It is fair to say that Giovani Lo Celso did not have the best of times in England while playing for Tottenham.
He was always very good in Spain, though, and he has been performing beyond expectations since his return to Iberia.
According to his national team coach, a departure from North London was all he needed.
Tottenham exit was crucial for Giovani Lo Celso, says Lionel Scaloni
Speaking ahead of Argentina’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Bolivia, Albiceleste coach Lionel Scaloni praised Giovani Lo Celso for his decision to leave Tottenham and return to LaLiga.
“He went to a club where he always felt good. He feels comfortable and it is important that he plays.”
“In the end, the league [the player plays in] is not essential. But [it is essential] that they play and get minutes.”
“That is a basic concept.”
Scaloni on Lo Celso, as quoted by TBR Football.
The 60-cap Argentina international returned to Real Betis in the summer for €5 million, leaving Tottenham after an underwhelming spell that saw him produce just ten goals and eight assists in 108 appearances.
However, the 28-year-old has exceeded all expectations since returning to Betis and currently has five goals from six LaLiga outings.
Lo Celso’s Transfermarkt valuation has already risen to €20 million, with his €80k-per-week contract at Betis set to run until June 2028.
It is the history of the game
Lo Celso’s early-season resurgence at Betis is exemplary of the fact that every professional player, in the right environment and under the right circumstances, can deliver the goods.
The Argentine certainly did not have either of those things at Spurs, as managerial upheaval further worsened his chances of succeeding in England.
If he manages to produce at this level throughout the season, it won’t be surprising to see big clubs lining up for him again next summer. He is already a transfer-of-the-season nominee.
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