Speaking in a football.london Q&A, journalist Rob Guest has made a damning claim involving Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Rodon.
The Lowdown: Rodon on the fringes...
The Wales international, even despite never letting himself down when given a chance at Spurs, has been somewhat left out in the cold by manager Antonio Conte.
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Rodon has started just four matches in all competitions with all of them coming in the UEFA Europa Conference League earlier this season.
The centre-back, playing just 78 minutes in the Premier League, wasn't even fancied during in-form defender Eric Dier's time on the sidelines - potentially throwing Rodon's future at Spurs into uncertainty.
The Latest: Guest makes claim...
When asked if Rodon could come in amid the mixed performances of summer signing Cristian Romero, football.london reporter Guest explained that his chance may have simply 'come and gone'.
"Antonio Conte made it clear last year that Joe Rodon is Eric Dier's deputy when he is out, yet it's only in the FA Cup game vs Morecambe when he has started," Guest said.
"Rodon has worn the captain's armband before for Wales so he certainly has leadership qualities, something Spurs dearly lack at the back when Dier has been missing as it's not something Davinson Sanchez or Cristian Romero possess at present.
"However, the fact Conte hasn't started him in Dier's absence suggests that he doesn't really fancy him unfortunately.
"Rodon has never let himself down when he has played for Spurs and a regular run in the team is what he needs to show that he has a part to play for the club.
"As Conte admitted last week that he is hopeful Dier will be back for the Man City game, Rodon's chance may have simply come and gone."
The Verdict: Harsh?
Having donned the captain's armband for Wales at just 24-years-old, amassing 22 caps in total, there is no question he could come in as viable option for Spurs.
Rodon also earned high praise from ex-boss Jose Mourinho last season, with the Portuguese even calling him a 'perfect' player, with the defender's omission under Conte coming as a real mystery at this point.
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