Federico Fazio Performance Report

Federico Fazio Performance Report

Opponents: Partizan Belgrade
Competition: UEFA Europa League
Venue: Partizan Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia (UEFA Category 3 Stadium)




A tough opening encounter for summer signing Fazio who captained Sevilla to lift this trophy last season. A noisy crowd created an atmosphere and the pitch was terrible so mistakes could easily happen. Experience and composure saw him make a decent debut with only one glaring error.

He is happy with the ball at his feet, doesn't rush, came out of defence when he saw an opportunity. His lack of pace may be a problem but apart from that looks a useful buy.

First-half

His game started with the first 15 minutes seeing him comfortable with the ball at his feet, he was very aware and played the right passes, which he was quite happy to wait for. He would see one option, decide it wasn't right turn and play another.

15 mins The ball is played over the top of Davies and Grbic is n down the right-hand side of the box. He feigns a shot but steps back inside and pulls the ball back to the waiting Lazovic. His shot is well blocked by Fazio.

16 mins Belgrade play the ball inside Davies who is wide on the line and Vulicevic is through on the right. Fazio has to come across to tackle. The ball is collected and passed to Vulicevic again who crosses for Lazovic. Fazio is again there to head away.

18 mins Fazio bundles Lazovic over near the right touchline to give away a free-kick. It's poor though and is easily cleared.

25 mins Pantic turns down the left side to beat Naughton but Townsend is there to dispossess him knocking it out for a throw. The ball is thrown long into the box and Fazio darts in front of his man but misses the leaving Lazovic unmarked. Vertonghen lunges in front of him as he turns and shoots from six yards. Lloris is forced to make an excellent block and Bentaleb lunges in a sliding tackle to hook the ball clear.

36 mins Partizan win a corner down the right and a dangerous cross is headed out very well by Fazio.

37 mins Fazio rushes forward to intercept a ball knocking it forward and rushes after it just beating Pertizan player to the ball and get knocked out his stride as he chases the ball again. Free-kick.

Half-time: A very solid start by Fazio who looks to have settled in easily which is the sign of a good intelligent player. Just the one missed header from a misjudgement causing us problems.

Second-half

47 mins Fazio heads clear and Vulicevic hits the ball on the half volley from 35 yards but it's a very poor weak effort way wide of goal.

50 mins Lazovic beats Davies but Fazio is aware of the danger and blocks the cross. From the clearance a long ball finds Lazovic he pulls it back for a left footed Grbic shot but he scuffs it and it rolls gently into Lloris's arms.


There is little to talk about for the remainder of his game, didn't do anything wrong, worked well with Vertonghen and the back line, had no problems with Naughton and covered for Davies as well at times. A highly encouraging debut, he looks a good buy, definitely an upgrade on Dawson and more comfortable with the ball at his feet.

Twitter Reaction

Tottenham Hotspur ‏@1882_Tottenham
Debutant, Federico Fazio, had a decent first game for #Tottenham.

Spurs In The Blood ‏@SpursInTheBlood
Apart from the team performance, I've been impressed with Fazio, Vertonghen, Bentaleb and Stambouli's performances tonight. Encouraging.

Nikhil Saglani ‏@Nikhil_Saglani
Was pleasantly surprised by Fazio today. Shows that opinions should be formed on your own, rather than copied off someone. Really like him.

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