Ange Postecoglou decision on Bryan Gil shocks BBC Sport pundit
We are thrilled to have former Scotland right-back Alan Hutton join us as an exclusive columnist. Every week, he will share his thoughts on the most talked-about topics at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
When Tottenham fell short against Aston Villa at home in the Premier League on Sunday, Alan Hutton was taken aback to see Bryan Gil in the starting lineup.
Before being transferred on loan to Sevilla, where he won the 2022–23 Europa League, Bryan, 22, had not started a game for the Londoners since January.
The Spain international made his first appearance of the season in the 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on October 27 but has been out due to injury since returning to Spurs.
Hutton was shocked to learn that Ange Postecoglou thought he had to start Bryan against Aston Villa on Sunday as he continued to regain fitness over the international break.
Hutton told Toronto News, “I didn’t expect it at all.”
He can certainly cause defenders difficulties, based on what I’ve seen of him in the past. They are searching for that innovative spark because he can also see a pass.
You can’t really judge him based only on one performance, in my opinion. I’m sure some will, but he did a great job.
“I believe he can succeed if given the chance to do so; he has the talent.”
“Judging him based only on one performance seems harsh to me.”
In 2021, Bryan moved from Sevilla to the Spurs. But he’s only played 34 times for the club in all competitions because of a string of injuries and form problems throughout his tenure in North London. Despite being an attacker, he has only provided two assists for Spurs and has yet to score a goal.
