Speaking on Inside Spurs on Friday, ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash at home to Villa (2pm) Ange told us: “It was good for Rodrigo to get a start for his country. I know he was keen to get back with the national team. He’s been building up slowly with us, had a bit of game time but starting for his country is good for him, good for us.”

Rodri was outstanding in his first year at Spurs, before his injury, and we asked Ange what he’d made of the midfielder in his time here so far. “He’s getting back to that sort of level,” Ange said.

“He’s obviously missed a lot of football, but he’s a quality player, he’s been working really hard with the medical team and sports science to get back involved and he’s really keen to do that. We’ve taken all the right steps. He’s had a couple of games with us, which is good and is getting closer to being part of the starting line-up and making an impact.”