Antonio Conte's flexibility in the transfer market has made all the difference for Tottenham this season already. His side have made seven new signings, though they are still being steadily implemented into the squad for league matches, but the difference makers against Wolves proved that being adaptable has been just as important as spending money.
Whereas 33-year-old Ivan Perisic started the game, 22-year-old Ryan Sessegnon finished it off, securing the three points in a struggle of a game, the transfer decisions being made were clear. Perisic, a free transfer owed largely down to Conte's previous relationship with him at Inter Milan, could be one of the best value deals Spurs do.
They have spent over £100m this summer on an array of different signings, and that is what makes them strong contenders. The decision to replace Perisic with Sessegnon also coincided with Wolves introducing the speed of Adama Traore. Had Perisic been up against the Spaniard there might have been trouble, but the youthful fresh legs of Sessegnon matched his opponent.
READ MORE: Cristian Romero injury update as Tottenham defender seeks to push forward return
Sessegnon himself is evidence of a new path of thinking for Conte. The youngster was on loan last season and impressed during pre-season, effectively acting as a new player for the Italian this summer and, subsequently, showing the versatility that Spurs have used to set up their team.
Perisic himself is just as versatile as Sessegnon has been positionally throughout his career, initially playing as a winger, occasionally used at full-back and now being moulded as a wing-back for Conte. The Croatian has also played in a World Cup final and performed for some of Europe's top clubs, and his addition is already proving to be a great marker for Sessegnon.
"For Sess, who is playing well this season it is very very important to have a player in front of you like Ivan," Conte said after the game. "In front of him Sess has a great career, and I think for Ivan was the same as the rest of the team. First half he struggled, second half he improved a lot. Now I want to see him in the same way - in the first half the same as the second half like the rest of the team.
"It was the same for the rest of the team. He [Perisic] struggled in the first half, with the rest of the team he improved a lot. I have seen the Ivan Perisic I know from Inter. When we were together at Inter. For us he is very important because we are talking about a player with a great experience. A player that won a lot in his past, has played in an important team. He can bring experience. I was really pleased with the impact of Ryan Sessegnon."
So far the transfer window has proved to be effective. Seven points from three matches is vindication for the early spending and different transfer methods, with cheap buys, expensive purchases, free deals and loans all used, and Conte thinks that last season his side would have zero points from these fixtures, adding to the importance of the window.
He did remain coy on how the rest of the summer might go though, saying, "I was very clear in the press conference before this game. This squad is this and if someone goes away then another has to come. This has to be very clear for everybody. Otherwise we stay with this squad and we continue our path with these players, this squad.
"This is not my task [sorting Bryan Gil's future]. About the transfer market you have to speak to the club. I think we have to respect their role."
READ NEXT:
What happened after Conte and Tuchel flashpoint and why the Tottenham boss should not be banned
- Tottenham news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- Full Tottenham Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Djed Spence explains what Antonio Conte told him he wants from him and helpful Ivan Perisic chat
Paratici's Garner interest, Hojbjerg's intense Romero talk and Perisic instructing Sessegnon
