Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has backed full-back Serge Aurier to impress at the club, insisting that the Ivorian "needs time" to adapt to the Premier League.
The 25-year-old, who made his first Spurs start in over a month in the team's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday, failed to score when gifted a chance by teammate Ben Davies.
The defender, who could not adjust his feet in time, scuffed Davies's cross despite being unmarked from close range but Aurier - who was also penalised for three foul throws at Selhurst Park - will adjust with experience, according to Pochettino.
"Yes, he needs time," the Argentine told reporters. "It is normal in the Premier League, it is not an easy position for players when they arrive, like Lucas [Moura] and Juan Foyth, I think who surprised everyone is Davinson Sanchez, at 21 his performances have been unbelievable.
"But yes - the player that comes from a different league needs time to adapt. The pressure, the focus and then we are a club that demands a lot and of course we want to fight for big things, to be top of the Premier League, the Champions League and of course it is difficult.
"But we are happy with all the players, they are in the plan that we want and the most important thing is that we as a coaching staff help them to improve every day."
Aurier joined Tottenham from Paris Saint-Germain for £23m on deadline day in the summer.
Jonny Whitfield
