Since signing for the club in an eye-watering £30m deal from Newcastle, Moussa Sissoko has been somewhat of a laughing stock at Tottenham.

That was before this season, however, as the French international looks to have turned his career around in north London with a string of fine displays, but his resurgence may be challenged by the emergence of young midfielder George Marsh.

What's the word, then?

Well, Spurs' boss Mauricio Pochettino has previously stated his admiration at Sissoko's persistence in a Tottenham shirt, which appeared to be confirmation that the former Southampton boss now values the 29-year-old as a key member of his first team - even more so after injuries to Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele throughout the campaign.

However, Pochettino's faith in a player clearly trying exceptionally hard to turn things around isn't misguided as such, but smacks of a manager making the best of a difficult situation and one who is too proud to give up on a player he signed.

Whilst that is admirable, the quality of young midfielders coming through the ranks at Spurs should have the Argentine questioning whether or not the 6ft 2in Sissoko is worth persisting with.

Who is Marsh?

The 20-year-old academy graduate made his first-team debut against Tranmere in the FA Cup third round last time out, entering the fray midway through the second half as Spurs ran riot in the 7-0 win.

He showed impressive confidence on the ball and certainly caught the eye in his short cameo against the League Two side. Marsh isn't the only young midfield star emerging at Tottenham though, as 18-year-old Oliver Skipp has also started to made a name for himself at the club following Luke Amos impressing during pre-season before picking up a serious injury.

Skipp started against Tranmere and was noticeably excellent throughout, whilst the more recognisable Harry Winks is also a man who should be seeing a lot more game time than he currently does.

It isn't fair to say that Sissoko is the one holding them all back, but as he is almost in his thirties, perhaps it is time for Pochettino to let him go in order for the younger options to prosper in the first-team.