By Harry Sykes
Georges-Kevin N’Koudou was given a rare run-out by Tottenham in their FA Cup semi-final defeat against Chelsea – and fans are totally split by his performance.
The French winger, 22, has had just 323 senior minutes of action, spread across 15 appearances, since joining Spurs last summer from St Etienne.
There were high hopes at the start of the season that the speedy N’Koudou could provide genuine penetration on the flanks for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
But he has struggled to earn the trust of the manager and his 10-minute display as a late substitute was his first match action since a cameo appearance against Swansea at the start of the month, when Spurs were also chasing late goals.
Tottenham supporters delivered mixed views on N’Koudou’s display on the left wing against Chelsea, with some claiming it was proof he should start against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night and others bemoaning the fact that their opponents were able to summon Eden Hazard and Diego Costa from the bench.
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Here is a selection of their messages on Twitter:
Genuinely, Nkoudou needs to start the next Premier League game. Those 15mins he impressed me with his skill and pace. #COYS #THFC
— Dan Smith (@DanLennonSmith) April 22, 2017
It’s the strength of the benches that has done it. #COYS. We bring on Nkoudou & Walker, they bring on Hazard & Costa. #mustinvestinquality
— Chris Bolton (@chrisbolton10) April 22, 2017
Good move bringing that NKoudou on TBF #COYS #CHETOT
— Paddy Hickey (@thatsuitbloke) April 22, 2017
Nkoudou’s runs always amount to nothing.
Why take Wanyama out. Damn you Poch! #COYS .— Selasi Winks (@harry_specter) April 22, 2017
Jenas bang on about strength of benches. When Chelsea bring Hazard/Costa on & we’ve got N’Koudou/Sissoko, there’s an issue. #COYS #CHETOT
— Carl Jones (@CarlDJones) April 22, 2017
Unlucky Spurs, great game, not looking forward to playing our home games at Wembley, would like to see more of N’Koudou #COYS #Spurs #CHETOT
— Dave Clarke (@FatClarkey81) April 22, 2017
Lost in the disappointment of that result for #Spurs will be that N’Koudou was really impressive in his 12 minute run-out. #COYS #FACup
— Marc Serber (@SoccerSerber) April 22, 2017
So close yet so far away but they brought on hazard we brought on n’koudou says it all onward and upward #coys
— Malcolm Walker (@walker_malcolm) April 22, 2017
Second-placed Spurs are next in action on Wednesday night, when they make the short journey Selhurst Park.
Chelsea host Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday as they aim to extend the gap at the top to seven points for at least 24 hours.
In other Tottenham news, the club have sensationally terminated the contract of one of their emerging stars.
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