 minutes, 15 minutes, but it’s important for them to feel they can cope with the effort for 90 minutes.” 

Llorente won two aerial duels and made a match-high four key passes in the victory over APOEL to cap off an excellent midweek display.