A versatile performer, Etienne Capoue had caught the eye of many European clubs, but it was Spurs who stuck their toe in the water with the French international in the summer of 2013 to bring him to White Hart Lane.
Capoue's age and ability
made him a viable option for Tottenham even though he
cost £9 million, as his ability to play as a midfielder
and a central defender would come in handy when the club
suffered injuries or suspensions. Having
already won seven senior caps as well as caps at every youth
stage, Capoue added to an already talented squad with
the aim of pressing for a Champions League place.
Tottenham saw off late competition for his services from
Atletico Madrid, but
having looked a good man to have to protect in front of
your back four in his first few games, he got a bad
injury in the match at Arsenal and was missing for a
good few weeks. By the time he was fit again,
there was a new Head Coach in place, Tim Sherwood, who
didn't seem to fancy him and rumours he would leave in
the January transfer window circulated, but he was there
at the close of the window and was given the challenge
to prove he was worth a place in the team. Came on
as a sub against Manchester City at home to score his
first goal for the club.
Failed to get any significant playing time in 2014-15 under Mauricio Pochettino and left to join Watford in the summer of 2015 for a club record fee for the Hertfordshire club.