More on KentOnline
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Andy Hessenthaler says there is still plenty for Nassim L’Ghoul to learn amid his bright start to life at Crabble.
The Frenchman was handed his first start for the club since signing from Welling in Monday’s 2-1 defeat to Woking.
A early demonstration of his ability to glide beyond markers evolved into a gruelling test of his defensive discipline as Whites played with 10 men for more than 70 minutes following Kurtis Cumberbatch’s sending off.
Dover boss Hessenthaler said: “It was tough for him going down to 10 men. He tries to play the game at the same tempo both with and without the ball and you just can’t do that.
“He’s got to learn to maybe pop it off when you’re deeper on the pitch, but then higher up the pitch go and do your bits and pieces.
“He’ll get it and run at people, the energy levels of that are tough. Then we’re asking him to get back because we’ve got 10 men so he was always going to run out of steam.
“It was his first start but he’s got massive potential. He’s still got to learn.
“We’ve got two French boys with Bilel (Hinchiri) as well. He’s finding it difficult at the moment with the language barrier and also the pace of the game but he’ll get used to that by training with us.
“Nass (L'Ghoul) has had a little bit more experience in the lower leagues.”
Dover head to Harrogate on Saturday looking to maintain their 100% record away from home so far this season.
Hessenthaler added: “We went there last season, it was my first game there. We were winning 2-1 until the death and then they scored (to draw 2-2), but it was a good performance.
“We’ve won three out of three away from home so we don’t go up there with any fear.”
The trip will mark in-form Ricky Modeste’s final game before heading off to represent Grenada in the CONCACAF Nations League, but Dover are hopeful of welcoming a number of players back from injury.
“Ricky has been phenomenal, I think he’s probably been our best player over the last few weeks,” said Hessenthaler.
“He’s on international duty for the Ebbsfleet and Boreham Wood games which is going to be a bit of a blow.
“Bobby-Joe Taylor won’t be too long hopefully, Paul Rooney is nearly available and Scott Doe has worked well.
“Aaron Simpson hopefully won’t be too long. We’re lacking in numbers in defence but we’ll hopefully get them back soon.”
Dover host Ebbsfleet on Tuesday night, kick-off 7.45pm.
