Tottenham: Ange Postecoglou decision on Bryan Gil shocks BBC Sport pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former Scotland right-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
Alan Hutton was shocked to see Bryan Gil in the starting line-up when Tottenham lost at home to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.
Bryan, 22, hadn’t started a game for the Londoners since January before he was sent out on loan to Sevilla, where he won the 2022/23 Europa League title.
Since returning to Spurs, the Spain international has been sidelined due to injury and made his first appearance of the campaign in the 2-1 win at Crystal Palace on 27 October.
After continuing his return to fitness over the international break, Ange Postecoglou clearly felt he needed to start Bryan against Aston Villa on Sunday, much to the surprise of Hutton.
“I didn’t expect it at all,” Hutton told Tottenham News.
“I’ve seen him in the past and he’s definitely got the ability to cause defenders problems. He can also see a pass so they’re looking for that creative spark.
“I don’t think you can judge him on this one performance. I know people will but he played well.
“I think you need a run in the game, you can’t just expect somebody to come in from the cold and be unbelievable because it very rarely happens.
“If he gets that opportunity to shine, I think he can because he’s got the ability.
“I find it harsh to judge him on just one performance.”
Bryan joined Spurs in 2021 from Sevilla.
However, his time in North London has been fraught with injury and form issues, meaning he’s only played 34 times in all competitions for the club.
He’s also yet to score for Spurs despite being an attacker and has only supplied two assists.
In other Tottenham news, £7.2million has gone down the drain on one Spurs player with Daniel Levy set to continue losing millions.