Former Liverpool defender Phil Babb has criticised two decisions made by Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho in the loss to Sheffield United, including the call to leave Dele Alli out of his starting line-up.
Sander Berge opened the scoring in the first half for the Blades, before Lys Mousset and Oli McBurnie added goals in the second period.
Harry Kane scored late on following a heavily debated disallowed goal earlier in the contest as Tottenham rounded off a disappointing evening in South Yorkshire.
Babb, who was speaking on Sky Sports' The Football Show, was quick to take aim at Mourinho for not starting Alli.
Whilst the former Liverpool man acknowledged the inconsistent form which has plagued the 24-year-old this season, he insists that Mourinho must find a way to get the best out of Alli.
"After watching the performance against Sheffield United last night, Spurs needed someone like Alli to start the game," Babb told Sky Sports.
"Something is just off with Alli. He seems to be one of those streaky players. He has high standards and then dips for a few games. Jose is seeing the ups and downs.
"But I don't think Spurs can afford to leave someone of his quality out of the side."
Eric Dier was also a big talking point on The Football Show in the wake of the defeat at Sheffield United. The 26-year-old has gone from a more than competent midfielder to a wayward defender at times under Mourinho, with Babb explaining that Mourinho must change things up for the England man to find his feet again.
Asked if Dier is suited in defence, Babb told Sky Sports: "Not for me. He is better suited as a midfielder. He is a good passer. His defending ability is just not good enough for Premier League standards.
"He has had his position chopped and changed. He looks uncomfortable there. When you have six Sheffield United players in the box and four of them are unmarked, something is wrong."
