Andros Townsend Can Prove He's an Ace in the Pack for Tottenham Once More

A Tottenham academy product, survivor of seemingly endless loan spells up and down the country and England hero on debut; Andros Townsend was Harry Kane before it was cool. 

Unlike his development-squad teammate, Townsend has not yet been able to blossom and cement his place in Tottenham's Premier League side. 

The sale of Gareth Bale seemed to open a place in the side for Townsend. The Englishman's game is comparable, albeit at a lower level, but he was unable to fill the void left by Madrid's new star. 

At his best, Townsend is a dangerous, Premier League-quality winger. His pace, control and power are reminiscent of Bale in his pomp.

He is a capable crosser with both feet and yet he seems totally unwilling to take the ball outside his full-back and play a dangerous ball in. Instead, he insists on cutting back and getting lost in traffic or firing an unlikely shot from the edge of the area. 

He is too-often guilty of making the wrong decisions. 

Townsend is a fine dribbler but lacks the close control necessary to weave inside from wide areas. He should model his game on Aaron Lennon rather than Arjen Robben. 

Inverted wingers are in vogue but there is little value in a wide man who refuses to occupy wide areas. 

The reason why Townsend has been used only in fits and starts by the last three Tottenham managers is that he is a source of seemingly endless frustration. Counterintuitively, he seems to lack confidence while at the same time being selfish with the ball. 

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With England, he doesn't have the same problem. There, he seems to pick his moments with greater intelligence.

Perhaps Roy Hodgson understands how best to motivate him. If so, Mauricio Pochettino should place a call. 

Pacy, left-footed wingers are in short supply and Townsend has the qualities to be one of the better ones in the Premier League.

While he has made 34 appearances (24 starts) in all competitions this season, his lack of Premier League action is a concern.

Starting just 10 times in the league is not enough. 

In his significant playing time in the lesser competitions, Townsend has failed to emulate Kane and demand a place in the team. 

Pochettino has shown a willingness to select players without considering reputations but he will not do so unless the player gives him cause.

Paulinho and Mousa Dembele have worked their way back into the first-team discussion and Townsend can follow their example.

Even at his current level, Townsend is a fine squad member. His pace is always an asset and his coolness from the penalty spot is also valuable. Still only 23 (a month younger than Ryan Mason), Townsend has time on his side.

In order to force his inclusion in Spurs' most important matches, Townsend must show that he understands his role in Pochettino's side. 

The Argentinian demands his wingers to contribute heavily in defensive phases of possession. Their positioning is key to shutting down passing lanes and helping the team to press the opposition. Townsend seems unwilling or unable to do the dirty work.

Erik Lamela has, in recent weeks, shown that he is beginning to recognise what Pochettino wants from him. In that sense, Townsend's rival for a starting role has stolen a march on him. 

Nacer Chadli, Lamela and Townsend are three imperfect players competing for two places. Neither Chadli nor Lamela has blown away regular viewers. Both tend to follow up excellent performances with marginal ones.

In that sense, Townsend is not far behind.

Chadli's goals have inflated his apparent value to the squad this season but his disappearance in key moments is worrying.

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By comparison, Townsend has a knack of scoring important goals and influencing big results. His penalty against Chelsea in the 5-3 win was a testament to his mental fortitude.

He doesn't lack for courage. 

Born a little over five miles from White Hart Lane, Townsend is the kind of player that Spurs fans have been desperate to see in the team for years. His passion, skill and sense of occasion should have inspired the same adoration that Kane has enjoyed.

So far, it hasn't. 

Instead, Townsend will have to do things the hard way. He must deliver in the heat of pre-season, cup games and the Europa League before he can secure a long-term place in Pochettino's first team.

He has been responsible for more than his fair share of frustration but he is a rough diamond. If he shows progress, Pochettino will recognise it and reward him. 

In time, Townsend could be another homegrown gem.