Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie Redknapp waxed lyrical about left-back Sergio Reguilon ahead of Spurs' 2-1 defeat to West Ham United at the London Stadium yesterday afternoon.
After missing seven matches with a muscle injury, the Spaniard, who joined Spurs from Spanish giants Real Madrid in September, was restored to the starting line-up against the Hammers.
The 24-year-old, who has claimed three assists in the Premier League this term since arriving in north London, replaced Ben Davies at left-back, with Jose Mourinho feeling that the time was right for the defender to make his return.
Unfortunately, the former Sevilla loanee was not able to mark his return with a positive result as Spurs fell to a fifth Premier League defeat in their last six matches.
Goals from Michail Antonio and on-loan Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard fired the Hammers into a two-goal lead before Spurs got themselves back into the contest thanks to a header from Lucas Moura.
On a personal level, Reguilon, who managed 77 minutes of the contest before being replaced by Dele Alli, was not able to express himself going forward as much as usually tends to do because of the Hammers' own attacking threat, with both Vladimir Coufal and Jarrod Bowen causing endless problems down the home side's right wing.
Although it was not quite the dream return that the Spaniard would have hoped for, his return will have offered encouragement to Mourinho as his side looks to get their season back on track.
His presence at left-back has certainly been missed in recent weeks, with Spurs struggling defensively and not being able to offer as much support to the attackers.
And ahead of the clash at the London Stadium, former England international Redknapp highlighted the key qualities the former Real Madrid man brings to the side.
"When he was playing he was fantastic," Redknapp told Sky Sports. "He had great energy, was crossing the ball, good in one-on-one situations - he had it all.
"It is no surprise that their performances have not been as good since he has not been playing because he offers so much to this team, and Jose will be delighted to have him back."
Alongside Redknapp in the Sky Sports studio was former Manchester City and Aston Villa defender Micah Richards. Like Redknapp, the former right-back is a big fan of Reguilon's talents, highlighting just how much quality he brings to the Spurs team in an attacking sense.
"With Reguilon, it is just the way that he attacks the space, for me," Richards admitted. "As a full-back, nowadays, you always like to see them going forward.
"He is quick, always plays one-two's, so they will be happy to have him back in the squad today."
Although Reguilon has had to contend with several injury woes since arriving in England, when on song he has been one of Spurs' best performers this season, with his attacking threat from left-back frequently proving menacing.
In 21 appearances for Spurs in all competitions this season, Reguilon has chipped in with five assists.
