Former Tottenham Hotspur man Bryan Gil cites the lack of opportunities during N17 stint
After a successful loan season at Girona last term, Tottenham cashed in on Bryan Gil and let him move to the Spanish side on a permanent deal over the summer. The 24-year-old versatile player recently voiced his opinion, and talked about how he did not get the opportunities to perform at Hotspur Lane.
Speaking to Spanish media, he discussed how he never got a run of games at Tottenham which did not help Gil in any form or manner. Here is what he told Cadena Ser :
“In England, I lacked opportunities. I was there for four years, and I could only start in six or seven games. After so many loans, it was so important to be at a club like Girona that bets on me and has this stability.”
“I am in top form and getting into the rhythm of the game. At Girona, there is a team with a desire to grow, very young and very hardworking, and Míchel’s idea of the game is what made me decide to come here.”
Across his four year stay at Tottenham, he managed a grand total of 43 appearances in all competitions. A total of 1031 minutes averages it out to about half hour per game. Surely seems like the players was not handed his flowers. That’s the downside of modern-day football to be really honest.
Fringe
Gil is a utility player. The likes of James Milner, Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba among others are stand-out examples. Gil can put in a shift anywhere across the frontline. That is exactly why he could not zero in on one certain position. Managers want specialists and not one-size-fits-all players.
While Tottenham’s attacking options remained fluid, with players such as Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski dominating the flanks, Gil’s technical finesse and dribbling ability offered a contrasting dimension that went largely untapped.
At the end of the day, there’s not much left to say. Untapped potential that Tottenham failed to properly utilise is how we have to close this chapter. Despite all this, it is commendable that he did not leave the club on a sour note, but rather a very thankful one. It is a reflection of how the fans treated him despite the tough situation he saw himself in.
Under Frank, the club prioritises meritocracy, yet Gil’s case highlights the risk of stagnation for bench players. Having to keep everyone happy is not as easy as it seems. Fair play to Gil though, he found his move, and is doing good for himself, which nobody can doubt. One of our own, Bryan Gil. COYS.
