Antonio Conte planning to unleash Steven Bergwijn as Harry Kane's understudy in attack in huge Tottenham formation shift
ANTONIO CONTE is grooming Steven Bergwijn to be Harry Kane’s short-term understudy as a striker at Spurs.
Even though the Dutchman has scored just four goals in 40 Premier League appearances – and three of those were in his first three home games.
But new Tottenham boss Conte believes Bergwijn could be the man to get them through their chronic striker shortage during this busy festive period.
Tonight’s Premier League clash at home to Brentford kicks off Spurs’ run of NINE matches in under a month before the transfer window reopens on January 1 – Conte can bring in some much-needed reinforcements.
The Italian is well aware Harry Kane is and has long been the club’s only out and out striker.
Previous Spurs managers Mauricio Pochettino, Jose Mourinho and Nuno Espirito Santo have opted to play Son Heung-min as a No9 when Kane has been unavailable.
But Conte revealed: “I think Steven could also be a good option.
"We have a world class striker as a No9 in Harry and I repeat I am very delighted to have the opportunity to work with him because many times you make an evaluation outside.
“I was enthusiastic to see him in the way that he works every day and the commitment, heart and passion puts into Tottenham.
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"It was not a surprise but when you arrive you do not know what you find. And I found this.
“We have an important No9 for sure but in the past I have seen that Son played in this position. Honestly I prefer Son to play as a No10 that he is now playing.
“I like to have a point of reference as No9. Steven is working and we are utilising him also in this position, in the three positions of the striker.
“Steven could be a good option on the day that I want to give a rest to Harry.”
Bergwijn, usually regarded as a winger, set Spurs alight following his £27million switch from PSV Eindhoven in January 2020.
He scored on his home debut against Manchester City and then in his next home League appearances against Wolves and Manchester United.
He has netted several times for the Netherlands, but his only other Spurs strike came in the 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa in May.
Asked if he can get the player scoring regularly, Conte said: “I honestly think many players have to recover their confidence at Tottenham.
“When they finished at the end of the season seventh the confidence is not up. This is another aspect to improve the confidence.
“You don’t lose the quality and what you show in the past.
“We are working to recover the confidence that someone lost."
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