John Wenham unhappy summer signing Alejo Veliz has ‘jumped the queue’ at Tottenham
Tottenham News is delighted to welcome John Wenham of Lilywhite Rose as our exclusive columnist. Each week, he’ll be giving his expert insight on the biggest talking points at Spurs…
John Wenham is unhappy that Alejo Veliz has “jumped the queue” and earned a place in the Tottenham first team ahead of the likes of Jamie Donley.
Spurs signed Veliz in the summer from Argentinian side Rosario Central for a reported fee of £13million (BBC Sport, 8 August).
Since joining, Veliz has made two first-team appearances, coming off the bench during victories over Luton Town and Liverpool. Meanwhile, Donley, who earned his first senior call-up against the Reds, is yet to appear for the first team despite shining at Under-21 level this season.
And Wenham does not like the fact that the likes of Donley have been overlooked due to Veliz’s price tag.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Wenham said: “I don’t like the way he has jumped the queue just because he’s an expensive signing from abroad when Donley has scored or assisted in every game he has played for the club’s Under-21s this season.
“Will Lankshear and Santiago Alonso have also been scoring for the academy.
“I watched the game against Colchester United in the EFL Cup and all of those players I named either scored or assisted in that game, whereas Veliz came on and missed two fairly easy chances, in my opinion.
“Therefore, I do think it is wrong, the way that he has just come in and jumped on the bench in front of those other players, but it’s always the way.
“We’ve seen it with Ashley Phillips coming in and jumping ahead of Alfie Dorrington in the pecking order, which I just can’t see myself. Based on Dorrington’s performances I know who I would involve first.
“Unfortunately, it’s just the way of modern football.”
In other Tottenham news, the club are set to benefit indirectly as one of their stars signs a new deal.