Messi rates me highly but Tottenham didn’t – I’ve just shown them what they’re missing
Former Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso made a triumphant return to Real Betis, marking his comeback with an impressive brace in a 2-0 victory over Getafe.
Snapped up by Betis for a bargain £4 million just before the transfer deadline, the 28-year-old Argentine signed a three-year contract with an option for an extension.
His performance on Wednesday was nothing short of dazzling, scoring twice in the second half to secure the win in his first start for the club in over five years.
While Lo Celso was celebrating his dream return to Spain, Tottenham were busy dealing with their own challenges.
Fresh off a disappointing loss to Arsenal in the North London derby, Spurs managed to claw their way to victory against Coventry in the Carabao Cup.
The win was much-needed for a team still reeling from their derby defeat.
Lo Celso’s journey has seen its ups and downs. His initial move from Real Betis to Tottenham in 2018 was first on loan before being made permanent for £27 million.
Expectations were high when he arrived in North London, with sections of the Spanish media even predicting he could be Lionel Messi’s successor at Barcelona after Messi’s surprising departure in 2021.
The hype surrounding him was fueled even more by Messi himself, who once called Lo Celso the finest midfielder Argentina had at the time.
Despite that glowing endorsement, Lo Celso’s time at Tottenham never fully lived up to expectations.
He struggled to find a consistent place in Ange Postecoglou’s squad, despite praising the Australian coach for his belief in him.
During a brief period last season, Lo Celso had a bigger role at Spurs, and he reflected on the positive experience of playing under Postecoglou.
“I was really grateful for his belief in me, so I worked hard and showed every day that I wanted to be here and play.
I’ve felt really comfortable in training and in the way he coaches. I love his idea of football, which gave me the belief that I could find a place in his team,” Lo Celso said.
“The coaching staff have helped, as well as my teammates. It’s a personal challenge for my career, but the coach’s plan and philosophy are helping me improve my game because he asks me to do specific things in my role.”
However, despite the positive relationship with Postecoglou, Lo Celso’s involvement during the 2023/24 season remained limited.
He made just 24 appearances, many of which were short stints off the bench, and never managed to fully secure a place in the starting lineup.
This lack of regular playing time, coupled with uncertainty over his future at the club, eventually led to his departure.
While his club career may have been inconsistent, Lo Celso has remained a key player for the Argentine national team.
Over the past seven years, he has earned 59 caps and played an instrumental role in Argentina’s Copa America victories in 2021 and 2024.
Unfortunately, an injury kept him out of Argentina’s triumphant World Cup campaign in Qatar, but his importance to the national team has never been in doubt.
Ultimately, Lo Celso’s return to Real Betis offers him a fresh start and the opportunity to reignite his career in a familiar setting. His brace against Getafe served as a reminder of the talent that once made him one of Argentina’s most promising midfielders.
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