London: The fleet-footed right winger was in fine form once again for Spurs against Reading, providing an assist for Emmanuel Adebayor and causing havoc against Ian Harte on the flank.
Andre Villas-Boas believes Aaron Lennon has become a "massive" player for Tottenham in recent weeks, after a man-of-the-match performance in Tuesday`s 3-1 win over Reading.
The right-winger dazzled on the flank during Spurs` victory over Brian McDermott`s men on New Years Day, providing an assist for Emmanuel Adebayor to give his side the lead in the second half after Pavel Pogrebnyak`s opener was followed by a Michael Dawson goal.
Villas-Boas feels the player has stepped up his performances to another level of late and will have a major role to play as the north London side chase Champions League qualification.
"He has been massive. Sometimes he leaves a little bit in the shadows, but he recognises being at another level in terms of his performances," he told Sky Sports News. "He has been tremendous for us, not only creating but scoring too."
"He is creating within himself such a winning mentality for Tottenham. It`s important to have him around and for the fans to see his desire and commitment in every single game. He was a full credit to us today."
Villas-Boas praised the Royals for the effort they showed, but expressed his pleasure at seeing his side battle back for the points and pick up three wins and a draw from four festive games.
He continued: "[It was an] impressive performance from the boys to come back again; [we had] so many opportunities to score, so many opportunities for us to open up our goal difference but still very very happy for the effort.
"[Reading] came here and had a go and scored a goal which was important for them. Our task was not going to be easy, and after they scored it was even more difficult.
"We`ve taken 10 points out of these four festive fixtures and it`s important for the team."
The White Hart Lane boss was frustrated at being level at the interval, but praised his players for a dominant second-half display despite an energy-sapping fixture list.
"We created so many opportunities," he concluded. "I think what was a problem in the first half was having lots of opportunities from outside the box. I wanted to get in a little bit more, and I think the players really put on a show in the second half.
"After such a long long with a packed fixture list, to be able to show this freshness is something that makes us very proud."
Goal.Com
First Published: Wednesday, January 02, 2013, 10:46