Andre Villas-Boas says Andros Townsend was “jumping” for his chance to impress at Tottenham following his loan spell at QPR.
The attacking midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan to the Hoops and scored two goals in 12 games for Harry Redknapp’s side but couldn’t save them from top-flight relegation.
Since his return, the 22-year-old England under-21 international has played in three of Spurs’ four Premier League games, including a man-of-the-match display in last month’s 1-0 win over Swansea City.
And Villas-Boas has been thoroughly impressed by what he has seen of Townsend following a useful spell at Loftus Road last term.
“He came very, very motivated to do well this season after his loan, and he was jumping for an opportunity in the team,” said Villas-Boas ahead of Spurs’ Europa League opener against Tromso on Thursday.
“That opportunity arose through Aaron Lennon’s injury – and he took it.
“Sometimes you have players who are on the fringe of making the first 11 but don’t get the opportunity; they are training well but not enough to break into the team. He has found his opportunity and I think his performances have been outstanding.
“He’s very explosive in his game, he can beat the man easily through changes of pace but also through his dribbling ability.
“He has this very difficult change of pace [for opponents to cope with] and whenever he comes inside he’s very precise in his shooting on his left foot.
“He’s developed a lot this last season, I think through the motivation of playing games for QPR. Hopefully he can develop into a top, top player for us.”