Robbie Keane has told the Premier League’s coverage of Tottenham’s defeat to Wolves, that Davinson Sanchez is “rash” and is often “caught out of possession”. The Colombian endured a dismal afternoon during the 2-0 loss.
It has been a potentially season-defining week for Tottenham and Antonio Conte’s pursuit of the top four. Before defeats to Southampton and Wolves, Spurs looked in a really healthy position to challenge for the fourth spot.
But now, after suffering a late defeat to Southampton – having led 2-1 on 70 minutes – and then another loss to Wolves, they sit in eighth. They are now five points behind West Ham, though they have played three games less.
The absence of Eric Dier has hit Spurs hard, a defensive lynchpin that has become crucial under Conte. Tottenham icon Keane picked apart the loss and was heavy in his criticism for ex-Ajax man Sanchez on Sunday.
“They need leaders. They don’t have a leader in defence or midfield. Romero is a young guy, a good player. Sanchez is rash at times, he can do anything. He can be caught out of position. Spurs are conceding too many.”
Keane on Sanchez: Tottenham star should be axed for Manchester City
It was woeful from Sanchez. As Keane says, he was often caught out of position as Daniel Podence and Raul Jimenez caused all kinds of trouble for Tottenham’s defence. In possession, he was even worse.
Sanchez was brought to Spurs, largely because of his pace at the back and his ability to show composure in defence. But he looks devoid of confidence and it shows when in possession. Jenas branded him “shocking”.
It was personified when his awfully heavy touch was capitalised on by Luke Cundle, who laid in Jimenez – only for a last-ditch tackle from Ben Davies prevented him from making it three. Sanchez cannot start next time out.
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