Giovani Lo Celso made his first start for Villarreal and has already received praise from one of his new teammates.
Lo Celso made the temporary move to the Spanish club during the January transfer window and arrived after his international duty with Argentina.
The 25-year-old had made 19 appearances for Tottenham so far this season, getting a goal and registering an assist in the Europa Conference League.
However he had struggled to get regular game time and when he was given the opportunity, failed to consistently impress, which has been a disappointment as he performs so well for his country.
Lo Celso was one of three Spurs players to make a loan move on deadline day, with Bryan Gil moving to Valencia and Tanguy Ndombele returning to Lyon.
After the closing of the January window, Antonio Conte was asked about the departures.
"About the players that went on loan, they need to play more games," he admitted. "I think it was right for both sides, the club and the players. These players needed to play more games.
"For sure, it was strange. It was strange to send on loan, and sell one player [Dele Alli], in the January transfer window."
Villarreal are currently fifth in La Liga, just two points off fourth place Barcelona and Lo Celso got his first start for his new side when they drew 0-0 against Real Madrid.
Before that, the midfielder made his debut for Unai Emery's side when he came on for the final 13 minutes of the 2-0 victory over Real Betis, receiving a welcoming applause from the Villarreal fans.
Emery, who Lo Celso has worked with before, praised the Argentine before he played his first minutes for his new side.
"Giovani is a player I know, because I had him at PSG," Emery admitted. "At Betis, he was great and that helped him go to Tottenham.
"When the possibility of bringing him in came up, we did so because he's a versatile player. With him, we will try and be better."
The Tottenham loanee also spoke about his move to the La Liga outfit, ahead of his debut.
"I had contact with the coach at the time [of the signing] but as soon as possible I want to put myself under his orders and to meet my new teammates because they have spoken very highly of the group," Lo Celso admitted.
"We have high expectations in a league that I really like and a league I have great memories in."
The 25-year-old has previous experience in the Spanish league when playing for Real Betis, where he made 45 appearances, scoring 16 goals and registering six assists.
Ahead of his first start for his new side his current teammate, goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, gave his verdict on the midfielder.
"He [Lo Celso] gives us a plus as a team, he helps us improve and I don't discover anything by saying that he is a top player in the world," Rulli explained. "I know him well as a player and a person, so I hope he does very well."
During the goalless draw against Real Madrid, Lo Celso had one shot on target, 85 per cent passing accuracy and produced three accurate long balls before being replaced in the 87th minute.
The Argentine's loan is for the rest of the 2021/22 season meaning he will have a few months before his return to N17.
Lo Celso will face tough competition upon his return to the capital, especially now with the signing Rodrigo Bentancur already showing glimpses of potential.
For now, the 25-year-old will want to focus on getting some much-needed game time and help his new side do as well as possible in La Liga.
