Jamie Carragher has slammed Joao Palhinha for his performance during Tottenham Hotspur's 1-0 defeat to Chelsea. The 30-year-old midfielder, who the Lilywhites signed from Bayern Munich on loan in the summer, failed to impress at the weekend, raising questions about his ability at the highest level.

Even with the help of Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr and Xavi Simons, Spurs were overrun in the middle of the park. Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo were often joined by one of Malo Gusto and Reece James, who inverted to assist build-up and provide defensive stability.

Speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football show, Carragher singled out Palhinha for his reluctance to play forwards. Pulling no punches, the former Liverpool defender said: "We spoke about courage; now we can talk about quality.

"Palhinha hasn’t got the quality. For a player playing for Tottenham in central midfield, for me, that’s a pass you have to be able to make. He can’t make it.

Spurs sale knocks up to 60% off kits...