Pochettino backs Janssen to soon fire for Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur’s £17million summer signing Vincent Janssen is yet to open his account in the Premier League but boss Mauricio Pochettino maintains his quality should not be doubted.

Janssen, who scored 27 goals for AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch top flight last term, has made 12 appearances for Spurs in all competitions, finding the net once with a penalty against Gillingham in the EFL Cup.

Five of his eight Premier League appearances have come from the bench, despite the continued absence of Harry Kane with an ankle injury.

But Pochettino insists he has not lost faith in the Dutchman.

He said: “He’s young, he’s come in from the Netherlands and always the players that come from outside need time.

(Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

“He’s a striker that brings to the team different characteristics but I am happy with his behaviour, his professionalism and how he is playing.

“It’s true that we would be more happy if he scores, he would be too, but it’s a normal process.

“The most important thing is always to focus, try to improve and work hard. That is the best way to start to score in the game and for that we can only give time.

“It always happens in football but we are very happy with him.

“Maybe he puts a lot of pressure on himself but in the end we need to keep him calm and say ‘yes, good, don’t worry, work hard, keep going and be sure that you will score’.”