Ryan on patience and development

Patience, positivity and a strong focus have all been crucial for Ryan Sessegnon this season.

Having joined us from Fulham back in the summer with a significant hamstring injury, he has had to bide his time to get back to fitness and back onto the pitch – a period which the teenager admits was the most difficult of his career so far. It was a spell that the youngster had to remain upbeat in and optimistic of what was in front of him, so he could put all his energy and concentration into his recovery.

For the England Under-21 international, in order to keep his focus in those tough moments, he just had to remind himself of why he joined the Club - of the excitement he had for being a Spur, of playing at the new stadium and the opportunity to play in the Champions League.

Now back in the frame for a couple of months and with seven appearances in our last 11 games under his belt, the 19-year-old has been reflecting on his first six months in N17 and has outlined how he hopes to continue his development going forward.

“It’s been a little bit of a step up for me this season. Playing for a bigger team with better players, at a big stadium and in front of 60,000-plus fans - it’s definitely been a level up, especially with my first taste of Champions League action coming this season as well,” he said. “I’ve played two games in the competition so far, a substitute appearance and then a full game, so to come through in both of those games was good for me, for my confidence as well.

“Those moments probably felt even more special than things like winning the Championship Player of the Year and the Play-Off Final success with Fulham because they are in my past now. Of course, I’m still proud of those moments but this is now another level where I have to step up again. Even after the difficult start and the difficult periods I've had here so far, you then remember those moments like in the Champions League and how important they were for me - I will never forget them. But again, it’s about creating opportunities for myself to improve, that’s the aim.

“Moving into this year, if I’ve played well and the team’s winning, that will definitely help my confidence, and then we’ll start to see that attacking play that I’ve shown previously. I think it’s just a trusting process. People like to see these changes happen quickly but, unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Sometimes it takes time. That’s why I have to keep positive, stay patient and always look to improve."