OPINION
Tottenham are wasting their time with Georges-Kevin NKoudou.
He has not cut it in the 13 months since his arrival for an £11million fee that looks more dubious as each day goes by. And, the sad fact is for the Spurs faithful, he never will.
NKoudou’s limitations have been plain to see in his 18 appearances for the north Londoners.
Sure, he has explosive speed across short distances and is a decent dribbler. But, in every other aspect of play for an attacking midfielder, the 22-year-old is sorely lacking.
His touch, passing, combination play, game awareness, tactical understanding, you name it, are far from the level required for a player to shine in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.
NKoudou is in the running to start for Tottenham in their Champions League clash away to Apoel Nicosia on Tuesday night.
With seven first teamers unavailable, including attacking midfield regulars Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen, starting places are up for grabs, including in NKoudou’s favourite wide role.
Don’t get your hopes up, Spurs fans, if the France Under-21 international does start.
NKoudou does not have the ability to become a genuine force at White Hart Lane, just as that other flop from France, Clinton N’Jie, did not, either.
Pochettino would be far better off fast-tracking ‘Mini Messi’ Marcus Edwards, the 18-year-old dribbler whose technical skills far exceed those of NKoudou and who is a potential superstar in the making.
The equally exciting Josh Onomah, 20, should also be in the senior Spurs squad ahead of NKoudou rather than on a season-long loan at Aston Villa.
The two Tottenham academy products will go on to have far better careers than the Frenchman blocking their first-team path at White Hart Lane.
Pochettino should cut his losses with NKoudou. Even the Argentine master coach cannot turn water into wine.