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Jamie Redknapp backs one Tottenham star to shine against Man City after Huddersfield clash
TOTTENHAM midfielder Victor Wanyama could have a big impact in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Manchester City on Wednesday.
That is according to Sky Sports pundit and former Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp.
Wanyama has struggled to gain a regular spot in the Spurs side since returning from a knee injury he sustained back in November.
He has made just six starts in all competitions this season under Mauricio Pochettino.
However, the Kenyan started and scored in the 4-0 Premier League win over Huddersfield on Saturday.
I’m just looking at Victor Wanyama, he might have an important role midweek as well in that Champions League
He calmly rounded goalkeeper Ben Hamer to put his side into the lead in the first half.
Redknapp was impressed with Wanyama’s performance at half time and reckoned he could have been substituted to save him for Wednesday’s visit to Manchester City.
“Absolutely [Pochettino will want to rest some players], maybe after one more goal,” Redknapp said.
“I’m just looking at Victor Wanyama, he might have an important role midweek as well in that Champions League game.
“A few years ago he was so important, instrumental in that defensive midfield role where you need to stop other teams playing, and against a team like Man City.
“So he might be a player that doesn’t last the 90 minutes as well.”
Wanyama went on to play the entire match as Spurs moved back to third in the Premier League table.
Lucas Moura scored a hat-trick to become the first player to do so at Tottenham’s new stadium.
Spurs head into the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against City on Wednesday with a 1-0 lead.
A late goal from Heung-min Son gave Pochettino's side the advantage heading to the Etihad.
However, top scorer Harry Kane suffered another ankle injury and could miss the rest of the season.