Davinson Sanchez is once again struggling for game time at Tottenham.
Since his arrival in 2017, the defender has been in and out of the squad and struggled to tie down a place in the regular XI, under a number of managers.
Now struggling for game time under Antonio Conte, Mauricio Pochettino and Paul Robinson have given conflicting views on the Colombian.
Sanchez has made 26 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham so far this season, often finding himself as back-up for when one of his defensive teammates have been injured.
This has meant the 25-year-old has already had to step in on a number of occasions with Cristian Romero and Eric Dier both picking injuries in the last few months.
However, now that the duo have returned, they have been playing in the back line alongside Ben Davies and it means Sanchez has been sidelined since Spurs' 2-0 defeat to Wolves.
Since the arrival of Antonio Conte, Sanchez has been one of the many players who have complimented the immediate impact of the Italian.
"As for my position, I’ve been ready to play in every moment the manager needs me," the Colombian admitted. "Even if you’re not playing it doesn’t mean you’re not going to be involved.
"Football gives you chances all the time and it’s about that – being ready to take them when you’re needed."
The defender has shown improvement in some matches he has featured in, but has also made a number of mistakes and much like many of the Spurs players, has failed to keep consistency in his displays.
The 25-year-old made the move to north London almost five years ago and has played under a number of managers at Tottenham.
When Pochettino was in charge, he often praised the defender and the level he thought he could get to.
"He's so clever, he's very humble and he's very open to learn," the Argentine previously admitted. "He's a player when you tell him something his reaction is to be open and be critical with himself and that is a massive skill from a player.
"When he's so open to improve, then the conditions are amazing to be one of the best centre-halves in the world."
Just a couple of years ago Pochettino also commended Sanchez for his commitment and although he had some up and down moments under Jose Mourinho, the Portuguese head coach also praised the Colombian.
Last year, Sanchez admitted that he understands not being selected.
"If you are not in the condition to be in the starting XI, to be involved, you don’t expect to be," he explained.
"In sport, you need that, and at the moment you have to be perfect in every position, with possession or without possession, with your movements."
The Colombian has had 49 per cent tackle accuracy in his 17 Premier League appearances this season and scored two goals.
After his last performance against Wolves, former Spurs goalkeeper Robinson gave his verdict on Sanchez, who showed yet more spells of sloppy play.
"The defending was abysmal," Robinson admitted via Football Insider. "Davinson Sanchez was nowhere near it. It was not the first time this season he’s been found lacking.
"He’s been poor for the majority of the season in my opinion."
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"You cannot blame Antonio Conte for that result when the team is defending in the way that they are. There is only so much you can put on the manager," Robinson added.
"The defending for the goals was inexcusable against Wolves.
"[Cristian] Romero is the only one who looks like a top-class centre-half. He looks like the real deal."
Sanchez will have to continue fighting for a spot in Conte's starting XI and he could get that chance when Tottenham travel to play Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fifth round.
The Italian may look to make some changes to the side who beat Leeds 4-0 on Saturday, as it could be one of the only chances to give some players a rest.
If that is the case, the Colombian will need to produce a solid display to show he is someone the Spurs boss can rely on when needed.
As the summer transfer window approaches, there could be some uncertain times ahead for Sanchez as he could move further down the pecking order if more defenders are scouted and brought to N17.
