Former Tottenham striker Clive Allen believes “world beater” Emmanuel Adebayor can be Tottenham’s match winner against Arsenal on Saturday.
The 30-year-old has failed to cement a place in Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino’s plans this season, particularly with the emergence of Harry Kane, and his last three appearances for the club have been greeted by boos from sections of the White Hart Lane faithful.
It is alleged Adebayor angered his team-mates earlier in the season by inviting two Newcastle United players into the Spurs dressing room, but Brad Friedel claimed he is not a disruptive influence on the team.
And Allen, who netted 60 goals during a four-year spell at Tottenham, identified the Togo forward as the potential danger man in the north London derby, but admitted it may be unlikely due to the former Manchester City striker's poor form this season.
Speaking to Drivetime, Allen said: “There are games when he is unplayable. He is a player who frustrates you because of the ability that he has. He can be a world beater and there’s a lot of frustration that comes with working, supporting and looking at getting the best out of Adebayor in your team.
“We’ve not seen it often enough for Spurs. If he fancies it and he wants to play a big part in the game then he can win the game for Spurs, it is as simple as that.
“Unfortunately I think it’s unlikely given the way he has performed for Spurs so far."
And Allen added the absence of Alexis Sanchez from the Arsenal line-up through injury will strengthen Spurs’ chances of victory, which would see his former club leapfrog the Gunners in the Premier League table.
“Sanchez’s absence will be a big blow for Arsenal,” he said. “He drags the team forward with the way he works and closes down, the team come in behind him and support.
“He’ll be a big miss if he is not in that frontline for Arsenal in this game. Just looking at him and his attitude towards the game he would absolutely love the opportunity to play in this derby game."
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