Andre Villas-Boas has earmarked Cristiano Ronaldo and Franck Ribery as “complete” wingers as the Spurs boss looks to nurture the best from Andros Townsend.
The left-footed 22-year-old has been one of the north London side’s star performers this season after being handed a regular starting berth.
Fifth-placed Spurs could have to contend with a seasoned winger in the shape of Jesus Navas when Villas-Boas’ side travel to Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
But Villas-Boas believes Navas and Townsend are very different types of players.
“[They’re] a bit different. Navas has been playing on that right side for most of the time,” Villas-Boas said.
“Andros went from the preferred position on the left [at QPR] to eventually slotting in on the right and us getting the most out of him. Navas is more of a provider and Andros is more of a finisher.”
Villas-Boas believes Townsend still has to work on the creative side of his game before becoming a complete winger, such as Real Madrid star Ronaldo and Bayern Munich’s Ribery.
“Completeness you can achieve when you understand all parts of the game – providing, creating, finishing – that’s what takes you to another level,” he added.
“There are other examples of players who have gone to level above like [Arjen] Robben, Ronaldo and Ribery – they’ve gone all the way to the top by being like that all the time.”