Clement Lenglet ‘not up to scratch’ amid Tottenham latest – pundit
Frank McAvennie has claimed a lack of match fitness is keeping Clement Lenglet out of the Tottenham starting lineup.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former West Ham striker said it is “good business” from Spurs to sign the 27-year-old on loan.
The France international was an unused substitute in the Lilywhites’ 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday (28 August).
The centre-back is yet to start a competitive fixture for Antonio Conte’s side and has only made one substitute appearance so far this season.
On 8 July, Tottenham confirmed the signing of Lenglet on a season-long loan from Barcelona.
McAvennie said Conte will use this season to decide if the centre-back is worthy of a permanent deal.
“The reason Lenglet isn’t playing is because he’s not up to scratch in terms of match fitness yet,” he told Football Insider.
“They’ve brought him in so they’ll play him.
“It’s a good bit of business getting a loan because they can see if he’s up to playing in the Premier League. A lot of players from other countries can’t play in the Premier League. It’s quicker, it’s more physical. It gives him [Conte] a chance to see if he can do it and if he can, they’ll buy him.
“It’s a win-win for him but he needs to get his fitness up. I think we’ll see him in the next few weeks.“
Lenglet made 27 appearances for Barcelona last season across all competitions.
During those outings he provided one assist.
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