Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has suggested that Gareth Bale's reluctance to put in the 'hard yards' is hindering the forward's chances of establishing himself in Jose Mourinho's first-team plans at Tottenham Hotspur.
Bale was left on the bench as an unused subsitute as goals from Son Heung-Min and Harry Kane wrapped up a superb win for Spurs over their bitter rivals - a result that has also put them two points clear at the top of the league.
Wales team-mates Joe Rodon and Ben Davies were both handed cameos, but Bale was overlooked by his boss on what was a hugely successful night for the hosts.
While he's enjoyed a fair amount of game-time in Europe, Bale has struggled for minutes in the Premier League, and has been left on the bench for the last three outings.
Asked by fellow pundit Graeme Souness why Bale has struggled to establish himself in the Premier League once again, Redknapp replied: "I'm almost undermining what an incredible player, one of the best players I've ever seen live, Gareth Bale.
"The things he's done for Real Madrid and for Tottenham. There was a spell when he was unplayable.
"But right now, Jose thinks he's not the player he needs in this team.
"This team has to work to a man, and Gareth might just upset that balance and not quite do those hard yards if you like.
"That feels a bit unfair on him because he's probably watching now thinking 'how am I going to get in this team?'
"If I am going to get in, the only way I can do it, is by working hard and showing in training that when I come on, I make an impact.
"Make no mistake, Gareth Bale will have a role and he will score a couple of wonderful goals here before the end of the season, but I can't imagine he's too happy about sitting on the bench.
"I can't imagine a player of his stature can be enjoying not being involved and not even coming on.
"We've all got egos as players."
