Antonio Conte believes Oliver Skipp can become a 'top midfielder'

From Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - Antonio Conte has hailed Oliver Skipp's performances since his arrival at Spurs, and believes the youngster can become a 'top midfielder'.

Skipp was impressive in Tottenham's 2-0 win over Brentford on Thursday night, breaking up play and linking up well in midfield with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Speaking to the media after the game, Conte was full of praise for the 21-year-old.

"Skippy played a really good game in the same way with the other teammates. And I think this player is very young, he has a lot of space for improvement," Conte said.

"He played with great intensity, great passion, great heart, with soul. It was important. He doesn’t care if he’s only 21 years old. Who deserves play [will play]. Today he played well. I think I can improve him a lot in possession and technically. We’re talking about an important prospect. We’re very happy for him."

Conte was then pressed over Skipp's ability on the ball after he played part of the game in a more advanced role.

"For sure and he has to improve with the ball, no? In possession," he added. "This player, without the ball, he works very, very hard. To have him in the midfield together with Hobby [Hojbjerg] is very, very important.

"For sure, the part that he has to improve is with the ball but in one month I have seen a lot of improvement about Skippy. He’s a player who wants to improve.

"I think that the present and the future depends on him. If he wants to become a top midfielder. He could become a top midfielder, but he has to continue to work. He has this will, this desire to become an important player for Tottenham and for the present and for the future."

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