| what does the new season hold ? |
13.08.2006
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So with the new premiership season nearly
upon us – just how good is our current squad and where exactly will
Spurs finish up this season ?? Defence England’s No 1 needs to ditch the jitters that appeared at the World Cup and rediscover the excellent form which he has consistently demonstrated in a Spurs shirt. Perhaps he was a little overawed by playing in such prestigious games and surely will benefit from having his own back four in front of him. One player missing from that familiar back four at the beginning of the season will be Ledley King – club captain and one of the best central defenders this club has ever had. Crucial to our success this season, it is vital that he returns to the fold quickly and stays injury free. Dawson proved his worth last year and was arguably our player of the season. If he carries on where he left off then surely King and Dawson can form a formidable partnership for many seasons to come. Dawson will surely start the season alongside either Gardner or Davenport – with the latter impressing in a number of pre season games. Gardner certainly has all the attributes but is prone to lapses of concentration which can prove costly. Whilst performing well at the beginning and the end of last season deputising for King, surely it’s Davenport slot to lose for the opener against Bolton. Our full back options have been strengthened already with the acquisition of Ekotto who looks a class act with his close control, pacy runs and composure when needed. He will provide YP Lee with stiff competition unless they both play on the left hand side or YP Lee moves to right back. The right back slot still needs bolstering as Stalteri's lack of pace led to costly mistakes last season and the on going saga of Chimbonda still drags on. Midfield Right midfield is pretty much sorted with the excellent Lennon off to a flyer last season and impressing at the World Cup. Routledge is back to provide cover although he’s yet to prove he can oust Lennon from his slot. Left midfield continues to remain a bone of contention with a number of players forced to fill the slot last season – square pegs in round holes anyone ?? Reid was bought to solve the left sided problem but is clearly not an out and out winger and looks likely to be moved on. Continued progression next season rests heavily on filling this key role in the squad since 4-3-3 in pre season friendlies is simply experimentation, I believe, rather than our future formation. Despite the loss of Cash Cow to Man United, our central midfield looks as strong as ever having been enhanced by the signing of World Cup starlet Zokora. Strong in the tackle he will offer us more of a defensive role in front of the back four and allow the likes of Jenas to get forward and play a more attacking role. The departure of Cash Cow should quicken the progress of Huddlestone who should feature more in the first team this season. When fully fit, Tainio is an able deputy, Davids will provide his usual tenacity albeit in a reduced role and Ghaly is still waiting in the wings. Last but not least, is Murphy of whom many of us can’t figure out why we bought him and although his first team appearances have been limited is yet to justify a regular first team slot – more likely to be sold than kept to be honest. Forwards Berbatov looks like an astute acquisition, already impressing in pre season games with good feet, a deft turn of pace and excellent close control. Defoe is looking hungrier and sharper and looks keen to impress in pre season. Keane will also look to continue where he left off last season with an impressive goal return at vital moments. Add to this the possible return of Mido and Tottenham will certainly have one of the most impressive strike forces in the Premiership. Surely if we can buy shrewdly for our key areas, a repeat of fifth position is likely – provided that our exploits in Europe (and hopefully a decent run in one of the domestic cups) don’t provide too much of a distraction. Please contact me with any comments or suggestions for this piece on atour_toma@hotmail.com. COYS ATOUR TOMA |