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Alan Shearer questions why two Spurs stars didn’t start at Sheffield United
Alan Shearer that Tottenham Hotspur produced one of the worst defensive displays he has seen in some time during their defeat to Sheffield United last week, and questioned why Jose Mourinho did not start Toby Alderweireld or Jan Vertonghen.
Spurs were beaten 3-1 at Bramall Lane. Chris Wilder’s men were excellent. But there is little doubt that Tottenham’s defenders seemed to make it easier for the Blades.
They seemed to make a number of errors that were punished. And following the game, Shearer insisted that two of the players initially left on the bench should have been involved.
“Defensively, it was the worst performance I’ve seen from them in a long time,” . “There was no organisation and they were outfought for virtually every key ball.
“It made me wonder why Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld were on the bench.
“Those two haven’t exactly covered themselves in glory recently — but they would have surely improved a defence of Serge Aurier, Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez and Ben Davies.”
TBR View: Mourinho’s hands somewhat tied
In fairness to Mourinho, as Shearer notes, Alderweireld and Vertonghen have arguably been well short of their best this season.
And with Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez forming a partnership that had not conceded a goal from open play since the resumption of the season, his decision to keep faith with the pair surely made sense.
With Alderweireld and Vertonghen struggling, Mourinho does not have a lot of options.
It will be interesting to see who Mourinho selects against Everton on Monday.
But perhaps it should be little surprise if he hands Sanchez and Dier another chance to make amends for their most recent appearance.