Spurs: An Early End of Season Review

Article by Steven Meredith

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I haven’t had the chance to jot down my thoughts on Spurs for quite a while, as I’ve been so busy preparing for my big worldwide trip that gets underway in just under two weeks. I can’t decide what I’m looking forward to more…my first few months of traveling or another dramatic summer consisting of an inevitable acquisition/loss of staff at White Hart Lane...Ok, traveling it is but Spurs’ summer activity should be greatly intriguing, and I’ll be keeping tabs on it, wherever I am.

What I give to you below though are my thoughts on current personnel – playing and non-playing. I’m not going to waste any time discussing Tim Sherwood – there’s just no point. The season is as good as over – and we all know he is not going to be the man in charge come the opening game of next season.

Clearly it would be pleasant to win our three remaining fixtures aiming for a GD of +10 (largely thanks to an obliteration of Villa on the final day – optimistic prediction I know). In fact, why stop there, do this and we could even pass Everton to grab what’s rightfully ours…good old typical Spurs’ fifth place finish. This actually could have happened (likely to lose their next two against the Saints and City) if it wasn’t for the matter of Everton’s final game being against Hull, who will probably be safe and preparing for an almighty cup final match, which they simply must win for obvious reasons.

Here is my review of our existing squad, player by player –

Friedel – Go on Brad, give us another solid year as a very capable number two/three and then relieve Tony Parks of his GK coaching duties.

Gomes – Thanks for the memories but seriously get outta here…to confirm he will be off as his contract is up end of June.

Lloris – I’m reading a lot about how he is a ‘dead cert’ to leave this summer. Usually I’d guess that would be the case, however can the Tottenham hierarchy really let another world class player go for another consecutive year…it’s the worst message to the fans, particularly when we absolutely do not have to sell. This guy is the best keeper I’ve ever seen at the lane (I’m 25 years old).

Chiricheș – Has a few mistakes in him but I have every faith they will be wiped from his game in no time, the more used to the pace of the Prem he gets. Has pace, plays the ball out nicely and really effective in recovering.

Dawson – No questioning his determination at the club but he really isn’t up to it, if we ever want to move forward. Epitomises Spurs of recent times – nearly, good try, but not good enough.

Fryers – Really promising defensive option across the back line. With a tactically nous gaffer, could be improved no end.

Kaboul – Head over heart here, should probably be let go – a little too error-prone, though he is almost unbeatable in the air…Kaboul out, Caulker back in…that would do just nicely.

Naughton – When he plays on the right (his actual natural position), I actually think he is good enough to be a back-up right back. Again with somebody to listen to, defensively he could be astute and has an engine…desperately needs confidence.

Rose – Has been given enough time this year to prove his worth – even Danny’s attacking prowess is not nearly good enough to make up for his complete ineptness defensively…should be sold.

Vertonghen – Lazy, nonchalant Jan…I’ve been really disappointed in him this season when he’s actually been fit. Wouldn’t be surprised if he leaves as I’m not sure he cares anymore.

Walker – We’re right to question his discipline and his ‘football brain’ but he is an athlete and if trained to engage his feet with his mind, could be the right back legend many of us want him to be.

Bentaleb – Still very young but is so comfortable in possession and will only get better. Must keep him…he could be a superstar in years to come, I really do believe that.

Capoue – Another sick note? I hope not, as he is best placed in protecting the defense when fit and in form.

Chadli – I actually really like Chadli. He clearly has a lot of confidence in his own ability and he has all the qualities of a good attacking midfielder. Should be scoring more goals and hopefully will do next season.

Dembélé – Should be amazing but always leaves you wanting more – again with a good manager, I’m sure Moussa could finally fulfill his potential as a deep lying/explosive (yes they exist) midfielder to complement our attack just nicely.

Eriksen – Has little pace or strength but yet he is our best player, rare you can say that about a player with those lacking attributes but he is so, so clever and dictates games for fun. The team should largely be built around him.

Lamela – For the money, I’m sorry he has to stay and prove to us why he is so highly rated. It goes without saying he needs to stay fit also.

Lennon – Should not be vice-captain (it makes me laugh that this has been earned due to his loyalty) but he carries little influence and should therefore not be a starter going forward.

Paulinho – Infuriating, jury’s still out on him, what does he do in games consistently? Hope he has a great WC and then either he’ll come back as a Samba star or we’ll get a sizable fee for him…preferably he’ll be a Samba star for us.

Sandro – Has gone backwards. Never seems to have the ball under control lately, but yet we all know he is quite capable of being a monster in protecting our defense. Oh and Spurs fans, just because he is a character doesn’t mean he is the first name on the team sheet. You must be reliable first and foremost and currently he is not.

Sigurðsson – I for one love Siggy, he is invaluable to have as part of the squad…always pops up with important goals.

Townsend – Once somebody tells him he is not Gareth Bale and never will be, he might be a worthwhile squad member. A good impact player.

Adebayor – we all know about Ade, he is superb when he fancies it – hope he stays, but don’t put him on pens.

Soldado – Is he stealing a living? At times I thought so, but his touch is world class, the ball sticks to him…I still think he can turn his form round in front of goal. Needs an influential coaching striker…not Les Ferdinand.

Kane – Reminds me of a young Pav…I’m not sure if that’s good or bad, but I say keep him.

Notable Loanee’s

Assou-Ekotto – I honestly would rather have had Benoit over Rose this season. We should have called him back at Christmas post AVB tenure.

Carroll – This is one young player I really want to see given a chance in the team. A really clever passer of the ball and hopefully comes back with more strength through his Championship experience.

Falque – One of these with really strong potential but will he ever fulfill it? From what I’ve seen for Rayo in La Liga, he goes hiding quite a lot but can be exciting on the odd occasion…remind you of a certain vice-captain?! Will probably leave.

Holtby – Simply must be part of the fold next season. A shining light in Fulham’s pretty underwhelming season so far. Makes things tick – no reason why him and Eriksen can’t play together.

Livermore – Looked dependable for Hull, and good for him but not rounded enough for our squad of midfielders. Expect him to leave permanently.

And now for a few of the non-playing staff –

Ferdinand – Ever since he’s coached strikers at the club, strikers have barely scored. Cheerio Les.

Freund – Again, just because he is a ‘great character’ doesn’t mean he is worthy of his place in the staff setup. Not even that good as a player. Sorry Steffen, you’re not up to it.

Parks – Got no problem with Tony, as I stated earlier as soon as Brad fancies it, big TP can step down.

Ramsey – Who? Move on.

Baldini – Adds little value – not sure how he got the gig in the first place.

Levy – Ah Daniel, you shrewd, steely businessman…all very well for what you have done for the club off the pitch but you must now show ambition to move the club forwards on the pitch…get the right appointment for gaffer this time and we will forgive you, even show patience…if at all possible. Please turn our rep round from being this selling/feeder club and why not get something out of this deal we have with Real Madrid, if not – cut all ties with them.

Next week, I shall be providing my thoughts on potential targets – again, playing and non-playing.

Coming soon – Whilst away, I hope to be bringing e-football/e-spurs exclusive interviews with some of our loyal fans from over the pond – can’t wait!

Follow me on twitter @StevieMez

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