- Jun 4, 2004
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The Madrid game at home he was very good and then who else did he “run the game” against at Champions League level? Spurs fans use that game like Arsenal fans used to with Wilshere against Barcelona to try and make a case for them. It’s not relevant anymore. He’s regressed as a player whilst his sense of entitlement has grown. Clearly not someone you can rely on when the going gets tough. Which may be a symptom of his development as well as his personality. Simply has to be moved on in the summer. He’s one of the non-negotiables that have to go.
Madrid away was equally as good in that same season. I'm sure there are other examples but my memory sucks so I can't pretend I can call them all out.
The point is that he is clearly capable of playing at a high level. I didn't say he was elite or anything like that, just merely that I refuse to accept that he's as shit as a lot of our fans would have people believe. Simply not true.
I don't disagree with anything else you've said. He's sulking and that's a clear character flaw that he either needs to mature out of or he will certainly never be a top level player, which he clearly believes himself he can be. I would imagine he will be sold in the summer unless Jose gets sacked in which case I don't think he would push to leave.
As some others have said, he thrives more in a possession based style where he can recycle the ball quickly and efficiently. He doesn't suit the current style or system under Mourinho so if a new manager comes in then I'd be happy for him to stay as a squad player.