N’Koudou has future at Tottenham, says Pochettino

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Mauricio Pochettino insists Georges-Kevin N’Koudou still has a future at Tottenham.

The 22–year-old French winger made only his third start since joining from Marseille in 2016 but scored his first goal for the club in Spurs’ 3-0 Champions League win over APOEL Nicosia at Wembley.

N’Koudou produced a promising display and, asked if the player has a future at Tottenham, boss Pochettino said: “Yes of course, but he is so young.

“Today was a massive opportunity for him. It was important for him to score and it was good to see him smile again.

“I have been happy in the last few weeks with how he’s worked and reacted. In this way, he can only improve and help the team, and help himself.

“It’s about the tempo – the timing – when you come from France, and a lot of things happen in your life. You need some time, more time, to adapt and start to perform.

“He is a great kid. He is always smiling. Everyone loves him. I feel bad, and I feel disappointed when I can’t give him the opportunity to play.

“Now it’s about helping him and pushing him to improve.”

Fernando Llorente and Heung-Min Son also scored in a resounding Spurs win. 

“I hope we keep that level and, of course, our motivation to play in the best competition in the world is massive,” Pochettino said.

“We will try to win and go as far as we can. In football, always you can dream. Why not?”