Gary Neville: Questions the ability of Spurs’ young playmaker

Christian Eriksen has come in for criticism from former Manchester United player Gary Neville

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has hit out at Tottenham’s new signings following the club’s poor form which was compounded by their 6-0 defeat to Manchester City.

Roberto Soldado, Erik Lamela and, despite not playing at the Etihad, Christian Eriksen, all received criticism from Neville.

Spurs’ defeat to City on Sunday was their heaviest loss in 17 years as Jesus Navas, Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo ran rampant.

Neville, speaking on Sky Sports, slated the trio.

“He [Soldado] doesn’t make anywhere near enough runs,” said the former full-back, capped 85 times by his country.

“He’s got to adapt quickly. I’m not sure he wants to become alive until the ball reaches the 18-yard box.”

Neville was equally as scathing on Eriksen when asked about whether the young Dane could play in the number 10 role.

“Possibly, but you’ve got to ask questions why none of the top European clubs have picked him up over the past few seasons.”

And the Argentine Lamela, who replaced Gareth Bale in the summer in a deal worth around £30 million, was on the end of Neville’s three-pronged attack.

The defeat at City was Lamela’s first Premier League start of the season but after a disappointing performance, Neville said: “I don’t think he can play on he left, he’s got a left foot but I don’t think he can play there.”

Lamela has scored just once for Spurs this season, in the Europa League, while Soldado has just two in his last 11 matches.

Spurs have only scored 9 league goals this season. To put that into context, only Sunderland and Crystal Palace have scored less and Liverpool’s strike duo of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge have 9 goals each.