By Dominic Toner
Tottenham attacker Georges-Kevin N’Koudou was left on the bench against Aston Villa in the FA Cup – and the club’s supporters were furious with his omission on Twitter.
Spurs host Championship opposition Villa on Sunday in the FA Cup final third-round and Mauricio Pochettino has made nine changes to his starting line-up, with Toby Alderweireld and Eric Dier the only survivors.
The north London club beat Chelsea in the Premier League in their last game and are now focusing on a strong cup run.
#THFC: Vorm, Trippier, Carter-Vickers, Alderweireld, Wimmer, Davies, Dier (C), Winks, Sissoko, Son, Janssen. #COYS pic.twitter.com/EyTJ7hkb5s
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 8, 2017
N’Koudou moved to White Hart Lane in the summer transfer window from Marseille for £11million and has found his game time limited.
The right winger has made just 10 appearances across all competitions and is yet to complete 90 minutes for the club.
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Spurs fans believe he should have been handed a start against Villa on Sunday and expressed their frustration that he was named on the bench.
Here is a selection of their messages on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Rozzi_B/status/818111977327394817
https://twitter.com/bullydave86/status/818111411981324288
Thought Nkoudou was nailed on to start today. Something isn't quite right #thfc #Coys
— Monty (@RealBristolSpur) January 8, 2017
G.K.Nkoudou has to start today. What's the point in him being here if he can't even get a cup game?? #coys #thfc
— Abs B.🐻THFC (@MyGuy_Tanguy) January 8, 2017
Glad to see the squad players utilised today, hoping Nkoudou gets a decent second half run out! #COYS #THFC
— ToDareIsToDo 1882 (@todareistod1882) January 8, 2017
Whyyyyy???? Why are we using Alderweireld? Why aren't we using Nkoudou in the starting line up?
— Marcus (@marcusss_r) January 8, 2017
Start Nkoudou
— Devansh (@DevanshTHFC) January 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/rows_bud/status/818110419143458816
N’Koudou has found it difficult to to break into the first-team as he is behind the likes of Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli, Heung-Min SOn and Erik Lamela in the pecking order.
The 21-year-old is blessed with stunning pace and has shown glimpses of his quality in his cameo roles, but is yet to force his way into Pochettino’s thinking.
In other Tottenham team news, Pochettino claims this assists master needs to go to the next level.