Pundit stunned by Nuno player decision ahead of Tottenham v West Ham
Noel Whelan has admitted he was stunned Tottenham left their top stars for the trip to Vitesse Arnhem ahead of Sunday’s clash with West Ham.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds striker admitted he could “not get his head round” the decision when the Lilywhites need momentum.
Spurs lost 1-0 in their Europa Conference League clash in the Netherlands, with Nuno naming a completely changed starting XI.
None of the side who started against Newcastle even travelled to the Netherlands.
They return to domestic action on Sunday with an away trip to West Ham.
The Irons head into the game off the back of a 3-0 win over Genk in the Europa League.
Whelan insisted Nuno is still learning about his squad but should not have made such a bold selection call.
He also suggested the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son should have been knocking on Nuno’s door demanding to play.
“I think Nuno still needs to see a lot more of the squad,” Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“It just loses that momentum that they gained from last week against Newcastle. I can’t get my head around it.
“Winning is a good habit, it breeds winning. You’re not finding that consistency that you need. You’ve got to respect every opposition and every competition you play in.
“The squad is decent there. I think when he chose it and left the starting XI back home, yes, they probably need the rest and the Premier League is very important to them.
“However, there’s an opportunity there for players to go and play in Europe. That should be mouthwatering.
“You’re not playing in the League Cup against a Division Two side here. You’re playing in a European cup.
“That should be enough to go out there, be excited, be ready and itching to perform on the big stage. It’s a big stage, it’s not like a couple of hundred people watching you.“
In other news, Tottenham attacker tipped to sign for new club in January after U-turn.