The ‘Argentinian trait’ that drives Gio forward

Ossie Ardiles did it, his great friend Diego Maradona did it – and now he’s watching Giovani Lo Celso do the same in a Spurs shirt.

It’s what the World Cup winner calls an 'Argentinian trait’ - running with the ball, riding challenges, creating space, using space, driving forward from deeper areas, committing opponents.

‘Gio’ has already shown his capacity for lung-busting dribbles from deep – remember Southampton away, a run that led to a goal, and more recently Burnley, a 60-yard dash that ended with a chance to win at Turf Moor.

Ossie spoke earlier this week about how impressed he’s been with Gio’s progress – and this is a key string to his bow.

“If Giovani has space, he’ll attack immediately and that produces space for other players,” said Ossie, a hero here at Spurs with his 311 appearances between 1978-88, and back home in Argentina.

“He’s very quick running with the ball and this is an Argentinian trait. I used to do it, Ricky (Villa) definitely, you’ll all remember his wonderful goal in the FA Cup Final, I don’t need to remind you!

“This is very Argentinian. When you are in midfield and there is little space, for example, guys are marking you tight, a yard, half-a-yard, so little space, the main thing you have in your head is to run, and to run at defenders, knowing that it will create chances. Giovani is very strong in this department.”