Sky Sports pundit felt Pape Matar Sarr really struggled in Tottenham defeat

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Pundit Alan Smith has suggested that Tottenham Hotspur talent Pape Matar Sarr looked ‘out of his depth’ against Newcastle United.

Sarr ended up being the one sacrificed by Cristian Stellini after a 21-minute horror show at St James’ Park.

Newcastle were over the hills and out of sight as they raced into an astonishing 5-0 lead with Tottenham crumbling.

Stellini decided to take off midfielder Sarr for defender Davinson Sanchez, reverting from a 4-3-3 to a 3-4-3.

Tottenham still lost 6-1 and Sarr may feel that he missed a real chance to impress in the Tottenham midfield.

Sarr certainly didn’t impress pundit Alan Smith, who was on co-commentary duty for Sky Sports during Sunday’s game.

Smith suggested (23/04, 2:24pm) that Sarr was simply ‘out of his depth’ against Newcastle.

Smith felt that Sarr just didn’t know who to mark as Newcastle’s fluid midfield took control, leaving the former Arsenal striker feeling sorry for the Tottenham ace.

“Pape Sarr has looked out of his depth,” said Smith. “He’s been looking over his shoulder, he doesn’t know who to mark, you have to feel for the youngster,” he added.

Pape Matar Sarr in limbo at Tottenham Hotspur

Sarr was a top young talent at Metz and had shown major potential in their midfield.

That’s why Tottenham struck a deal worth £15million in 2021, but loaned Sarr back to Metz for more first-team action.

Now a part of the Spurs first-team squad, Sarr has found the next step a little difficult.

Sunday was just a second Premier League start for Sarr, and he has managed just 166 minutes of top-flight football this season.

The 20-year-old just doesn’t quite seem ready for first-team action at Tottenham right now.

That means another loan move may well be on the cards this summer as Spurs attempt to get Sarr on track.

Throwing him in against Newcastle was a bold decision from Stellini and ultimately on that backfired.

Let’s just hope Sarr’s confidence isn’t completely shot after chastening afternoon on Tyneside.