The Dutch international is still yet to discover his goal-scoring form in Tottenham Hotspur colours.
When Tottenham Hotspur splashed out £17 million on Vincent Janssen, according to the BBC, they were expecting a goal-scoring alternative to Harry Kane rather than a player who, in 23 appearances in all competitions, is yet to hit the net from open play.
Janssen is not the first player to fail to make the grade in the Premier League after making his name in the Eredivisie but, after just six months at White Hart Lane, time still appears to be on his side. He is just 22 after all.
How many anonymous displays he can afford before Mauricio Pochettino realises that an upgrade is required remains to be seen but, as it stands, the Argentine appears to be keeping the faith.
“Maybe we expected him not to play too much,” Pochettino told the Evening Standard earlier in the week. “He is a young player who has come from a different country, a different league, and he needs to adapt his qualities to a new team and a new league.
“Maybe his run in the team came too early. But it is part of the process. We need to help because he is a kid, still very young.”
Those are not the words of a manager who has thrown in the towel. Janssen’s debut season in the Eredivisie is often cited as a reason why Spurs should give him time to settle.
After all, he barely made an impact during his first six months at AZ Alkmaar before exploding into life after the festive break.
And it must be remembered that, just two years ago, he was plying his trade in the Dutch second tier.
The speed of his ascent should allow him at least some period of acclimation but, when such a huge fee is spend on securing your services, patience is quickly forgotten.
Thankfully, Pochettino appears a little more realistic in his expectations.
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