Tottenham urged to give forgotten man a chance as Conte waits on Kulusevski, Lucas returns

Former Tottenham defender Alan Hutton has suggested Bryan Gil could finally be given game time to showcase his talents at Tottenham.

The 21-year-old-winger was an unused substitute as Spurs bounced back from their north London derby defeat the previous weekend to grab a narrow 1-0 victory at Brighton on Saturday.

The win at The Amex cemented their position in third spot in the table. Indeed, Antonio Conte’s men are currently four points clear of Chelsea in fourth, although the Blues have a game in hand.

However, despite their lofty position, there is still the feeling of plenty more to come from Tottenham. Conte’s men continue to play within themselves and bank on defensive solidity and a counter-attacking game.

Their attacking options have dwindled in recent weeks though, with Lucas Moura and Dejan Kulusevski sidelined.

The former has been out since late August with a calf injury and there are no signs of a return.

Kulusevski, meanwhile, suffered a tight hamstring on international duty but could return in the midweek Champions League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt. However, those two players being out has left the door open for Gil to get more time on the bench.

Gil remains a Tottenham enigma

Despite being involved in recent matchday squads, Gil has still only made appearance this season. He came on in the closing stages of last week’s trip to Frankfurt.

Hutton, however, feels the Spaniard, who had a six-month with Valencia last season, could soon exploit Lucas’ absence and begin to make his presence felt more often.

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Scotland international said: “I still think he is down the pecking order.

“He is more of a forward-thinking player than someone who is going to play, say wing-back and run up and down.

“They have got a lot of options but it would be nice to see him. I think he has got the ability.

“It has not quite worked for him in a Spurs shirt. He obviously had to go out on loan and stuff.

“Kulusevski is also injured so that could open up another opportunity for him.

“So we might see him at some point and he will have to take the opportunity with both hands.”

Biggest problem for Gil remains Conte

You cannot help but think Bryan Gil is currently among Conte’s matchday squad out of necessity rather than actual want.

The Italian has previously hinted that he does not believe Gil is strong enough to cope with the more physical demands of English football.

And it would appear, given the lack of game time this season, that remains the case.

Gil could be given a chance to prove Conte wrong against Frankfurt on Wednesday, especially given worries over Harry Kane’s fitness.

The England skipper limped off the pitch at Brighton and may not be risked against the German side.

That would open the door for Richarlison to start through the middle and for Conte to try his three-man midfield again.

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