Connor Humm

Tue 24 August 2021 17:00, UK

Alan Hutton has tipped Tottenham to launch late moves to strengthen the squad after last week’s defeat to Pacos de Ferreira.

The former Spurs defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested Nuno Espirito Santo would have been “shocked” by how poorly his squad players performed in Portugal.

Nuno named a completely different starting XI against Pacos de Ferreira to the one who had beaten Manchester City.

Harry Winks, Giovani Lo Celso, Matt Doherty and Ben Davies were among the most senior players to start.

As quoted by the Independent (14th August), Nuno insisted securing new signings would not be easy as he already has “quality players” at his disposal.

However, Hutton claims the Portuguese boss may be having second thoughts about the quality in depth at Spurs.

Hutton told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge: “I covered the European game. The fringe players came in with an opportunity to shine and they really didn’t.

“Yes, their starting XI are good and they will be a decent team. I think they need to add that quality in there with some late signings.

“I think after witnessing that game midweek, Nuno probably got a shock. There was an opportunity, the new signings were in. Doherty got another chance, Sessegnon got a chance, Scarlett was up front, Winks, Lo Celso.

“It wasn’t good enough, it’s as simple as that. They were actually really poor. The starting team are very good, there’s pace, there’s energy. It’s nice to see Skipp getting a run in the team, Tanganga making the breakthrough.

“I think when you go deeper into the squad, it’s probably not as good as what he might have thought. It was a really, really poor performance.

“I thought it would be a great opportunity for some players to come in and shine, which they didn’t. Maybe that’s why he’s now looking at the market thinking we still need to invest in the squad.”

In other news, senior Tottenham star bad influence on dressing room after bombshell, claims pundit.