Agbonlahor issues verdict on Tottenham axing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg after what he’s seen
Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is fully deserving of his place in the Tottenham side despite the summer arrival of Yves Bissouma.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested Bissouma, 26, will get ample chances in an unusual season which sees the World Cup played in the winter.
Hojbjerg has played every minute for Tottenham in the Premier League this season, scoring twice – and provided an assist during Spurs’ Champions League win over Marseille on Wednesday (7 September).
Bissouma, signed from Brighton for a reported £25million in the summer window, has made just one start for Spurs so far in the new campaign.
Hojbjerg attracted interest from Real Madrid last month and has established himself as a favourite under two of Tottenham’s highest-profile managers – Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho.
As quoted by football.london (2 September), Conte admitted Bissouma is “a step behind” first-choice midfield pairing Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur.
When asked if he was surprised that the Malian is yet to come into the starting eleven permanently, Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Connor Whitley: “It’s still early doors in the Premier League season.
“There are going to be injuries and unavailability.
“If someone’s playing well, as Hojbjerg is, you can’t just drop them for a new signing.
“Richarlison hasn’t come straight in, Perisic hasn’t come straight in. It’s a long season, so there’ll be a lot of rotation.
“Hojbjerg, for me, deserves to be starting because of the performances he’s put in this season.”
In other news, pundit tips Tottenham hero to exit after source’s transfer reveal.