Gary Neville stated that both Reece James and Ben Chilwell were caught unaware by Jose Mourinho's tactics in Chelsea's draw against Spurs on Sunday.
The duo have helped to push the Blues towards the top of the Premier League table, both with impressive defensive displays and contributions in attack.
Against Spurs they were again impressive at the back, but could not find a way to help their side break down Mourinho's team.
The manager ensured Spurs kept a number of players behind the ball when Chelsea looked to attack - and Neville suggested during his analysis that both players looked surprised at Mourinho's decision to keep the team compact.
"It's like they haven't got an idea when it goes to the right and left backs," Neville said during the game.
"Reece James there, you see him holding his arms out, it's like they didn't know Tottenham were going to be compact and deep and together."
Speaking after the game, Mourinho played down his side's chances of competing for the Premier League title.
“We are not even in the race so we are not a horse,” Mourinho said.
"We are just a pony. You see the difference – Joe Rodon was at Swansea ... [whereas Chelsea’s] Thiago Silva is one of the best centre-backs in the world.
"Maybe a month of Thiago’s salary pays Joe one year of salary.”
The draw took Spurs joint top of the Premier League table with Liverpool, who only picked up a point against Brighton at the weekend.
Chelsea sit a further two points behind the pair after failing to break down Mourinho's team.
Frank Lampard's side are up against Sevilla on Wednesday in the Champions League in a match that could decide who finishes top of their group, before heading back to Stamford Bridge for a late kick-off against Leeds United on Saturday.
