Glenn Hoddle says winger Bryan Gil ‘hasn’t been that impressive’ during his time in Tottenham Hotspur colours.
The Spurs legend added that Gil perhaps lacks the physical nature to compete in the Premier League and he also thinks Antonio Conte needs ‘two new centre-backs’ to play alongside Cristian Romero from the transfer market.
Nuno Espirito Santo was in the Spurs dugout when Gil secured a £22 million transfer (Sky Sports) to the club from Sevilla during the 2021 summer window.
The 21-year-old struggled during his early months, before Nuno was sacked and then replaced by Antonio Conte.
He decided to loan out the versatile winger to Valencia, but Conte kept the player on board this summer, even though he hasn’t featured much.
It’s been a clear struggle for the player, which was highlighted by Glenn Hoddle, as he told Premier League Productions.
“I think that sums it all up (Gil’s game time since joining Tottenham),” said Hoddle. “As Spurs guys, we don’t know what he is about really.
“He hasn’t been that impressive. He works hard. He chases the ball, tries to put his foot and tries to toe the ball. It always looks to me that he hasn’t got the physicality in the Premier League yet. He might do in a few years.
“But I thought when I first saw him, bring him, put him out on loan and then bring him back in a couple of years time as an improved player, then he fits back in.
“He has been hanging around a lot. He has played in Europe and the Europa Conference League. But he hasn’t really impressed when I see him.
On CB’s: “I think Tottenham need two centre-backs. If Conte stays, I think that’s what he will be looking to do for two new centre-backs to play with Romero.”
GIL NEEDS A LOAN MOVE
The Spanish winger might have started Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa, but it’s pretty clear he’s not part of Conte’s long-term plans.
He only has one assist from his 27 Spurs games and he needs a loan move away from the club to progress his career.
That spell might help him build up his qualities, but he might also find that by the time he returns, Conte is no longer in the dugout.
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