Chris Waddle believes Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to not involve Danny Rose, Toby Alderweireld or Christian Eriksen in their 5-0 Champions League thumping of Red Star Belgrade helped the team's performance.
The Argentine boss decided to exclude Rose and Alderweireld in the squad, whilst Eriksen only made the bench but didn’t make an appearance on the pitch.
England full-back Rose was left out of Tottenham's pre-season tour of Asia at the start of the season to reportedly ‘explore opportunities' elsewhere’, whilst Alderweireld and Eriksen are consistently linked with Manchester United and Real Madrid respectfully with their contract set to expire in the summer.
With Vertonghen in the same boat, all three could leave Spurs for nothing in the summer, or agree a pre-contract with any European suitors from January 1.
And the ex-Spurs attacker, speaking to the Racing Post, thinks the bold decision did nothing but good for the team and their performance.
“A 5-0 win over Red Star Belgrade - regardless of the standard of opposition - was exactly what Tottenham needed before their trip to Liverpool. It was a game I expected them to win but they did it in great style. The 4-5-1 formation worked. They played quickly to feet. They were in much better shape and it was a massive confidence boost.
“It may not have been a coincidence that many of the players who were missing were the ones whose status at the club has been questioned most. Jan Vertonghen played even though he might not be at Spurs next season, while Danny Rose, Toby Alderweireld and Christian Eriksen didn't start.
“Having a team of players fully committed with their long-term deals may have just made a bit of a difference. There is no danger of them thinking about where they are going to be next season and having their agents in their ear every ten minutes.”
