Garth Crooks suggests Tottenham fans’ disgust over Nacer Chadli’s departure is justifed

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The Belgian left Spurs for their Premier League rivals West Bromwich Albion this summer.

West Bromwich Albion’s Nacer Chadli celebrates scoring

Garth Crooks has suggested that Tottenham Hotspur fans have a right to feel aggrieved by Nacer Chadli’s departure and explained that he feels that the midfielder could have been a useful option to have within their squad as they look to make an impression in the Champions League, BBC Sport reports.

Chadli left White Hart Lane in the summer after three years in North London after West Bromwich Albion agreed to break a club record by spending £13m on the Belgian (via The Sun).

Chadli, during his time with Tottenham

And after a stunning display in the Baggies’ game with West Ham on Saturday – Chadli scored twice and set up two more as Tony Pulis’ men claimed an impressive 4-2 win – led to some Spurs supporters voicing their displeasure at his departure, Crooks suggested that their discontent is justified, before outlining the impact he felt the 27-year-old could have made had he stayed.

“His performance against a lamentable West Ham must have delighted the new Chinese owners, not to mention manager Tony Pulis. Managers get a £13m record signing wrong and directors start issuing P45’s. But Pulis need not worry, I believe his job is safe in Chadli’s hands,” he told BBC Sport after selecting the midfielder in his Team of the Week.

“Spurs fans are already announcing their disgust about the player’s departure on social media and I think they have a point. Chadli is the sort of cultured player a team needs during a Champions League season.”

While Chadli’s talent is undeniable, he always struggled to hold down a first-team spot in Mauricio Pochettino’s side – of the 29 Premier League appearances he made last season, he started just 10 times – and thus, the move was perhaps in the player’s best interests.

However, as Crooks alluded to, Spurs have a Champions League campaign to factor in this season so having a player of Chadli’s ability in their ranks would have arguably strengthened their chances of doing well on multiple fronts as his presence would have helped give them the depth to cope with the various demands.