Martin Jol feels Tottenham have struggled to adapt to life without Michael Carrick.
The England midfielder was prised away from White Hart Lane by a mega offer from Manchester United in the summer and although Tom Huddlestone has risen to prominence this term, Spurs have not repeated last season's efforts.
Spurs will encounter their former star on Sunday when United visit White Hart Lane, live on Sky Sports 1, and Jol admits life without Carrick can be compared with how Chelsea have struggled in the absence of John Terry.
"Chelsea have invested hundreds of millions on players but have a problem when Terry isn't there," he told The Sun.
"They may have bought Khalid Boulahrouz, Mikel, Salomon Kalou and Andrei Shevchenko but that doesn't solve the problem.
"They are all good players but don't have the qualities of Terry. He never wants to lose and he is so important to them.
"We've realised we miss Michael Carrick. His biggest quality was to move play from defence to attack and win the ball. Because of him, other players played better.
"Tom Huddlestone has that quality but he has just turned 20 and he still has to make the next stage in his development."