Tottenham player ratings: Moussa Sissoko was superb after coming off the bench against Ajax (Image: REUTERS•buildlineup.com)
Mauricio Pochettino’s side slipped to a disappointing defeat against Ajax at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium thanks to a goal from Donny van de Beek.
The Dutch midfielder kept his composure to stroke home past Hugo Lloris after 15 minutes as the visitors shot out of the blocks.
At the other end David Neres hit the post with a scuffed second-half finish but couldn’t add to the lead, leaving the tie finely poised before the return leg in Amsterdam.
Express Sport has rated how the Tottenham players performed against Ajax, but do you agree?
Tottenham Hotspur player ratings vs Ajax – Champions League
GK: Hugo Lloris – 5
Will be disappointed he didn’t close the angle on Van de Beek as he delayed his finish, but it would have been a wonder-save from that close in.
Otherwise not really tested, apart from denying Van de Beek.
RWB: Kieran Trippier – 3
Given a really tough time by by David Neres and Hakim Ziyech in the first half and was often caught out of position.
Better once Tottenham switched to a back four but was let down far too often by his delivery, including one truly shocking free-kick into the box on the hour.
RCB: Davinson Sanchez – 5
Had one nervy moment when he passed Toby Alderweireld into trouble but helped settle the side down after Vertonghen departed.
Covered the ground well as Spurs pressed on after the break, while his pace was vital in snuffing out danger.
Tottenham player ratings: Davinson Sanchez used his pace to cope with the Ajax attack (Image: GETTY)
CB: Toby Alderweireld – 6
Went close with a header that looped over the bar, and was physical in defence as Ajax pressed early.
Made a couple of big blocks from Dusan Tadic.
LCB: Jan Vertonghen – 6
Was putting in a robust, defiant display before a sickening clash of heads with Alderweireld left him with what looked like a broken nose.
The Belgian received lengthy treatment before attempting to return but soon came off again and had to be helped down the tunnel with apparent concussion.
LWB: Danny Rose – 4
Involved in an early tussle with Joel Veltman and failed to every really get the better of the right-back, despite being afforded plenty of space out on the left.
Tottenham player ratings: Danny Rose was crowded out in the final third on several occasions (Image: GETTY)
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CM: Victor Wanyama – 4
Caught in possession on a number of occasions but stepped up his game and started disrupting the Ajax midfield after the break.
Still glaringly limited in possession, and was relieved to see Moussa Sissoko arrive.
CM: Christian Eriksen – 6
Full of bright ideas but his forward passes didn’t quite come off with his team-mates on different wavelengths.
Got through plenty of defensive work and made some vital interceptions on the edge of his own area, but needed to affect the game further up the field.
CM: Dele Alli – 6
Fairly anonymous in the first half and looked short of confidence on occasions as he failed to make the most of attacking opportunities.
Brighter after the break and began to link up the play well, although he looked on the verge of losing his temper in the closing stages.
Tottenham player ratings: Dele Alli grew into the game in the later stages (Image: GETTY)
ST: Lucas Moura – 5
Tried his hardest to get into the game with some driving runs but often chose the wrong option with his final ball.
ST: Fernando Llorente – 7
A bullish display from the frontman, who had few real chances of note but was a focal point for the attack and did his best to haul his side up the pitch.
Tottenham player ratings: Do you agree with our scores for Spurs against Ajax? (Image: buildlineup.com)
SUB: Moussa Sissoko (on for Vertonghen, 39 mins) – 9
The stand-out player for Spurs, who dismissed any concerns over his fitness with a brilliant driving performance off the bench.
Was so much more physical than his midfield team-mates and grabbed hold of the game, and his opponents, after his introduction for Vertonghen.
Went close with one rasping drive and has turned into one of Spurs’ most influential performers this season – the Frenchman will be vital in the Netherlands next week.