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Although the
tabloids continue to link Spurs with summer moves for numerous players -
Reading's Steve Sidwell and Croatian striker Nikola Zigic being recent
examples, an influx of too many new faces for next season could be
detrimental to the club. Of this season's new signings, Berbatov
is, without question, the shining light - the best striker there has
been at the club since Klinsmann, an, if the powers that be can retain
his services, will eclipse Jurgen's impact in his brief stay at the
Lane.
Zokora is obviously a
talented player - an excellent passer of the ball and capable of making
incisive forward runs when the occasion arises - he may, however, fall
between two stools here - Jol plays him in the anchor role in front of
the back four, preferring Jenas as the forward thinking centre
midfielder, mainly due to JJ having more of an eye for goal than the
Ivory Coast man.
Rocha, albeit making
that unfortunate slip at the Emirates, looks a decent acquisition at the
back, he reads the game impeccably and is a sharp tackler and decent in
the air.
Chimbonda is a class
act, his powerful runs down the right and astute defending have made him
a crowd favourite.
Malbranque, from my personal point of
view, has been a breath of fresh air - he can beat a player, is not
averse to sticking his foot in to win the ball and he can score goals.
There had been rumours prior to him joining that his attitude was
suspect - thankfully, there has been little evidence of that, and just
good performances.
In order to build on these players
abilities, plus the strengths of Robbo, Ledley, Dawson and Keano, the
club needs to strengthen in certain areas - a quick left winger type to
balance Lennon on the right would be an area the team would like to
bring in I'm sure, but there appears to be a shortage of that type of
player in world football and from what I've seen of Downing at
Middlesbrough (a reported Jol favourite), I remain unconvinced he'd be
that effective.
Damien Comolli appears to be bringing in
some good youngsters into the club - it will be satisfying to think that
the side could one day be bolstered by kids who have come up through the
ranks as Perryman, Hoddle, Barmby, King, etc have done over the years
and that the club will nurture good young British players and give them
a chance in the first team.
COYS
RICHARD PYMONT |
