'He's starting to look like a footballer' - Ex-Spurs man reacts to Tottenham player's latest displays

Sandro Tonali is "starting to look like a footballer' but needs another "ten" Tottenham Hotspur displays like his one against Coventry City.

That is the opinion of former senior Tottenham scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The 26-year-old cost the Lilywhites £100million to sign from Newcastle United in the summer but had initially looked to struggle to adapt to life in North London.

Strong performances against Manchester United and Coventry over the last week have suggested that Tonali may have found his feet, however, with Tottenham finally securing their first Premier League win of the season on Monday.

The Italy international still has much to do to prove that his price tag was warranted, however, and the same can be said for many of the summer arrivals.

Tottenham spent over £400m on the likes of Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Savio, Jan Paul van Hecke and Omar Marmoush, with Roberto De Zerbi hoping to see his team come alive.

Sandro Tonali must produce 'another 10 of those performances'

Tonali's display against Coventry was all-action, and key to finally securing the three points for the home side.

The midfielder created two chances, was fouled twice and recorded a superb 15 defensive contributions, including seven recoveries.

Tottenham will need him at his very best once more if they are to win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

"He's playing okay, but who shouldn't be playing okay when you cost £100m? I'm still waiting for him to impose himself on the game," King told Football Insider.

"I thought he did very well against Coventry City. I watched the game and thought he started looking like a footballer. But I want to see another 10 of those performances before I pass judgement on him becoming the star man for Tottenham.

"Which he should be. For a player that costs that kind of money, you've got to be looking for him to impose himself on a game of football from the second day after he's joined the club."

Roberto De Zerbi still finding perfect Tonali system

Against Coventry, De Zerbi deployed a back three and played Archie Gray alongside Tonali in midfield.

James Maddison was in front of them, while Andy Robertson and Mohammed Kudus played as wing-backs.

"We played three at the back because of injured players in the midfield positions,” De Zerbi explained. "I thought three at the back was the best solution to defend the counter-attack and have more control of the game.”

After what was a strong performance from all three midfielders, the Italian may well be inclined to maintain the formation against Chelsea.