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This article is part of Football FanCast's Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers...

South American football expert Tim Vickery was part of a special Last Word on Spurs podcast this week, and he made an eye-catching comment about Tottenham Hotspur loanee Giovani Lo Celso.

What did he say?

Well, the north London outfit signed the Argentina international on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season on deadline day back in August, although injury issues mean he has only played a total of 44 minutes of football for them so far.

Vickery certainly appears to be a big fan of the 23-year-old though having seen him perform up close for Club Atletico Rosario Central in the midfielder's homeland.

Speaking to the Last Word on Spurs podcast (22:40), he made a big claim: "I think he's a lovely player. I watched quite a lot of him on the way up for Rosario Central, and I love his left foot, I love his vision.

"I think he carries the ball well and in some ways I think he can be an upgrade on Eriksen."

High praise indeed

It certainly is.

Mauricio Pochettino was obviously really keen to bring his compatriot to north London during the summer transfer window given Lo Celso's first interview when he joined, and the 47-year-old eventually got his man at the last moment – even if it was only on loan rather than a permanent deal.

The fact that he suffered a hip injury while playing for his country that means he may not return to action until November has been a blow for Spurs, who have struggled in recent matches – including Carabao Cup humiliation against Colchester United.

That sort of game could have been the ideal chance to get Lo Celso up to speed with the English game had he been fit, but they will have to wait longer for that opportunity.

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Nevertheless, Vickery knows his South American football and the fact that he things the 23-year-old could end up being an upgrade on Eriksen is promising, given the Dane has scored 67 goals and provided a further 86 assists in 285 appearances for Tottenham.

Exciting times may lie ahead, then.