Nuno relishing chance for Spurs to 'compete' in Conference League
Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo saw his side’s UEFA Conference League hopes dealt a blow after a 1-0 defeat to Vitesse Arnhem on Thursday night. Maximilian Wittek scored the only goal of the match at the GelreDome, with the hosts deserving of all three points. So Express Sport will now take a look at four players who need selling in the wake of the result.
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Ben Davies
At left-back, Ben Davies had a chastening night at the office.
The Wales international failed to stop the cross from the right wing for Wittek’s winner, showcasing his vulnerability at the back.
And he also offered precious little going forward.
At the age of 28, he’s a player who should be in his prime. But Davies is stuck in a rut at Spurs and his feeble interview after the game hasn’t helped his cause.
Tottenham would be wise to sell him while they can, with the Wales international’s best days now behind him.
Tottenham lost 1-0 to Vitesse Arnhem in their UEFA Conference League clash (Image: GETTY)
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Gone are the days where Harry Winks looked like he’d be Tottenham’s own version of Xavi.
The England midfielder once said it was ‘nice’ to be painted in the same light as the Barcelona legend, especially during his younger years.
But Winks’ confidence looks shot and, against Vitesse, he carried no spark.
Winks didn’t create any notable opportunities and it’s hard to see where he goes from here.
If Tottenham can find a buyer in January, it’s likely they’d accept a deal to let the 25-year-old leave. He was close to departing in the summer but, ultimately, stayed instead.
Tottenham duo Davies and Lo Celso have failed to kick on at the club (Image: GETTY)
Dele Alli
Of course this one was coming.
There was once a time where Dele Alli looked like he’d go on to become a footballing great, especially during the early years of Mauricio Pochettino’s reign.
However, Alli has regressed in recent years and put in another shambolic display as Tottenham slipped to defeat.
This was his chance to make his mark. But, a late deflected shot aside, the England international did precious little of note.
It’s hard to see him getting any better and Spurs should give up on the Alli experiment. He’s not been the same for some time now, after all.
Tottenham duo Dele Alli and Harry Winks were dire in Vitesse Arnhem defeat (Image: GETTY)
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Nuno speaks out
Speaking after Tottenham’s defeat, Nuno admitted it was a ‘tough’ match for his side.
“It was a tough game against a good team,” he said.
“I thought we competed well, but (there was) a lack of focus in some moments, especially in attack.
“I thought we could have done more in the way we finish actions, but we were committed, and it was a good chance for our players to have minutes, to grow, because we’re going to need it and the Conference League is a good chance for players who deserve to be a part of it to keep improving.”
And he then added: “It’s the group stage, we still play Vitesse and Rennes at home, and go to Mura, and it’s a good chance to sort the situation out.